2026 Digital Growth Award Nominations Open
WOCCU member associations and credit unions are encouraged to apply
MADISON, Wis., January 12, 2026 —Nominations are open for World Council of Credit Unions’ [WOCCU] 2026 Digital Growth Award, which will recognise one or more member credit union associations or individual member credit unions for successfully working toward expanding digital transformation across the globe.
Nominees must show they have implemented a digital solution that is:
- Inclusive: It expanded financial inclusion by reaching members of underserved communities.
- Innovative: It was groundbreaking for your organization by reducing costs, streamlining operations or improving member experience.
- Scalable: It can be scaled up for use or replication by other credit union associations or credit unions in your country or region.
“World Council is proud to continue its tradition of recognizing organizations that are global leaders in bringing state of the art digital solutions to their membership”, said WOCCU President and CEO Paul Treinen. “As we prepare to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Digital Growth Award, we encourage our Membership to submit an application to showcase their innovative financial solutions to underserved populations.”
2026 nominations must be submitted by a World Council Member association, or a credit union affiliated with one of those associations, by 5:00 p.m. U.S. Central Standard Time on March 6, 2026.
An independent panel of judges comprised of digital financial experts in the credit union and technology sectors will evaluate all nominations and select the recipients.
Digital Growth Award recipients will receive one free registration to the 2026 World Credit Union Conference [WCUC] in Sydney, Australia, July 19-22, 2026.
Award recipients will be announced and honored during WOCCU’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney on Tuesday, July 21.
To nominate a credit union association or credit union for a 2026 Digital Growth Award, click here.
For more information about the Digital Growth Award, including a list of past recipients and their innovations, visit WOCCU’s FAQ page.
Meanwhile, nominations are open for World Council of Credit Unions’ 2026 Distinguished Service Award [DSA]. First presented in 1986, this prestigious award honors those who have provided outstanding service to credit union development outside their home country.
World Council Director of Member Services Thomas Belekevich announced the search for individuals or organizations that are making an enduring contribution to the international credit union movement. “We strongly urge member organisations to nominate credit union leaders or institutions that personify the international spirit of cooperation and service as this is the only award of its kind in the world,” said Belekevich.
Individual recipients are those whose actions have significantly benefited global credit union development, while institutional recipients are organisations that have provided financial or technical assistance to develop international credit union movements and their service infrastructures over an extended period of time.
The nomination process is fully digital and can be completed online. Nominations must be made by a World Council member organisation or a credit union affiliated with a member organization by March 6, 2026.
Recipients will receive a free registration to the 2026 World Credit Union Conference, July 19-22, in Sydney, Australia, where the winner[s] will be announced and presented their awards.
The DSA is not an annual award but is presented based on the proven achievements and worthiness of candidates.
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