ACCU 40th Development Education Course

The Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU), supporting cooperative education and leadership development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Since its establishment in 1971, ACCU has worked closely with national credit union federations to strengthen credit unions, promote inclusive financial services, and improve financial literacy throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. A cornerstone of this work is the ACCU Development Education (DE) Course - a program that, for four decades, has helped shape values-driven leaders within the global credit union movement.

Celebrating the 40th DE Course

In November 2025, ACCU delivered its milestone 40th Development Education Course in Bangkok, Thailand. The program brought together participants from across Asia and Oceania, offering an immersive learning experience focused on leadership, cooperation, and the shared purpose of member-owned financial institutions.

The Australian Mutuals Foundation proudly sponsored participants from Teachers Mutual Bank, Broken Hill Bank, and other credit union organisations, enabling Australian representatives to learn alongside peers from diverse cultural, economic, and organisational contexts. The course provided a rare opportunity to step outside day-to-day roles and engage deeply with the global cooperative movement.

About the Development Education Course

The ACCU Development Education Course is designed as a transformative experience that blends personal growth with community-focused learning. Through intensive workshops, group discussions, and practical exercises, participants strengthen their leadership, communication, and advocacy skills - all grounded in the core values of the credit union movement.

A key focus of the curriculum is financial inclusion and literacy, encouraging participants to explore practical, values-led approaches to addressing real challenges facing members and communities. Collaboration and the exchange of ideas are central to the program, with participants learning as much from one another as from the formal content.

International networking is another defining feature of the DE course. Participants build strong relationships with fellow credit union professionals, sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions. These connections often continue long after the course concludes, fostering ongoing international cooperation across the cooperative finance sector.

The continued partnership between ACCU and the Australian Mutuals Foundation reflects a shared commitment to developing ethical leaders and strengthening resilience within the credit union community. Programs like the DE course equip professionals with the tools to innovate responsibly, lead with purpose, and deliver meaningful outcomes for members.

Participant reflections

Participants of the 40th DE Course spoke strongly about the impact of the program, both professionally and personally.

Benjamin Palmer from Teachers Mutual Bank reflected on the broader role of credit unions in society:

“It was a great privilege to attend the 40th Asian Credit Union DE Workshop. I came away with new insights, ideas, friendships, and a renewed passion for the unique position credit unions and mutual organisations hold in making a positive difference in people’s lives. One philosophy that really stayed with me was: when our members grow, so do we. Credit unions are so well placed to serve communities - not just through products and services, but through education, advocacy, community support, and genuine care for member wellbeing. Finding purpose through this work has been incredibly motivating.”

Steven Stanceski from Australian Mutual Bank described the value of learning alongside peers from different regions:

“It was a real honour to attend the 40th DE Workshop in Thailand and to learn alongside peers from across Asia and Oceania. While I thought I might mainly be sharing experiences from a more operationally mature environment, I quickly realised I had just as much to learn. What stood out most was how similar our challenges are, regardless of geography - from staying true to our values, to engaging communities, navigating technology, and maintaining strong governance. The workshop encouraged deep reflection on leadership and responsibility, reinforcing the importance of doing what’s right for members and communities, not just chasing quick wins.”

Steen added that the program was a powerful reminder of why the credit union movement exists and how everyday decisions contribute to its long-term impact.

Kristy Harris from Broken Hill Bank highlighted the personal growth and connections formed through the program:

“Not only did I develop my existing skills and gain new ones, but I also built genuine relationships and a trusted network that I expect to draw on throughout my career. The program was intense and pushed me well outside my comfort zone, but it left me feeling inspired and driven to help others understand how important customer-owned banks are to the banking industry and to our communities.”

Looking ahead

As the ACCU Development Education Course marks its 40th milestone, it continues to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of cooperative leaders. The Australian Mutuals Foundation is proud to support programs that strengthen capability, reinforce values, and build lasting connections across the global credit union movement.

Applications are now open for the 2026 ACCU Development Education programs.

To find out more or to apply, please contact the Australian Mutuals Foundation at

info@australianmf.org.