SYDNEY, Australia—More than 165 emerging cooperative finance professionals from 27 countries gathered here for the inaugural WYCUP & COBA Emerging Leaders Summit, helping launch the 2026 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the World Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) Program.
According to the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) and Australia’s Customer Owned Banking Association’s (COBA) Emerging Leaders Committee, the summit brought together the next generation of cooperative finance leaders for professional development, global networking and conversations about the future of the movement.
‘The program opened with networking and facilitated icebreaker activities designed to connect participants from around the world,” the organizations said. “Throughout the day, delegates explored what it means to lead in today’s rapidly evolving financial services landscape through interactive sessions focused on leadership journeys, innovation, career development and the power of global collaboration.”
The Featured Speakers
Featured speakers included:
- Michael Lawrence, CEO of COBA and Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU)
- Paul Treinen, WOCCU president & CEO
- Jonathan Roberts, VP-strategy at Together Credit Union
- Miranda Flury, President of Hawkeye Strategies;
- Nick May, CEO of Police Credit Union;
- Dorwin Manzano, corporate wecretary of the University of Trinidad and Tobago and Program Facilitator for the Caribbean Development Education Program (CaribDE)
- Kassandra Schroeder, director of WYCUP and Global DE Programs at WFCU
- Mike Reuter, WFCU President.
The organizations said the individuals listed above encouraged participants to embrace lifelong learning, challenge conventional thinking, intentionally build their careers and strengthen the relationships that define the global cooperative movement.
‘Unique Advantage’
“It is truly an international partnership and gives us a unique advantage and opportunity. It enables you to look beyond your own borders, to share common challenges and to bring world-class insights back home,” said Lawrence in a statement. “We all know that when you get back into the office, you are focused on the task at hand, so make the most of this opportunity.”
According to the Worldwide Foundation and COBA, the summit also marked a significant milestone for the WYCUP Program as it celebrates 25 years of developing young cooperative finance professionals into influential leaders across the global credit union movement. Since its inception, the organizations said WYCUP has connected hundreds of emerging professionals through scholarships, leadership development and international collaboration, creating a worldwide network committed to advancing cooperative finance.
One Person’s Experience
The organizations quoted Dorwin Manzano, a 2004 WYCUP Scholar, as stating, “WYCUP has exposed me to so many things. The sessions, the networking and the challenges of presenting ideas have all helped prepare me as a leader. One of the things I’ve been able to influence is encouraging our board to consider young people in every decision we make — whether it’s related to products, services or other initiatives.”
Workshop Held
The Worldwide Foundation and COBA said the day continued with a Connection and Intention Workshop, where participants reflected on how to make the most of their conference experience while building meaningful relationships with peers from around the world.
“Delegates then joined thousands of attendees for the official WCUC Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception before gathering for the WYCUP & COBA Emerging Leaders’ Reception on Sydney Harbour,” the organizations said. “The reception provided another opportunity to build international connections at the start of a week focused on learning, innovation and collaboration.”
The foundation and COBA said the inaugural WYCUP & COBA Emerging Leaders Summit was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors that included TruStage for its longstanding support of the WYCUP Program, to CGU Insurance for its sponsorship of the COBA Emerging Leaders Stream, and to Sicredi for financing the new community platform launching in 2027, which will connect emerging and women leaders across the global credit union movement.
