WASHINGTON–Dozens of representatives from UNICRED–one of Brazil’s largest credit union systems—are visiting Washington this week to learn about the U.S. credit union system and explore “innovative strategies to improve member service” as part of a World Council of Credit Unions’ Global Classroom visit.
The week has included presentations by CUNA’s chief advocacy officer, Ryan Donovan, Chief CU Awareness Officer Chris Lorence, and Senior Director of Compliance Analysis Valerie Moss. The Brazilian delegation gained insights on grassroots advocacy, the Open Your Eyes campaign and collaborative efforts to ease compliance burdens for credit unions, according to WOCCU.
Tim Segerson, deputy director of the Office of Examinations and Insurance with NCUA, shared an overview of U.S. credit union regulatory priorities and the examination process. UNICRED professionals also heard from Shelton Roulhoc, VP of communications for the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS), who highlighted unique aspects of the dual chartering system in the U.S., WOCCU reported.
A Deeper Understanding
“This exchange provides our Global Classroom participants with a deeper understanding of the U.S. credit union ecosystem and strategies for addressing shared challenges facing financial cooperatives around the world. Now, the true immersion experience begins during our upcoming visits with credit unions in the D.C. metro area,” said Thom Belekevich, WOCCU program manager for member services.
The UNICRED delegation visited PAHO/WHO FCU and is also making stops at Apple FCU, Navy Federal, Fairfax FCU and OAS FCU.
The delegation is concluding the week with an Innovation Program with the Filene Research Institute that will bring together lessons learned and new perspectives into a plan for implementing positive change in their credit unions back home, WOCCU said.
‘Perfect Complement’
“Our session with Filene is the perfect complement to this program. International exchange is a powerful force for encouraging creativity and helping people see the world through different eyes,” said Belekevich. “After spending the week exploring a different reality and new perspectives, our colleagues from Brazil will be primed for the important work ahead—learning a new method for innovation to improve member services when they get back to Brazil.”