ACCU &DGRV Training for Bank of LaoPDR Officials

In the last week of January 2024, the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) and the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation (DGRV) co-organized a capacity development training program for the Bank of Lao PDR (BOL) in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Held for the directors and officers of the Financial Institution Supervision Department of the Bank of Lao PDR, this program was a learning opportunity for them in the CU supervision tools and ideology of Savings and Credit Unions (SCUs).

The training lasted five days, from January 21 to 25, and encompassed a series of in-depth sessions. ACCU introduced the fundamental concept of PEARLS ratios and their definitions. They also reviewed the details of financial statements, focusing on understanding the nature of accounts within the balance sheet and income statements. It included thoroughly examining SCU accounts, distinguishing between sources of funds — such as equity, interest-bearing, and non-interest-bearing liabilities — and fund utilization through earning and non-earning assets, etc.

The primary objective of this training was to enhance BOL's role as a cooperative regulator, ensuring financial sustainability within the sector. ACCU has actively developed SCUs in Laos, supported financially by the Australian Mutuals Foundation.