Ms Shiels served on the board of directors for nine years, including a tenure as chair of the board, before joining the staff team.

Her first role was as head of business development, and for the past 25 years, she has led the credit union as CEO. Ms Shiels has been a driving force for change and innovation in the sector, contributing not only to the success of Capital Credit Union but also to the wider UK credit union movement. She has held influential positions on both the ABCUL board and the World Council of Credit Unions board of directors.

A highlight of her career was serving as an advisor to Queen Camilla for 10 years on financial inclusion. In recognition of her contributions to financial services and inclusion, she was awarded an OBE in 2016 by the late Queen Elizabeth II. This honour reflects her unwavering commitment to supporting people from all walks of life, particularly those with limited financial options.

The board of directors at Capital Credit Union will now begin the formal process of appointing a new CEO. In the interim, Samantha Homer will take on the role of interim CEO, ensuring stability and continuity as the credit union builds on Marlene Shiels’ legacy of growth and financial inclusion.

Ms Homer said: “Marlene leaves Capital Credit Union in an exceptionally strong position, with membership exceeding 31,000 and sustained monthly lending surpassing £1 million for nine of the past twelve months.

“With this solid foundation, Capital Credit Union is well-positioned for long-term growth, enabling us to expand our reach and further enhance the financial well-being of our members for years to come.”