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News • August 5th, 2026
|Transave Credit Union, based in Sheffield, has made a significant move to strengthen its leadership by appointing Jake Ranson as a Non-Executive Director. This appointment comes at a crucial time when the UK's credit union sector is gearing up for major expansion, aiming to double its membership from 2.16 million to 4.4 million by the year 2035.
Growth Ambitions for Credit Unions
The credit union sector in the UK is on the rise, with plans that include not just increasing membership but also tripling lending to £8 billion. The recently launched Credit Union Growth Plan highlights these ambitious targets, reflecting a broader effort to enhance financial inclusion and provide affordable financial services to more people across the country.
Transave Credit Union has been a key player in this sector for over 30 years, helping thousands of people save and access responsible borrowing options. As a member-owned financial cooperative, Transave focuses on benefiting its members rather than external shareholders, ensuring that profits are reinvested into the organization to improve services.
Jake Ranson's Background
Ranson brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously worked with well-known companies like Experian, ClearScore, and Paylink. His most recent position was as Chief Executive Officer of Paylink, which was acquired by Experian in December 2024. Throughout his career, Ranson has concentrated on creating products and services that enhance financial mobility, making him a fitting addition to the board.
The Importance of Digital Transformation
As credit unions face increasing competition from mainstream banks and fintech companies, Ranson’s expertise will be vital for Transave’s digital transformation. He aims to help the credit union modernise its services and expand its reach, aligning with the expectations of consumers who seek both digital convenience and trustworthy financial solutions.
Ian Sibbald, the CEO of Transave Credit Union, expressed confidence in Ranson’s capabilities:
“Jake brings an exceptional combination of fintech, payments and consumer finance experience at a time when credit unions have a significant opportunity to reshape the financial landscape.”
Sibbald believes that Ranson’s experience in customer strategy and financial inclusion will be crucial for the union as it moves forward.
A Vision for Financial Inclusion
In a statement regarding his new role, Ranson highlighted the vital role credit unions play in providing affordable financial services:
“Millions of hardworking people would benefit from having access to affordable savings and borrowing options that genuinely work in their interests.”
This sentiment underscores the commitment of credit unions to offer a credible alternative to traditional banks and for-profit lenders.
Ranson also noted the importance of technology and innovation in achieving the credit union's goals. He stated that outstanding customer experience would be essential for reaching millions more people over the next decade. His focus on putting people before profit aligns perfectly with Transave’s ethos of promoting long-term financial well-being for its members.
