Anna Fitzgerald
Director ILCU
Anna is a member of the Board of Bantry Credit Union Limited since 2006, having served as Secretary, Vice-Chair and Chair. She also has a wide range of experience on voluntary boards and different management structures.
What do you think is the greatest contribution that Credit Unions make
The greatest contribution that a credit union makes is always being there for its members. When things go well and members are planning ahead, they have access to credit. When there’s a glitch in the road, the credit union is there to listen and find a solution that will put members back in a financially secure place. Credit unions understand how to promote fairness and equity while being prudent with member's money. It’s no wonder that credit unions are Ireland’s most reputable organisation and have for 10 years topped the league table for best customer experience in Ireland.
Credit unions live up the ideals of its founders: “Where there is darkness, let there be light; where there is despair, hope”. Hope is probably the biggest contribution any financial institution can provide to its community.
As an ILCU Board member, what do you hope to achieve during your term
My hope is to draw on my 18 years’ experience in a leadership role in Bantry Credit Union, coupled with my lifetime’s work and experience in the community and voluntary sector to play my part in the continued growth and transformation of the ILCU.
I intend to play my part in the building of long-term stability and sustainability by working towards strengthening governance, resource development and financial resilience.
I will work with my fellow Board members to ensure that the ILCU upholds accountability, transparency and ethical decision-making, which are essential for achieving responsible governance.
I believe in the power of collaboration, transparency and ethical governance, all of my work to date reflects my commitment and ability to building sustainable people-focused organisations.
If you were Minister of State for Credit Unions, what one change would you make
I would reduce the regulatory reserve requirement from 10% to the recognised international norm for credit unions which is closer to 5%. This would be more or less equal to the capital requirements of traditional banks and, as research has shown, adequate for the needs of credit unions. Why would I introduce this change? Because as credit union people just imagine the good we could do in our communities with the capital we would free up.