International Services

In 1954, CUNA established an international services department (World Extension) to extend its reach beyond North America. Ten years later, CUNA revised its charter to become CUNA International, to encompass credit unions and associations in Canada and Latin America.

However, the rapid growth of credit unions in countries across the world, including emerging nations, created the need to form the World Council of Credit Unions in 1970. CUNA then returned to a "national" organization, and joined confederations in Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America, and the Caribbean as members of the World Council.

National and regional confederations concentrate on development and guidance of credit unions in their areas, and the World Council emphasizes overall progress and continuing unity of the worldwide movement.

Thus, credit unions now have expanded around the globe, and their collective presence has made them an important part of the nation's financial system.