In this special episode of the Money Made Human podcast, host Gayle Adnyana is joined by Cath Wohlers from Stop Loan Sharks England, John Pollock from the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit, and Ryan Evans from Stop Loan Sharks Wales. Together, they uncover the hidden world of loan sharking in the UK and highlight the crucial work being done to protect vulnerable borrowers.

The conversation explores what a loan shark is, who might fall victim in today’s society, and how social media and technology have transformed illegal lending. Cath, John, and Ryan discuss the two main challenges of borrowing from a loan shark—financial hardship and the personal toll it takes—and share practical guidance on the pathways out.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The scale of loan sharking across the UK
• Individual-centred support offered by the illegal money lending units
• Advice for credit unions on opening conversations about safe borrowing
• Legal consequences for loan sharks and the importance of awareness
• The personal values and inspiration driving these frontline professionals
• Reassurance for borrowers that they are not alone

Join us for a thoughtful and human-centred discussion on tackling loan sharking and supporting those caught in cycles of predatory lending.

For more information and free, confidential support in your region, visit:

• Stop Loan Sharks (England): https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/
• Stop Loan Sharks (Wales): https://www.stoploansharkswales.co.uk/
• Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit: https://stopillegallending.co.uk/
• Northern Ireland PSNI Illegal Money Lending Advice: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/illegal-money-lending

Thank you for tuning in to the very first episode of the Money Made Human podcast! Your host, Gayle Adnyana, welcomes Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive of the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) and Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the global peak body representing the credit union movement.

Michael shares insights from his extensive 40-year career in the financial sector, including a stint in Glasgow, the home of 1st Class Credit Union, and discusses his current role in leading the global credit union movement. He emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion in leadership, and explains the enduring value of mutuality—people helping people.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Michael’s role within the World Council of Credit Unions and his hopes for making a lasting impact
• The global credit union movement and growth in the sector
• Upcoming events, including the next World Council Forum in Sydney, Australia, in 2026, and reflections on the 2024 WOCCU conference
• The role of credit unions in Australia’s housing market and home lending
• The pathway ahead for credit unions, including advocacy with international standard-setting bodies
• A fun “Would You Rather: Australian edition” segment

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on how credit unions are shaping the future of banking while remaining true to the principle of 'people helping people'.

Watch the video Gayle shared with Michael during the interview: https://youtube.com/shorts/KbO-vfkgI3E?feature=shared