Governance, Women, and the Future of Trust

We recently had the privilege of attending the World Credit Union Conference, where hundreds of leaders from across the globe gathered to share ideas about a sustainable future for credit unions worldwide.

What struck us most wasn’t just the scale of the event, but enormous impact that these for-profit and for-purpose organisations have on their communities. However, whether it was a small, community-based credit union or a major international player, everyone was grappling with the same big questions:

• How can we grow director capability in a changing world?
• How do we lead with trust when AI and cyber threats are rewriting the rules?
• How do we make governance a driver of real community impact?

1. Women are driving transformation in governance

One of the most inspiring threads running through the conference was the impact of women in leadership roles across credit unions. Around the world, we’re seeing what happens when women are supported early – through education, mentorship, and financial literacy – and then given the opportunity to lead. Initiatives like the World Council of Credit Unions’ Global Women’s Leadership Network are helping make this possible, connecting women leaders globally and equipping them to advance in their careers while strengthening their communities.

Credit unions offer a clear picture of both progress and challenge. Smaller credit unions, with under $20 million in assets, have 72.3% of their CEO roles held by women. But in the largest credit unions (over $1 billion in assets) female representation drops to just 19.6%.

The message is clear: women are thriving in community-focused, people-first leadership environments, but intentional governance approaches and succession planning is needed to bridge the gap at scale. 

Takeaway:

Boards that actively mentor and create pathways for women unlock leadership potential, governance capability and deeper community impact. 

2. AI, cyber security, and the fragile future of trust

One message from the conference was hard to ignore: AI is now a trust distortion engine. With voice cloning, deepfakes, and highly personalised phishing attacks, identity has become the new security perimeter. Did you know that it only takes three seconds of recorded voice for an attacker to mimic someone convincingly enough to gain access?  
 
But it’s not all doom and gloom. We were particularly struck by a Brazilian credit union which shared how they built a closed AI environment to boost efficiency while maintaining control over sensitive data. This approach reflects a governance-first mindset – adopting technology with clear boundaries and risk awareness, not chasing speed for its own sake. 

The urgency is real. The average global cost of a data breach now exceeds USD $4.4 million, with financial services consistently among the top targeted sectors. And for organisations built on trust – like credit unions, not-for-profits and health providers – a breach can have reputational consequences far beyond the financial loss. 

Takeaway: 

Every Board should be asking: 

• • • • • How is AI affecting our risk profile and governance protocols?
        • Have we updated our verification processes for staff and member interactions?
        • Are we training teams and customers to operate safely in a world where trust is no longer assumed?
          
          

3. Effective Boards are using technology to strengthen governance

Another clear theme from the conference was that strong governance now depends on smart technology adoption.  

Whether it’s a small rural credit union or a large Not-For-Profit, Boards everywhere are looking for ways to make better decisions, faster, and with greater visibility. Technology is a great enabler, but only when it’s used intentionally and supported by capable governance practices with industry-specific rigour. Boards need to align digital tools with director capability and clear processes to turn it into strategic advantage. 

Takeaway: 

Ask yourself three questions: 

• • • • • Is our Board using technology to make more informed and effective governance decisions?
        • Do we have a structured plan to build director capability? 
        • Are our governance practices keeping pace with the speed of technological development? 
          
          

Shaping governance for the future

Walking away from the World Credit Union Conference, one message was clear: governance is evolving, and Boards that adapt will lead the way. 

• Women in financial leadership roles are proving that when we invest in capability, whole communities thrive.
• AI and cyber security are reshaping trust, demanding Board-level attention and decisive action.
• Technology, when paired with compliant and contemporary governance principles, can transform how Boards make effective decisions and deliver impact for stakeholders.  

For us, the conference was a reminder that effective governance is human at its core. Technology, regulatory obligations and industry frameworks matter, but what truly shapes the future are Directors and Executives willing to learn, adapt, and lead with purpose. 

At GovernWith, we see this every day. Boards that invest in Director capability, adopt secure and industry leading governance technology, and stay anchored in their purpose, are the ones building a sustainable future for their organisation and broader community impact.