The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) was founded in London, England on 19 August 1895 during the 1st Alliance Co-operative Congress. The delegates from co-operatives from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, India, Italy, Switzerland, Serbia, and the USA. were present. The representatives established the Alliance's aims to provide information, define and defend the Co-operative Principles and develop international trade. The Alliance was one of the only international organisations to survive both World War I and World War II. Overcoming all the political differences between its members was extremely difficult, but the Alliance survived by staying committed to peace, democracy, and by remaining politically neutral. The Alliance confirms its political neutrality in 1896.
Bhima Subrahmanyam has been associated with National Federation of State
Cooperative Banks (NAFSCOB),India since 1982. He is the CEO/Managing Director of NAFSCOB
since 1990. Prior to joining NAFSCOB, Mr. Bhima has been associated with reputed
institutions viz., IIM Ahmedabad, ISRO and NIRD in India. He has authored over 100 articles,
research papers .occasional papers etc. for internal purposes and participated in around120
domestic & international conferences /workshops/Seminars. He has been very active supporter
of International Cooperative Alliance, Belgium, International Cooperative Banking
Association (ICBA) ICA, APRACA, Thailand, NEDAC, Thailand ,IRU, Germany etc. He is elected
as President of ICBA on 12-10-2019 in Kigali, Rwanda. He was born and brought up in Bapatla,
Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. He graduated from Hindu college, Guntur and post graduated
from Andhra University in 1969.
As President, ICBA , he has recently commissioned & completed the following two studies:
1. Regulation and Sustainability of Cooperative Banks: A cross Country Study
2. Sustainable Development Goals & Objectives: Contribution of Cooperative Banks
ICBA and Aflatoun International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen youth participation in cooperative financial institutions. The partnership aims to advance financial inclusion initiatives, support youth engagement in cooperatives, and foster collaboration across more than 50 countries through joint programmes and knowledge-sharing activities.
At the ICBA International Symposium 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, ICBA President Bhima Subrahmanyam highlighted the vital role of cooperative financial institutions in promoting financial inclusion, community empowerment, and sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of supportive regulation, innovation, strong governance, and international cooperation to foster inclusive and equitable growth.
As part of the upcoming ICBA International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions: “Fueling Inclusive and Equitable Growth,” to be held at the United Nations Headquarters (UNDESA), New York, on 28–29 May 2026, ICBA is pleased to feature conversations with distinguished leaders from the global cooperative and financial sector. In this edition, Mrs. Marjan Trompetter, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Rabobank Cooperative and opening keynote speaker of the Symposium, shares reflections on her journey within the cooperative movement and perspectives on the evolving role of cooperative financial institutions in building inclusive and resilient economies.
