Co-operatives build a better world: BCCM welcomes Cresol delegation from Brazil

03 October 2025

In light of the UN International Year of Cooperatives’ theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, Brazil’s Cresol Confederation reaffirmed its commitment to co-operative principles and values during its visit to Australia this week.

Led by the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) and Emeritus Professor Tim Mazzarol, the Brazilian delegation of 29 executives from the credit union movement took part in a study tour exploring:

• Co-operative business models
• The marketing advantage of co-operatives
• Co-operative governance
• Financing co-operatives from a membership perspective
• Legislation promoting co-operatives globally.

BCCM CEO Melina Morrison facilitated a panel discussion with the delegation, saying it was “an opportunity to hear first-hand how a supportive regulatory and legislative environment can drive sector growth”. In Brazil, policy intervention from the central bank has helped increase credit unions’ market share to around 10 per cent.

As part of the visit, Cresol delegation also met with Rabobank Australia to discuss agri-financing and opportunities for collaboration.

To wrap up the tour, the BCCM co-hosted with Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) a special roundtable with the Cresol Confederation delegation from Brazil, bringing together leaders from both countries to explore the opportunities and challenges facing credit unions and mutual banks.

Special thanks to all the speakers and attendees for sharing their insights and contributing to such an engaging and forward-looking discussion, which highlighted the shared values and opportunities that connect credit unions and mutual banks across borders.