ICU Day: Exploring the Impact of Credit Unions and Open Banking in Canada

During Co-op Week, a special day stands out – Credit Union Day. This week, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of International Credit Union (ICU) Day by uncovering fascinating facts about Canada's Credit Unions and their invaluable contributions to Canadians. For instance, did you realize that a staggering 2156 credit union branches are scattered across Canada?

Annually, ICU Day is observed worldwide on the third Thursday of October, and it's a time to celebrate the positive influence that the credit union movement exerts on its members and their communities.

To Join the Celebrations - We Dug Deep! 

We've unearthed a fantastic podcast from earlier this year, hosted by Jeff Adamson of Behind the Brand. So refresh your coffee and join Jeff Adamson and Ian Burns, President and CEO of Servus Credit Union, as they delve into the intriguing world of credit unions and the revolutionary concept of open banking in Canada.

Ready to Listen? Here's the link.

Here's a glimpse of what you can expect in this episode

  • The indispensable role credit unions play in nurturing trust, encouraging collaboration, and bolstering financial empowerment within local communities 

  • The advantages, challenges, and transformative possibilities that open banking brings to the Canadian financial landscape 

  • The value of diverse perspectives and the significance of embracing alternative ways of thinking 

In this episode hosted by Behind the Brand

Founded in 1938, Servus Credit Union remains a member-driven, community-rooted financial institution. With an expansive network comprising over 100 branches and an impressive 380,000 members, Servus Credit Union holds the title of Alberta's largest credit union.

Steering the ship at Servus Credit Union is Ian Burns, a dynamic leader in the realms of finance, entrepreneurship, and relationship management. Ian's extensive experience and innovative thinking make him a pioneering figure who boldly challenges conventional norms in business and finance.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode

  1. Credit unions are pivotal in nurturing trust, fostering collaboration, and enhancing financial empowerment within local communities.

  2. The implications of open banking, exploring its advantages, obstacles, and transformative prospects in the Canadian financial landscape.

  3. The significance of embracing diverse perspectives and cultivating a culture that welcomes alternative ways of thinking.

Behind the Brand

On Canada's premier business podcast, host Jeff Adamson and esteemed guests share tales of the journey to success in business and the obstacles encountered along the way. Tune in every second Tuesday to gain insights into industry trends and receive tips for personal and professional growth. To learn more, visit Behind the Brand.