Every year since 1948, credit unions around the world have come together on the third Thursday in October to celebrate the history and achievements of the credit union movement.
This year marks 77 years of International Credit Union Day, under the theme “Cooperation for a Prosperous World.” The theme ties closely to the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting how working together helps people everywhere build better lives through cooperative finance.
ICU Day is a time to celebrate the impact that credit unions and other financial cooperatives continue to make for their members. It’s also a chance to pause and appreciate how the movement has changed lives and strengthened communities for generations.
Why Credit Unions Are Different
Credit unions stand apart from traditional for-profit banks. For more than 150 years, credit unions have prioritised people over profits, working together to ensure that financial services are fair, accessible, and affordable for everyone.
Rather than paying dividends to outside shareholders, credit unions reinvest their earnings into helping members meet their financial goals. From lower loan rates and fair fees to community projects and education, the difference comes from our values — cooperation, democracy and social good.
A Global Movement, A Local Impact
Clockwise Credit Union is one of more than 74,000 credit unions serving over 411 million members worldwide. Together, we form a network that spans 104 countries, helping people from every background to build brighter futures.
From members starting small businesses to families buying their first home, credit unions are there to support people at every stage of life. Here at Clockwise, we’ve seen that difference first-hand through our community grants, payroll partnerships, member savings accounts and affordable lending. Whether it’s a local youth project or a member achieving financial stability for the first time, those small successes add up to something much bigger.
Our Journey Together
Clockwise opened its doors in 1992 with a simple goal — to serve our members and help local people succeed. Since then, our community has grown to more than 33,000 members across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Coventry & Warwickshire.
That growth has only been possible because of our members. Together we’ve built something rooted in trust, fairness and community spirit.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate International Credit Union Day 2025, it’s worth remembering that access to financial services is vital everywhere, for everyone. Whether in Leicester or across the world, credit unions continue to help people save safely, borrow fairly and achieve their goals.
So today, we join millions of members worldwide in celebrating 77 years of cooperation, community and progress. Thank you for being part of that journey. One member at a time, we’re building a stronger community — and a more prosperous world for all.
