Total Credit Union Lending continues to Grow at Record Levels

• The total loan book has risen to €6.84bn this quarter Q3 June 2026, surpassing last quarter record (€6.66 billion) and the previous historical record of €6.21bn recorded back in 2008.

• Loan book up by 9.6% for the year to Q3 June 2026.

• ILCU CUs have now posted positive loan growth for 21 consecutive quarters.

• Mortgage lending continues to grow, with growth of +25% year on year.

• Mortgages now make up 12.1% of overall credit union loan book, up from
  10.6% for same quarter last year.

Demand for Larger Loans & Increased Savings

The average new loan balance increased to a record €7,150 (a 4.7% increase since June 2025), reflecting the continued growth and scale of lending activity across the portfolio. The average new personal loan issued was €6,430 (up 3.1% since June 2025). The average new mortgage issued increased by 11.1% to
€155,700 in Q3 June 2026, compared with €140,200 in the same period last year. In business lending, the average new loan issued rose by 17.8% to €31,600, up from €26,830 a year earlier. Community lending remained strong, with the average new loan issued totalling €54,170 in Q3 June 2026, compared with
€55,300 in the previous year, representing a modest decrease of 2.%.

This robust growth in lending is underpinned by exceptionally strong credit quality. The overall loan arrears ratio has now dropped to a new record low. The overall loan arrears ratio is now down to 2.14%, down from 2.21% in Q2 March 2026, and below the previous record low of 2.20% recorded in Q4 Sept 2025.

Commenting, David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions said:

”These latest quarterly results highlight the ongoing trust in credit unions and important role that they play in supporting the ambitions and needs of individuals and communities. This is underlined by the sustained growth in demand across our lending portfolio, recognition that credit unions are progressive financial services providers that are there for people at every stage in life.“

As well as the growth in lending, there has been continued growth in savings in ILCU affiliated credit unions. Savings now stand at €16.70bn, an increase of €823 million, or 5.2% year on year. The combined balance sheet has reached a new high, total assets topped €20 billion for the first time this quarter.
Assets were up €1.01 billion, or 5.3% year on year.

Membership continues to expand across the credit union movement and Ireland continues to have one of the highest levels of credit union membership per capita worldwide. There are now 3.37 million credit union members in ILCU affiliated credit unions. This represents a growth of 79,000 across the past 12 months.

Credit Union Life Savings & Loan Protection Benefits

Credit unions’ provision of insurance cover to eligible members at no direct cost continues to be a critical financial lifeline for families facing bereavement. In the three months from April to June 2026, ILCU-affiliated credit unions paid out €9 million in Life Savings benefits, helping to ease the immediate financial burden faced by 3,920 families.

In the same period, loan protection cover cleared almost €4.8 million in outstanding loans relieving 629 families of the burden of repaying a deceased member’s loan.

The Credit Union Strategy Project, a Programme for Government commitment supported by the Department of Finance, is now well underway.

Commenting on Credit Union Strategy Project, David Malone noted. 

“The Credit Union Strategy Project is making strong progress and reflects the sector's commitment to working collectively to unlock new opportunities for growth. This collaborative initiative can support credit unions to build the capabilities and strategic focus required to expand lending opportunities, enhance member services, and strengthen their role in communities across Ireland. As the project continues to advance, it will help position credit unions to meet evolving member needs while supporting sustainable growth across the sector.”

ENDS 

Notes to Editor

Please note that the Credit Union Financial Calendar is as follows:      

• Q1 - October 2025 to December 2025

• Q2 - January 2026 to March 2026

• Q3 - April 2026 to June 2026

• Q4 - July 2026 to September 2026

Summary of Quarter-on-Quarter Financial Performance

The table below shows a comparison of the quarters ended March 2026 and June 2026 financial results.

Summary of Annual 12 Months Financial Performance

The table below shows a comparison of the 12 months ended June 2025 and June 2026 financial results.