Talking Credit Unions from Swoboda Research Centre
Talking Credit Unions delves into the latest trends shaping the financial landscape, equipping credit unions with the insights they need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. This podcast also tackles key issues facing the movement, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration. Featuring a diverse line-up of credit union leaders, experts, researchers, and industry suppliers, it offers valuable perspectives to drive best practices, innovation, and success.
Talking Credit Unions is brought to you by the Swoboda Research Centre, which works to support positive change and transformation in the credit union movement. (https://swobodacentre.org/).
The podcast’s current producer and host, Anca Voinea, is a trained journalist with over 13 years of experience in the co-operative and credit union sectors. To suggest a podcast topic or for any other inquiries, contact her at anca.voinea@swobodacentre.org.
Talking Credit Unions from Swoboda Research Centre
EDITION 35: How can credit unions navigate the AI revolution?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming financial services, with 75% of firms in Great Britain and 54% in Ireland already adopting the technology. For credit unions, this presents both opportunities and challenges as they seek to harness AI while staying true to their co-operative values and member-centric mission.
In this podcast episode, Anca explores the role of AI in the credit union sector with four expert guests. David Fagleman, Co-founder and Director of Enryo Consulting, shares insights from his recent Swoboda Research Centre paper on AI. With a background in banking policy and innovation, David emphasises the need for inclusive and fair access to financial services as the sector evolves. He argues that credit unions can take the lead on this due to their member-centric approach.
Joining from Ireland, Micheál O'Shea and Ciara Prendeville of Metamo discuss their work supporting 16 of Ireland’s largest credit unions. Micheál explains how Metamo's "sprinkling of AI" approach augments rather than replaces human processes. Ciara, Metamo’s Deputy CEO, brings nearly two decades of leadership experience and focuses on strategic innovation and member value across product and service development. She explores some of the challenges faced when implementing AI solutions, offering advice on how to address these.
The episode also features Patrick Heaphy, CEO of Youghal Credit Union in Ireland, which serves over 17,000 members. Since taking on the CEO role in 2020, Patrick has overseen major growth and digital transformation, including launching mortgages and current accounts. With a background in accounting and risk management, he also serves on the board of the Swoboda Research Centre.
For further insights, listeners can read the Swoboda Research Centre's recent paper on AI. Swoboda members can also take part in an AI webinar in May.
Talking Credit Unions is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders, and opinion formers on a variety of industry topics. The podcast is sponsored by the Swoboda Research Centre.