ICBA is a sectoral organisation of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), representing cooperative banks and financial institutions around the world. Established in 1922 as the first-ever committee of ICA, ICBA has grown from its early membership of seven European cooperative banks to a truly global network. Over the years, ICBA has evolved to become the international voice of cooperative banking, fostering collaboration among members, advocating for the cooperative model in finance, and contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Today, ICBA continues to strengthen cooperative banking by supporting policy dialogue, knowledge, and partnerships that advance financial inclusion and cooperative identity worldwide.
ICBA serves as the global voice of cooperative banks and financial institutions. Through advocacy, knowledge sharing, strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, ICBA promotes inclusive finance, sustainable development and the cooperative business model. We work closely with members and international stakeholders to strengthen cooperative financial institutions and enhance their contribution to economic and social development worldwide.
A global network of cooperative financial institutions committed to strengthening cooperative banking and advancing inclusive finance.
Discover the remarkable work of our member organisations from around the world. Each month we feature a cooperative financial institution that is making a difference through innovation, inclusion and cooperative values.
The MUFID Network (Mutual Finance for Development) is a Cameroonian financial cooperative system established in 1992, dedicated to promoting financial inclusion, rural development, and accessible financial services for communities underserved by traditional banking institutions. Through its 95 operational MUFIDs and 122 service points across all ten regions of Cameroon, the Network serves more than 380,000 direct members and reaches over 1.3 million people through groups and cooperatives. With a strong focus on agricultural and rural financing, MUFID Network is committed to creating wealth, strengthening communities, and advancing the cooperative banking model in Cameroon and beyond.
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Bhima Subrahmanyam has been associated with the National Federation of State Cooperative Banks (NAFSCOB), India since 1982 and has served as its CEO/Managing Director since 1990.
Prior to joining NAFSCOB, he was associated with reputed institutions including IIM Ahmedabad, ISRO and NIRD. He has authored over 100 articles, research papers and policy documents, and has participated in numerous national and international conferences, workshops and seminars.
Mr. Bhima has actively contributed to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), APRACA, NEDAC, IRU and several other international cooperative organizations.
He was elected President of ICBA in Kigali, Rwanda, on 12 October 2019 and continues to champion the role of cooperative financial institutions in advancing inclusive finance and sustainable development.
Stay informed with the latest updates, initiatives, and developments from ICBA and the global cooperative finance community
The ICBA will hold the seminar “Cooperative Financial Institutions: Crucial Issues” on 14 September 2026 in Panama City, Panama. The seminar will bring together experts and practitioners from the cooperative movement to discuss important issues affecting cooperative financial institutions, including governance, regulation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of cooperative finance.
AIMCooP is advancing financial inclusion and women’s empowerment through digital innovation with the introduction of the AIMConnect Mobile Application. The platform provides members with convenient access to digital membership, savings information, online loan services, notifications, and secure digital payments—reducing time and distance barriers while improving service delivery. By enabling women to manage their finances, access financial services, and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities more easily, AIMConnect demonstrates how technology can strengthen cooperative participation, promote economic independence, and contribute to more resilient families and communities.
In this interview, Darios John Antonio, NATCCO Youth Committee Luzon Representative and member of Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative, reflects on how the Aflatoun Programme shaped his financial discipline from an early age. From saving small coins as a first grader to using those savings to support his college journey, Darios shares how financial education, leadership, and cooperative values have empowered him to inspire other young people to prepare for their future and become agents of positive change.