Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Trade Body for Credit Union Excellence
ACE Services was established in 2000 following the dissolution of the National Federation of Credit Unions, founded by Barbara Hann, a CBE award recipient for her work in financial inclusion. We specialise in providing governance frameworks, compliance tools, and strategic guidance tailored to credit unions, ensuring they operate sustainably and ethically. Our team combines decades of experience in financial services with a commitment to community empowerment, offering board development, risk management, and FCA compliance support. Under the leadership of CEO Carmel Swan, we continue to advocate for financial inclusion and values-led growth, working alongside credit unions to strengthen their governance and community impact.Our capped membership pricing ensures accessibility for credit unions of all sizes, while our advocacy efforts focus on creating equitable financial systems. With a legacy of over 20 years, we remain dedicated to supporting credit unions through practical solutions, training, and strategic partnerships, ensuring they thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Services
Governance Frameworks
Board Development
Risk Compliance Tools
Strategic Insight
FCA Compliance Support
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in credit union support
- Our team provides customized governance frameworks
- We are regulated by the FCA for compliance and transparency
- Our services are affordable with capped membership pricing
- We advocate for financial inclusion and community development
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Services
Governance Frameworks
We develop tailored governance structures to strengthen credit union operations. Our frameworks ensure compliance with regulatory standards while promoting transparency and accountability. These solutions empower boards to make informed decisions aligned with community needs.
Board Development
Our board development programs enhance leadership capabilities through practical training and succession planning. We equip directors with skills to navigate challenges, ensuring resilient and effective governance. This fosters long-term stability for credit unions.
Risk Compliance Tools
We provide practical tools to manage risk and meet FCA requirements. These resources simplify compliance processes, reducing administrative burdens. Credit unions gain confidence in maintaining regulatory standards without compromising service quality.
Strategic Insight
Our strategic insights help credit unions identify growth opportunities aligned with their values. We offer data-driven recommendations to expand services sustainably. This supports community-focused financial inclusion initiatives.
FCA Compliance Support
We interpret complex FCA regulations into plain-English guidance. This ensures credit unions meet obligations efficiently. Our support minimises risks while maintaining focus on member-centric service delivery.
People
Carmel Swan
CEO
Carmel Swan brings extensive community development experience to ACE as CEO. She champions credit union growth through ethical practices and strategic partnerships, ensuring member-focused financial services thrive across the UK.
Bill Hudson
Former CEO
Bill Hudson served as ACE CEO for over nine years, driving governance reforms and expanding support networks. His leadership strengthened credit unions' resilience, leaving a legacy of operational excellence and community impact.
Questions
What services does ACE offer credit unions?
We provide governance frameworks, board training, compliance tools, and strategic guidance to help credit unions operate sustainably and ethically.
How does ACE support financial inclusion?
We advocate for community-focused financial systems, offering resources that enable credit unions to serve underprivileged populations effectively.
Is ACE regulated by any official body?
Yes, we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under registration number 5037.
How can credit unions join ACE?
Credit unions can apply for affiliation via our website, gaining access to expert support and cost-effective membership pricing.
What training resources are available?
We offer board training, compliance workshops, and strategic planning sessions tailored to credit union needs.