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The U.S. delegation takes a group photo during their Australia visit.
Maine Credit Union League President/CEO Todd Mason is in Australia participating in a World Council of Credit Unions’ trip to study how financial cooperatives there are growing in an exceedingly competitive and digital environment. Mason joins a delegation that includes Brian Branch, President & CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions; Jim Nussle, President & CEO of the Credit Union National Association; Scott Simpson, CEO of the Utah Credit Union League; and executives from credit unions and leagues in California, Indiana, Florida, Oregon, South Carolina, and Washington.
“It is a tremendous honor to be part of this delegation,” said Mason. “Hearing about the challenges and triumphs our peers overseas are having is a valuable learning experience, and I feel fortunate to be representing Maine’s credit union network in this capacity.”
During their stay, the delegation will examine several key issues facing credit unions globally including taxation, growth, digital innovation, branding, and regulation. Field visits to cooperative branches in Melbourne and Sydney are planned.
“Australia’s strict regulatory environment and tax scheme has challenged the country’s financial cooperatives,” said Mason. “But, our colleagues there are identifying ways to turn challenges into opportunities. What we are learning from their innovative approach will help us strengthen and grow our credit union movement back home when we return.”
The trip concludes on April 16.