The World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) is coming to Sydney next July for the first time in its history. This major international event will be co-hosted by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and COBA.
If you’ve attended a COBA Convention but haven’t experienced the WCUC, you might be wondering what to expect. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide detailing what’s in store and the compelling reasons to attend WCUC 2026.
Plus, we’ve interviewed Adam Karayiannis, COBA’s 2024 Emerging Leader award-winner, who shares his firsthand insights from attending this year’s WCUC.
Global perspective & networking
The WCUC is the premier global event for the credit union industry, offering a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective and network at scale. Delegates will get to hear from leaders and innovators from customer-owned banks worldwide, offering insights into international best practices and emerging global trends.
The WCUC in Stockholm was an eye-opener for COBA 2024 Emerging Leader award-winner Adam Karayiannis. He shared that the conference’s scale and breadth prompts delegates to think globally about how our sector can continue to grow.
“The WCUC elevates the conversation to a global level. The COBA convention is excellent for uniting the Australian mutual sector, but the WCUC brings together a worldwide community of cooperative financial institutions, each brining unique market perspectives, regulatory challenges and community needs,” Adam said.
While over 1,100 delegates attended COBA25 in Brisbane earlier this year, over 2,500 delegates are expected to attend WCUC26. This means the event will be a unique opportunity to connect with thousands of peers, industry experts, regulators, and service providers from over 60 countries and form international friendships and partnerships.
And while COBA25 traditionally spans over three days, WCUC26 will take place over four days, running from Sunday July 19 to Wednesday 22 July at the ICC, Sydney.
Opening ceremony
One of the most unique and anticipated parts of WCUC is the opening ceremony, which features the annual parade of flags from all participating countries.
The flag parade is a powerful reminder that customer-owned banks are part of a global movement, and this ceremony visually represents the global nature and shared mission of the credit union industry. As the EL award winner, Adam represented Australia in this year’s flag ceremony.
“There is a clear belief across this international cooperative community that purpose and performance can co-exist, and that the sector has an active role to play in building a more inclusive financial system. Being part of that momentum was incredibly energising, and it continues to shape my thinking long after returning to my day-to-day role,” he said.
Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) Forum
The Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), an initiative by WOCCU, is dedicated to connecting, inspiring, and empowering women in the credit union sector. It provides vital professional development, extensive networking opportunities, and a forum for women to discuss challenges, share ideas, and build the skills needed to advance their careers and make a significant difference in their communities.
GWLN hosts a dedicated Forum that runs concurrently with the WCUC and is open to all its members. Women in the sector interested in becoming a member of this powerful network are encouraged to learn more about joining here.
Emerging Leaders
For young professionals participating in COBA’s Emerging Leader program, your convention experience will be enhanced through a combined effort with the World Council Young Credit Union People (WYCUP) program.
“I have now attended emerging leader sessions at both COBA and WCUC, with each providing distinct and lasting value in their own way. With these programs coming together in Sydney, I believe we’ll see the strongest elements of both, creating a rare opportunity for emerging leaders to gain a truly global view of the mutual banking sector while expanding their network beyond Australia,” Adam said.
The WYCUP network is a fantastic resource that offers international peer-to-peer engagement opportunities for young credit union professionals globally. In 2026, the WYCUP program will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary, making this a particularly exciting year to join this global community.
Plenary & business sessions
WCUC26 will feature a comprehensive program, including inspiring international plenary speakers and a total of 28 diverse business sessions covering critical industry topics. COBA’s Emerging Leader award winner Adam Karayiannis said it was beneficial to hear so many different perspectives on challenges and opportunities for the sector.
“It was clear that many of our challenges are shared across the world. What stood out was the creativity with which different countries are responding. It reinforced that innovation in our sector doesn’t only come from technology, it also comes from mindset, culture and leadership,” Adam explained.
“Go in with a mindset geared toward leaning, not simply observing. The value of the WCUC comes from comparing how different jurisdictions respond to the same challenges we face here. For a first-time attendee, the real opportunity is to step into conversations that help sharpen your understanding of the Australian mutual sector and identify how we can lead, adapt or collaborate more effectively,” he added.
Back by popular demand, COBA Chair Elizabeth Crouch AM will host a dedicated Governance session, exclusively for COBA members. Additionally, the Mutual Support Network (MSN) will convene during the conference.
Social and celebratory events
Beyond the sessions, there will be ample time to connect and celebrate the global movement, and indeed, Adam says the networking is one of the highlights.
The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions will be hosting a special charity event at the iconic Sydney Opera House on Monday, July 20. (Please note: Special tickets are required for this event.) The conference will then conclude with memorable closing night celebrations on Wednesday, July 22.
Registrations for WCUC are now open. To secure your ticket and view the full program, click here.