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Event Description

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Join Ireland's Premier Credit Union Leadership Event 

The Credit Union Forum 2026 brings together industry leaders, regulatory experts, and visionary thinkers for a dynamic, in-person event crafted specifically for credit union professionals. In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, this forum offers the strategic insights and practical solutions you need to navigate change successfully. 

This year's carefully curated agenda addresses the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing credit unions today: 

  • The Human Side of Change: Explore how technology, regulation, and evolving member expectations are reshaping credit unions, with a focus on the human impact - how staff adapt, how members respond, and how trust is maintained through continuous change.

  • Cyber Crime & Fraud: Hear directly from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau on emerging cyber threats, practical prevention strategies, and how credit unions can strengthen defences to protect both operations and members.

  • Culture & Mergers: Gain practical insight into managing organisational culture during mergers, addressing challenges around staff engagement, member trust, and maintaining a strong community-focused ethos through integration.

  • AI in Practice: Cut through the hype with a focused panel discussion on artificial intelligence, exploring real-world applications, emerging risks, and how credit unions can adopt AI responsibly and effectively.

  • Payments & Innovation: Get the latest updates from Payac Services CLG on instant payments, current accounts, and evolving payment capabilities designed to enhance member experience and competitiveness.

  • Consumer Protection Update: Understand upcoming changes to the Consumer Protection Code from the Central Bank of Ireland, including key actions required to remain compliant while delivering strong member outcomes.

  • Financial Wellbeing & Performance: Discover how financial wellbeing links to staff performance and member outcomes, and why supporting both is critical to long-term organisational success.

  • Performance & Decision-Making: Be inspired by Alex Denning, who shares how disciplined decision-making and marginal gains drive high performance-on track and in financial environments.

    Date: Thursday, 11th June 2026
    TIme: 9:20am - 3:10pm (Registration and networking from 8:30am) 
    Location: The Johnstown Estate, Co. Meath.
    CPD: 4 hours of Continuing Professional Development
    Ticket price: €110 for members, €150 for non-members


Why You Should Attend

Transform your perspective and your credit union's operations in just one day: 

Gain Strategic Clarity

Enhance Security

Future-Proof Your Leadership

Earn CPD Credits

Network With Purpose 

Learn From Excellence 

Speakers

Joanne_Keane
Joanne Keane
Chief Executive Officer, LIA 
 
Joanne has spent over 24 years at LIA, progressing through senior roles before becoming CEO in 2020. She recently completed the Institute of Directors Chartered Director Programme and holds several non-executive positions. As CEO, she has expanded tailored education for credit union professionals and remains focused on empowering financial professionals while promoting financial literacy and customer financial wellbeing.
Orla Lee
Orla Lee

Chief Executive Officer, North West Credit Union

Orla is a CIMA-qualified executive with over 25 years’ experience in financial services. As CEO of North West Credit Union, she drives a forward-looking strategy focused on sustainable growth and operational excellence. She specialises in financial modelling, scenario analysis, and stress testing, supporting informed, board-level decision-making and long-term organisational resilience. 

Noel Cunningham
Noel Cunningham
Principal, New Era Support Services

Noel has over 40 years’ experience in the credit union sector as a volunteer, project manager, and strategic advisor. He specialises in mergers, strategy, and governance, having led over 60 mergers. A strong advocate for financial inclusion, he works closely with stakeholders to improve member outcomes and holds multiple qualifications in business, credit union studies, and compliance.
 
barry rojack
Barry Rojack
Head of Regulatory Compliance
and Risk at Uniquely
 

Barry is Head of Regulatory Compliance and Risk (Banking & Financial Services) at Uniquely, ensuring regulatory excellence and positive customer outcomes. With extensive financial services experience, he previously worked at the Central Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank. A qualified Barrister-at-Law, he holds a BCL (International) from UCD.
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David Fagleman
Project Manager, i4 Incubator, Swoboda Research Centre 
 
David is Project Manager of the i4 Incubator at the Swoboda Research Centre, focusing on innovation in financial services, particularly inclusive payments and access to digital finance. He previously led policy and research at Cash Services UK and worked with Nesta. He also founded Enryo Consulting and has published research on AI’s implications for credit unions.
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Scott Wilkinson
Head of Culture and Coaching, Brightbeam
 
Scott is Head of Culture and Coaching at AI consultancy Brightbeam, where he guides enterprises through AI transformation programmes. With an experienced blend of financial services and digital innovation expertise, Scott brings practical insight into coaching and deploying AI in regulated environments.  
 
headshot David McNamara
David McNamara
Founder of CommSec
 

David is the Founder of CommSec, an indigenous IT security company based in Dublin. With over 20 years of experience in cyber security, David has lead CommSec into a leading provider of tailored managed security solutions, helping businesses of all sizes strengthen their cyber resilience.  
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Alex Denning

Professional GT Racing Driver

Alex is a professional GT racing driver with over 18 years’ experience. In 2022, he was named Motorsport Ireland Young Driver of the Year, and in 2025 became Ireland’s first official Lamborghini driver after winning the Lamborghini Asia Pro Championship. A Trinity College Dublin graduate, he also runs a driver academy mentoring emerging talent.
 
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Fran Hoban

Digital Forensic Investigator at
An Garda Síochána

Fran is a member of An Garda Síochána with 29 years’ policing experience and 7 years as a Prison Officer. He specialises in fraud and cybercrime, and since 2021 has worked as a digital forensic investigator with the Garda National Cyber Crime Unit, supporting complex digital investigations and national cybercrime efforts.
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Sinead Cullen
Sinead Cullen

Co-Founder of Lifecraft Ltd, Partnership and Impact Manager, PWN Dublin

Sinéad is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Chartered Tax Adviser with 20+ years’ experience. She specialises in financial literacy and economic empowerment, helping people make confident, values-led decisions. She works with individuals and organisations to simplify pensions, investing, and long-term planning, offering practical guidance during key life stages including career transitions and retirement.
View LinkedIn Profile

 

Agenda

  • Registration of Delegates

    8:30 AM - 9.20 AM

  • Welcome and Opening Remarks

    9.20 AM - 9.30 AM
    Joanne Keane

  • Mergers & ToE’s – Culture Change

    9:30 AM -10:10 AM
    Orla Lee and Noel Cunningham

    This session explores how credit union mergers impact organisational culture, affecting both staff and members. It examines challenges such as differing values, morale, and member trust, and outlines practical steps to manage integration effectively while preserving local identity and maintaining a strong, member-focused ethos.

  • CPC 2026

    10:10 AM - 10:35 AM
    Barry Rojack

    This talk outlines the Consumer Protection Code Ireland 2026, highlighting key changes from the Central Bank of Ireland and their impact on credit unions. It covers enhanced standards in transparency, governance, and member protection, along with practical compliance steps, operational impacts, and guidance to support continued delivery of member-focused services.

  • Coffee Break 

    10:35 AM - 10:55 AM

  • Payac

    10:55 AM - 11:35 AM

    This session will provide a Payac update on full-service current accounts for credit union members, including Mastercard debit cards and SEPA payments. It will cover service delivery, member benefits, and operational considerations, while highlighting how enhanced payment capabilities support engagement and help credit unions stay competitive in a changing financial landscape.

  • AI & Innovation for Credit Unions

    11:35 AM - 12:15 PM
    David Fagleman, Scott Wilkinson and David McNamara - Panel Discussion

    This three-person panel shares expert insights on how credit unions can use AI practically and responsibly. The discussion highlights where AI adds clear value - efficiency, member service, and decision support - and where it should be avoided due to risks around data protection, bias, and regulatory compliance. Panelists will cover key risks and how to manage them, including governance, data security, staff awareness, and regulatory alignment.

  • Precision & Discipline Under Pressure

    12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
    Alex Denning

    Small, disciplined decisions - whether on track or in portfolios - compound over time and determine long-term outcomes.

  • Lunch and Networking

    12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

  • Cyber Crime

    1:45 PM - 2:20 PM
    Detective Fran Hoban

    This talk explores rising cyber crime and fraud risks, offering practical steps to protect businesses. It covers phishing, malicious links, and safe online practices, including identifying trusted websites and managing privacy settings. Attendees will gain clear, actionable guidance to strengthen cyber resilience and improve everyday digital behaviours across their organisation.

  • Financial and Personal Wellbeing – How do you support your members and you

    2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    Sinead Cullen

    In this session, Sinéad will explore the foundations of financial literacy and economic empowerment, focusing on how to build confidence, make informed decisions, and create financial clarity at every stage of your career. This session will be practical, accessible, and grounded in real-world experience. 

  • Closing Remarks

    3:00 PM - 3:10 PM
    Joanne Keane 
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Reserve Your Place Today: Shape the Future of Your Credit Union 

Register 

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