Financial service regulators globally continue to look at the impact of diversity and inclusion within their own organization and credit unions. Regulators recognize the impact diversity and inclusion has on safety and soundness. Earlier this year, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom set out proposals to increase diversity and inclusion, reduce groupthink and maximize talent. The proposals noted that increase in diversity and inclusion in regulated financial services firms can produce better internal governance, decision making and risk management practices. The new rules and guidance identify that bullying and sexual harassment amongst other forms of misconduct pose a risk to a healthy firm culture.

The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has conducted regular reviews of large regulated financial service providers and their diversity and inclusion progress. CBI also noted the tie between diversity and inclusion and the safety and soundness of the financial service organizations. CBI continues to conduct thematic assessments of insurance and banking firms, specifically in terms of gender representation.

This month the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) wrapped up its annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion summit with a special focus on the internal practices of credit unions in the United States and best practices related to diversity and inclusion.  NCUA also conducts an annual voluntary diversity and inclusion survey to assess the state of the industry.

Increasingly regulators are connecting the impact diversity and inclusion has in strong governance and risk management practices. Both the safety and soundness and financial inclusion mission of credit unions are impacted by its internal and external progress towards diversity and inclusion.