Marlene Shiels (OBE, ICUDE)

Marlene Shiels' current role is Chair of the Committee of Experts, Kenya. Appointed by the Hon. FCPA Dr Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development in May 2025, the COE has been tasked with reviewing the legislative and regulatory framework of SACCOs in Kenya, and to recommend solutions to transform the Sector into best in class, both on the continent, and globally.

Marlene , recently retired as Chief Executive, of her credit union, which was established in 1989. Marlene was a founding member and served on the Board of Capital Credit Union, before becoming the CEO in 1998. Capital Credit Union is recognized as one of the most innovative Credit Unions in the United Kingdom, and has a real focus on supporting communities and members. This resulted in Marlene receiving an Award from the late Queen Elizabeth for services to financial inclusion. Marlene was Chair of the Financial Conduct Authority Smaller Business Panel and Chair of the Money and Pensions Service Nation of Savers Challenge Group. She has also been an advisor on financial inclusion to Her Royal Highness Queen Camilla. She is currently on the main Board of the Money and Pensions Service, a government body set up to help people make the best use of their money and pensions. Marlene very proudly serves on the Board of the African Co-operative Development Foundation. She is also the founder and Programme Director of the European DE Programme.