DCUC's Global Impact, DCUC President/CEO Briefs Australia Defence Bank Board of Directors

​On Friday, November 22, 2024, Defense Credit Union Council, (DCUC), President/CEO Anthony Hernandez briefed the Board of Directors for Defence Bank, one of Australia’s prominent member-owned financial institutions. The meeting comes as Defence Bank explores forming its own association similar to DCUC to support financial institutions serving Australia's military and veteran communities.

​Defence Bank, founded in 1975 as Defence Force Credit Union Limited (Defcredit), has grown to hold the most on-base branches across Australia. It changed its name to “Defence Bank” in 2012. The institution prioritizes serving the Australian Defence Force and the broader community, reinvesting profits to provide competitive products and superior service.

Hernandez was invited to share insights about DCUC’s mission, vision, and strategic operations, as Defence Bank considers partnering with other Australian Defence Force financial institutions to establish a similar association. During the briefing, Hernandez emphasized DCUC’s long-standing dedication to military and veteran communities, stating:
“For over 60 years, the Defense Credit Union Council and its member credit unions have proudly served our nation’s military and veteran communities. It is an honor to assist our Australia partners and allies in forming their own trade association focused on military and veteran needs.”

Hernandez also shared how DCUC aligns its strategic planning to fulfill its mission with an operating philosophy that is: “Stubborn on the mission, flexible on the details.” He explained how this approach has allowed DCUC to remain adaptive while still championing the interests of credit unions serving military and veteran members.

DCUC remains the industry’s only trusted resource for credit unions on all military and veteran matters. These foundational principles have helped DCUC become a cornerstone of advocacy and collaboration within the financial sector.

“This meeting represents a significant step toward strengthening support for military and veteran financial needs on a global scale, and DCUC is both grateful and proud to be a part of this growth,” added Hernandez.