Ireland’s Department of Finance published an update welcoming RED C’s 2026 Brand Reaction Index, which ranked credit unions as the financial services brand with the strongest emotional connection among consumers. Credit unions recorded a Brand Reaction Index score of 50, ranking eighth across all 196 brands surveyed despite a five-point decline from 2025. The department linked the findings on trust and positive sentiment to its development of Ireland’s first Credit Union Sector Strategy. Sector representatives can apply to participate in the strategy process until July 31, 2026, while the sector survey closes Aug. 5. The Strategy Committee is due to hold its first meeting in September, workshops are expected from late September through November, and the strategy is scheduled to be finalized in early 2027.
Department of Finance (Ireland)2026-07-27
Ireland’s Department of Finance highlights credit unions’ leading brand ranking as sector strategy work continues
Ireland’s Department of Finance welcomed credit unions’ retention of the highest emotional connection ranking among financial services brands in RED C’s 2026 index. Work on Ireland’s first Credit Union Sector Strategy continues, with consultations and workshops feeding into a strategy scheduled for completion in early 2027.