Agenda

We welcome delegates from CUDA Owner Credit Unions to register early and network with their peers and our sponsors.

Closed session for CUDA Owner Credit Unions. Owners are presented with CUDA’s annual accounts, audit report, strategy update, 2023 action plan, and 2024 funding requirement, followed by Q&A and voting.

We welcome delegates, speakers, and guests to register early and network with their peers and exhibitors.

Welcome, agenda and protocols.

Mr. Peter Mitchell, Master of Ceremonies, and Principal at Business Talk PR.

Mr. Gerry McConville, CEO, Capital Credit Union, and Chairperson, CUDA Management Committee.

The Central Bank has consistently urged credit unions to seek sustainability. In this session we hear from Ms Elaine Byrne, newly appointed Registrar for Credit Unions, and Mr David Kielty about how they view the sector, their outlook on ESG, and what changes might be expected in Governance, Risk and Compliance in the coming year and ahead.

Guest: Ms. Elaine Byrne, Registrar of Credit Unions, Mr. David Kielty, Deputy Registrar, and Mr. Eamon Clark, Acting Deputy Registrar, Central Bank of Ireland.

Moderator: Kevin Johnson, CEO, CUDA.

The Retail Banking review and Credit Union (Amendment) Bill are major government policies. In this session we hear from Ms Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, newly appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance about government objectives in retail banking. What role is foreseen for credit unions and how can a level playing field be achieved with Banks and An Post in areas such as Balance Sheet and subsidising local delivery. 

Guest: Ms. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, and TD for Dún Laoghaire 

Moderator: Kevin Johnson, CEO, CUDA 

Factors such as digitalisation, competition, and consolidation challenge credit unions. In this session we hear from global thought leader Mr Mark Meyer about how credit unions can modernise their purpose without losing their identity or personal touch. We explore best practices from North America, where credit unions are both unique and highly competitive. 

Speaker: Mr. Mark Meyer, President and CEO, Filene Research Institute  

Irish credit unions were formed to meet the challenges of the 1950’s including the access to credit against a background of unemployment and emigration. Having successfully fulfilled this purpose, what are credit unions doing to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow? In this session we hear from Directors about how their credit unions are adapting strategy and what it is essential to retain.

Guests: Mr. Peter Fallon. St Jarlaths CU, Ms. Sheila Hennessy, Dubco Ireland CU, Mr. Ray Spain, Tullamore CU and Mr Mark Meyer, President and CEO, Filene Research Institute.

Moderator: Paul Walsh, CEO, Peopl Insurances.

Sustainability is changing consumer, investor, and regulator expectations. Credit unions are the natural owner of Social change thanks to their ethos and local presence, but a bigger opportunity exists in being the only truly sustainable finance provider. In this session we hear from leading practitioner Ms Laura Heuston about what credit unions can do in the Environmental space, and the role of Governance in balancing people, planet, and profit. 

Speaker: Ms. Laura Heuston, Sustainability Works 

Many credit unions have begun to focus attention on sustainability and the impact a changing climate will have on their members as well as their own business model. In this session we hear from CEOs about how their credit union is adopting ESG, how to prioritise resources and plan for the future, adapt products and operations, and ensure an evolving risk profile is adequately managed. 

Guests: Mr. Stewart Agnew, Blanchardstown & District CU, Ms. Louise Shields, Claddagh CU, Mr. Brendan Synnott, First Tech CU, Mr. Billy Doyle, Dundalk CU

Moderator: Neil Mathieson, CUDA.

Credit unions are to increase ESG reporting to the Central Bank, starting with the climate survey. In this session leading practitioner Ms Laura Heuston will highlight key points, answer credit union questions and offer best practices. Submit your questions now at https://www.cuda.ie. 

Facilitators: Ms. Laura Heuston, Sustainability Works and Cathal Tyther, CUDA 

Speaker: Kevin Johnson, CEO, CUDA 

Please note the agenda may be subject to change due to factors outside of CUDA’s control.