Six new Nacha Rules take effect in 2026, covering several different aspects of ACH. Fraud Monitoring, International ACH Transactions (IATs), and Funds Availability Requirements are among the major ACH areas with new Rules for the new year. Your credit union, regardless of how big or small it is, needs to be aware of what’s happening and, crucially, stay compliant with the Rules.

Without a doubt it’s a lot to keep up with. Outdated Nacha Rules don’t help matters. If your copy of the Rules date back to last year—it’s out of date. And that could leave you out of compliance, a mistake you don’t want to make.

That’s the best reason to get the 2026 Nacha Operating Rules and Guidelines. The Rules are the foundation of the ACH Network, and since your credit union is an ACH Network participant, you need to ensure you’re in compliance with all Nacha Rules, new and old.

Quality payments are a hallmark of the ACH Network, and following the Rules helps you do right by your credit union’s members. You’ll also help yourself avoid the problems that come with being out of Rules compliance.

You can get a version of the 2026 Nacha Operating Rules and Guidelines in book or online  formats. Either way, you’ll have all of the Rules—both the new ones and the greatest hits—right at your fingertips.

It’s 2026. Like that Nehru jacket gathering dust in the closet, leave your old copy of the Nacha Rules behind and get with the times.

The post Changes Are Why You Need Today’s Nacha Rulebook appeared first on CreditUnions.com.

CEO Brent Rempe joined Callahan & Associates for the third quarter Trendwatch webinar to discuss how credit unions can lead with purpose and adapt to evolving industry challenges. Using real-world examples from First Alliance — including an impact CD, mobile branch, and member stories — the leader shows how credit unions are the perfect partners to help members and communities overcome persistent inflation, a softening labor market, and shifting financial needs.

“Every member deserves a financial oasis,” Rempe says. “We make it happen.”

In this clip, learn how First Alliance operationalizes purpose to empower members to achieve a brighter future.

Don’t Stop Here. From classrooms to credit unions, Brent Rempe’s approach as CEO at First Alliance Credit Union blends education, service, and purpose-driven leadership. Read more in “Brent Rempe On Leadership.” Then dive into third quarter performance trends in Callahan’s Trendwatch webinar.

The post Every Member Deserves A Financial Oasis appeared first on CreditUnions.com.

The cuts have already affected the credit union balance sheet and will continue to do so in the future. Monetary policy and today’s rate environment will shape the economy, the credit union industry, and the lives of members and communities for years to come. The credit union mission shines in moments like this, where the cooperative model makes a difference.

The following Market Snapshot and Two-Year Financial Statement provides a useful measuring stick for assessing industry data and incorporating those insights into planning for the quarters and years to come.

Credit Union Performance Reports

Callahan’s Market Snapshot and Two-Year Financial Statement equip credit union leaders with the tools they need to be more informed stewards of members’ money during these changing times.

Quarterly Performance Webinar

The Latest Insights – Available On Your Schedule: Callahan & Associates takes a look at third quarter credit union performance trends, exploring where the movement stands today and where opportunities lie for tomorrow. Watch it now. 

Quarterly Performance Coverage

The K-Shaped Recovery And An Economy Divided: Inflation, debt, and income inequality are fueling a K-shaped, post-pandemic recovery, widening the gap between different economic segments and challenging lower-income households. Read more.

Members Are On The Move. Credit Unions Are Here For Them. Accelerating membership growth signals the increasing influence of credit unions amid evolving interest rate trends and economic challenges. Read more.

3 Ways Falling Rates Are Poised To Impact Credit Union Balance Sheets Falling interest rates are changing the game for credit unions. Explore how potential shifts in lending, savings, and margins are set to affect the bottom line. Read more.

How Asset Size Shapes Credit Union Performance Across 3 Metrics: Explore how credit union size influences growth, lending, and efficiency. Read more.

Let’s Review Your  Performance Together. Join Callahan for a complimentary 1:1 session to analyze your performance reports using key insights from second quarter performance data. We’ll benchmark your credit union against two to three peer groups of your choice and provide a detailed report of our findings at the end of the session to help your team make informed strategic decisions. Request now.

See You Next Quarter! CreditUnions.com updates this page with fresh credit union data every quarter, so don’t forget to come back for insights into the fourth quarter of 2025.

The post Quarterly Market Snapshot And Two-Year Financial Statement appeared first on CreditUnions.com.

It’s a chance to hit the reset button — to reflect on where you’ve been and to focus on where you want to go. For credit unions, this isn’t just a business exercise. It’s an opportunity to recommit to a mission that’s foundational: people helping people.

The world is changing quickly, but that core philosophy remains your greatest strength.

It’s what sets you apart. It’s what draws members to you. The question now is how you can carry that timeless mission into a new year and new era of growth.

The Difference Is You

You know your community better than anyone.

You understand your members’ financial needs and their goals — whether they’re saving for a new home, launching a small business, or preparing for retirement. That deep connection is something big megabanks and fintechs simply cannot replicate.

On your path forward, you have a unique opportunity to build on that foundation and ensure you can meet the changing needs of your members for years to come. By prioritizing your strategic goals, you can position your credit union for a bright future.

Data from the Jack Henry 2025 Strategy Benchmark shows that credit unions are zeroing in on three key strategic priorities going into 2026:

• Increase operational efficiency.
• Grow loans.
• Acquire new members.

These priorities aren’t just about business growth — they’re about strengthening your ability to serve your communities and members.

The Power Of Purpose-Driven Priorities

Increasing operational efficiency isn’t about cost-cutting; it’s about making your credit union more agile and responsive.

When you streamline processes and automate routine tasks, you free up your team to do what they do best: engage with members and provide personalized service. This focus on efficiency allows you to get back to the core of your mission — delivering exceptional service and support that only a credit union can provide.

You’ve always been a trusted financial partner, and that trust is more important than ever.

By finding ways to do more with the same, you can dedicate more resources to the relationships that matter most. It’s about creating an organization that’s ready to meet the future needs of your members.

Growing loans and acquiring members are two sides of the same coin.

Your ability to provide access to capital is a cornerstone of a healthy community, helping members achieve their dreams and businesses expand. And as you know from Callahan’s Trendwatch webinar series, loan and savings growth is picking up, especially for credit unions who are focused on deepening their member relationships.

Looking Ahead With Confidence

In terms of top concerns, credit unions told Jack Henry they’re thinking about issues like fraud losses, acquiring younger members, and cyberattacks.

These are not easy challenges, but they are all connected to a central theme: the need to future-proof your credit union.

You cannot afford to settle for the status quo.

To tackle these challenges head-on, credit unions need a technology platform that is comprehensive and integrated. A system with an open architecture is essential because it gives you the flexibility and control to evolve your technology ecosystem. This means you can stay agile and integrate new fraud and cybersecurity technologies easily as they emerge.

With open technology, you can quickly add new fraud prevention tools and instantly update your cyber defenses, giving you the power to protect your members and their assets.

This way, you aren’t just reacting to what’s next — you’re ready for it.

When it comes to acquiring younger members, the digital experience plays a key role in helping you achieve your strategic goals. The way you interact with these members digitally will define their perception of your credit union. Younger generations want seamless, mobile-first experiences that align with how they live and work.

By investing in digital banking and automation, you can meet these expectations and show them that a credit union is the perfect choice for their financial future.

Eyeing The Horizon

As your credit union considers what’s next, there seems to be a clear picture of the technologies that will help you thrive.

According to the Jack Henry 2025 Strategy Benchmark, credit unions are planning to invest most in fraud prevention, digital banking, and automation. These aren’t just one-time upgrades — they’re part of a continuous journey of technology innovation.

By focusing on these areas, you’ll be addressing your top concerns while laying the groundwork for exceptional service and support. Your technology becomes a tool for building deeper relationships, allowing you to provide instant, personalized experiences that truly meet your members’ needs.

This continuous innovation is what helps you deliver on the promise of your mission and stay ahead of the curve.

The Role Of A Reliable Technology Ally

As you think about your path forward, it’s also important to consider the kind of support you need to get there.

Your technology provider should be more than a vendor — it needs to be a reliable ally who can support you through every step of your evolving journey. It should grow with you over time, providing the service and innovation you need to succeed. The right technology provider plays a key role in your business value and success.

The credit union mission is still the same — your members come first and your focus is on them. Your commitment to community involvement and financial inclusion is what makes your credit union so special.

A strong technology ally should share that philosophy and stand by you as you support your members and their communities. They should be proud to help you help others.

A New Beginning

You know the power of your mission; and you’ve always been committed to making a difference.

Now, you can use technology as a tool to amplify that mission and serve your members in new and innovative ways. By focusing on the future and staying true to who you are, you can not only meet the challenges of today but also build a stronger, more resilient credit union movement for generations to come.

At Jack Henry, we’re proud to stand with you, empowering the credit union movement with technology that strengthens the connections between people and their financial institutions.

For information about Jack Henry, visit jackhenry.com.

The post A Fresh Start For A Timeless Mission appeared first on CreditUnions.com.

By 2026, hundreds of financial institutions serving millions of households nationwide are expected to offer BNPL. The banking industry is responding to the rapid rise in demand for this payment option, particularly from the 70% of U.S. consumers who would prefer to use BNPL from their trusted financial institution rather than fintechs like Klarna or Affirm.

It’s timely that financial institutions are entering the space: members have responded positively to this flexible financing solution from their credit unions. In the months following launch, credit union BNPL programs saw more member usage than all fintech BNPL providers combined. Equipifi’s aggregate data shows over 80% of members continue using their credit union’s BNPL into the second year, boosting usage by 34% compared to the previous year.

This level of consumer adoption is typically seen with innovative fintech products, not with traditional brick-and-mortar financial institutions. And yet, we’re seeing it happen with forward-thinking credit unions. Even more excitingly, the growth appears to be accelerating.

These BNPL products are all powered by a legacy piece of technology that is giving credit unions a competitive advantage over their fintech counterparts: Their banking core.

The core gives credit unions a 360-degree understanding of their members’ financial position and overall banking relationship. It provides real-time insights into each member’s budgeting needs. In other words, credit unions have all the data elements to determine a member’s true propensity to repay loan products.

It also allows them to design a best-in-class BNPL program.

The Advantage Of Your Banking Core Data

In today’s digital age, consumers make purchase decisions and engage with financial services differently. They expect everything at their fingertips, which makes accessibility, transparency, and flexibility essential features for any banking product looking to gain traction. A banking core-powered BNPL solution provides exactly that.

• Offers Powered By Banking Relationships: Unlike fintech BNPL providers, credit union BNPL can give members a clear understanding of their purchasing power whenever they need it. Members appreciate that the BNPL offers they receive are based on their individual financial circumstances and account for their ability to pay over time. That means no surprises and no accidental overextension.
• Removing Rejection From The Process: Compared to the fintech BNPL experience, which typically requires an application and approval process, credit union BNPL removes friction. Using cash flow and relationship data in the core, credit unions can underwrite members more efficiently, generating pre-approved BNPL offers. The result? No application. No wait time. No fear of rejection. And what’s more, members appreciate the convenience: they are only a few clicks away from completing the loan and seeing the funds deposited into their checking account.
• Always On And Accessible Now: The pandemic accelerated the growth of online shopping and with it a need-it-now mentality. Consumers are generally less patient, whether it is for a product that takes too long to be delivered or a service they have to wait to receive. BNPL gained popularity because it helps consumers purchase items that they might otherwise have had to wait and save for. A survey conducted by Michigan State University FCU ($8.2B, East Lansing, MI) found many members wouldn’t make certain purchases at all without access to BNPL. In fact, Gen Z and millennials prefer products like BNPL because it allows them to budget for the future without sacrificing their present quality of life. That makes credit union BNPL even more compelling. Because it is connected to the core, members can access offers at any time of day, accept loans in seconds, and receive funds instantly.

Credit unions are taking a popular payment format like BNPL and making it smarter, more intuitive, and frictionless.

Your Banking Experience On BNPL

Connecting your banking core with a high-engagement product like BNPL unlocks even more advantages.

Since the credit union originates these BNPL loans and tracks repayment within the core, they gain insights into their members’ repayment behavior. This is particularly valuable at a time when BNPL activity is largely absent from consumer credit profiles.

And because the core is at the center of a credit union’s standard products, the benefits of BNPL can be extended to other services with minimal friction. Here’s how:

• Smarter debit cards. A core-connected BNPL product enables all existing debit cards to offer splitting payments on eligible transactions. Credit unions who offer BNPL on the debit card have seen a 16 percent increase in debit card usage, boosting wallet share.
• Smarter checking accounts. BNPL adds flexible financing capabilities to checking accounts, allowing credit unions to better meet members where they are. Much like the holiday loans that give members more cash flow during high-expenses periods, checking accounts enabled with BNPL can play a similar role year-round, all without any manual intervention.
• Smarter banking experiences. Much of today’s BNPL activity takes place outside traditional financial institutions, leaving credit unions with limited visibility into repayment behavior. Credit unions can use their own BNPL products to start filling in that gap. Many are already using members’ credit union BNPL history to help them access more loan products, often at better rates.

Starting With Your Own Data

Financial institutions have a growing role to play in shaping the future of BNPL. And the banking core often contains the signals that can help determine when and how to begin.

In fact, most credit union BNPL started with one simple question: Are our members already using BNPL?

Then they looked at the data.

For example, Arizona Financial Credit Union ($3.6B, Phoenix, AZ) tracked fintech BNPL activity in its debit card data monthly. By the end of 2024, nearly $2 million was leaving the institution every month, and the volume has been growing 16% annually.

Educators Credit Union ($3.6B, Mount Pleasant, WI) asked the same question and discovered that 46,000 of its 150,000 members were already using BNPL elsewhere.

As member expectations evolve, many are looking to their primary financial institution for modern solutions. If they can’t find what they need, they will turn elsewhere

In 2025, Affirm announced that over 2 million consumers had activated its BNPL-enabled debit card. Klarna launched its own debit card in July 2025 and saw over 1 million cards activated in just 11 weeks.

As more consumers adopt fintech BNPL cards, the unique data advantage credit unions hold in their banking cores may diminish.

For now, however, there’s still a significant opportunity to use that core and the insights it holds to deliver meaningful, competitive financial experiences.

Lo Smith is a fintech executive with over a decade of experience helping financial institutions bridge the gap between traditional financial services and emerging fintech. As Head of Revenue at equipifi, she leads go-to-market strategy, driving success for banks and credit unions using tailored BNPL solutions that align with their strategic goals. She brings a deep understanding of stakeholder needs, operational execution, and long-term growth. Previously the Director of Financial Institutions at Array, Lo is passionate about enabling institutions to thrive in an evolving financial landscape. She can be reached at lo.smith@equipifi.com.

equipifi is the leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform built for financial institutions. Its white-label solution integrates with major banking cores, aligning BNPL offerings with consumers’ financial goals and banking preferences. equipifi enables institutions to boost engagement, grow market share, and deliver transparent, manageable installment options directly through their own apps. https://www.equipifi.com/bnpl-for-credit-unions

The post Introducing Your Banking Core To The Power Of A Fintech appeared first on CreditUnions.com.

I grew up in central Washington and later moved to Seattle. Credit unions were all around me, yet I didn’t join one until my late twenties. Why? Because no one in my peer group talked about them, and digital banking convenience was all I cared about. Big banks had already mastered that, and they were ready for us.

That’s the reality credit unions face today. I’m 29 — a “Zillennial,” born in 1996, straddling millennials and Gen Z. My first phone was a pink Motorola Razr flip. I watched dial-up give way to broadband, then smartphones, and now AI. I’ve lived through every stage of the digital transition, and my expectations — and those of my peers — have been shaped by technology that adapts seamlessly to our lives.

The Internet Caveman And My Daughter’s Future

I joke that one day I’ll tell my daughter I was an “internet caveman.” Before AI, I had to type a question into a search bar, click through half a dozen sources, and piece together an answer.

Then came Google Gemini’s AI summaries. I didn’t ask for it. I didn’t expect it. But once it appeared, it delighted me so completely that I adopted it instantly — and suddenly, Google had my loyalty. I had bounced between search engines before — Google, DuckDuckGo, others — but this one experience of seamless usefulness created stickiness overnight.

That’s the essence of easy technology adoption: When something works so well and feels so natural that people don’t need to be convinced. They just use it — and they don’t go back.

That is what credit unions must provide if they hope to retain the next generation of members.

A Generational Warning

The statistics are clear. According to McKinsey, only 31% of credit union members are millennials or Gen Z. Nearly 70% of membership skews older, heavily toward baby boomers, who still account for about 39% of members.

At the same time, the NCUA reports that over half of federally insured credit unions lost members year-over-year in 2024. Membership isn’t just stagnant; for many institutions, it’s shrinking.

And the demographic cliff is coming fast. Baby boomers still control the majority of U.S. wealth, but over the next two decades an estimated $84 trillion will transfer to millennials and Gen Z, according to Cerulli Associates.

The question is simple: when that wealth moves, will it stay in credit unions? Or will it flow into big banks and fintechs that already meet younger generations where they are — mobile-first, frictionless, and personalized?

Held Hostage By Legacy Cores

At the heart of this challenge is the core. Too many credit unions are still tied to technology designed for a world that no longer exists — systems that haven’t fundamentally evolved in decades.

Leaders know the frustration. Inflexible contracts. Long development cycles. Workarounds stacked on top of workarounds. The very systems designed to empower credit unions have become shackles.

Meanwhile, my peers almost never visit branches. Their financial lives happen entirely online, through apps that anticipate their needs. Every day they interact with companies that deliver seamless digital experiences. And when their credit union can’t do the same? They switch. Quietly, permanently, and without regret.

The Stakes: A Wealth Transfer Unlike Any Other

The wealth transfer isn’t hypothetical — it’s already underway. Millennials and Gen Z are beginning to inherit not just assets, but financial decision-making power.

If credit unions don’t modernize their technology now, they will miss this moment. Losing younger members today means losing the opportunity to serve them tomorrow, when they’re managing mortgages, retirement accounts, and small business loans.

Imagine trying to convince a 25-year-old to stick with a clunky app that doesn’t integrate seamlessly with the rest of their digital life. You don’t get a second chance. Once they’ve moved their money, they’re gone.

The Credit Union Magic — And Its Fragility

Credit unions are different. They’ve always been different. They sponsor the little league teams, fund scholarships, and stand by their members when no one else will. They’re guardians of their communities — steady protectors in a financial world too often dominated by profit motives.

But guardianship isn’t enough if the sword is dull. The magic of credit unions — their member-first purpose — is fragile if it’s not matched by the technology members expect.

Today’s “dragon” isn’t the big bank across town. It’s irrelevance.

Future Members. Future Ready.

The solution isn’t chasing every shiny tech trend. It’s building a foundation that allows credit unions to evolve at the speed of their members’ expectations. That means modular, cloud-native systems, open APIs, and the ability to integrate tools like AI, fraud prevention, and predictive insights without breaking the bank.

It’s also about something deeper: delight. Members don’t care whether it’s a “core upgrade” or “microservices architecture.” They care that their credit union is easy to use, available on their phone, secure, and anticipates their needs.

Think of my daughter’s generation. By the time she’s managing her first checking account, she won’t see any difference between talking to her AI assistant and talking to her credit union. That’s the level of seamlessness tomorrow’s members will demand.

Accountability For Leaders

I didn’t join a credit union until 26. If I had only judged on digital convenience, I probably never would have joined at all. And many of my peers haven’t.

But once I did, I saw what makes credit unions powerful: their ability to help people unlock opportunities, weather storms, and build futures. That power is too important to lose.

And here’s where the accountability falls:

If you aren’t challenging your core provider, you’re choosing stagnation.

If you aren’t evaluating alternatives, you’re risking irrelevance.

If your technology stack isn’t designed for the next 20 years, you’re gambling with your members’ trust.

This isn’t a plea. It’s a reality. The future of the movement depends on leaders making hard decisions now. Because if credit unions don’t modernize, they won’t just miss out on growth — they’ll lose an entire generation of members.

And once lost, that generation isn’t coming back.

Garrhett Petrea is vice president of sales at Vyrdia. He can be reached at gpetrea@vyrdia.com.

Vyrdia is reimagining core software for a new generation. Built to be cloud-native, flexible, and member-first, Vyrdia empowers credit unions to thrive in a digital-first era while staying true to their community roots.

The post Losing The Future: How Credit Unions Can Win Back Younger Generations appeared first on CreditUnions.com.

Agentic capabilities are beginning to change that dynamic. Consumers now have greater visibility into real-time financial opportunities, and new technologies are reducing the friction associated with moving money, refinancing loans, or rebalancing assets. Instead of expecting customers to take manual steps, institutions will soon be operating in an environment where financial decisions are initiated continuously, based on pre-defined goals, market conditions, and intelligent recommendations.

This doesn’t mean finances will be managed autonomously overnight. But the shift toward proactive optimization signals the start of a new competitive era: one where value is captured in real time and loyalty must be continually earned through responsiveness, transparency, and tangible financial benefit.

Deposit Fluidity And The End Of “Sticky” Funding

Historically, deposits have been stable because moving money is inconvenient. Even when consumers know higher yields are available elsewhere, the hassle of account transfers often outweighs potential gains. This behavioral inertia supports low-cost funding and cushions margin volatility.

AI-powered optimization tools are beginning to test that stability. A consumer could set basic rules, maintain FDIC insurance, minimize fees, and maximize yield on balances above a threshold, and an intelligent system could identify better options or recommend transfers automatically.

For banks and credit unions, this means deposit premiums tied to customer passivity are disappearing. Net interest margins will face renewed pressure, and funding stability will depend on how quickly institutions can reprice, communicate, and integrate with digital tools that customers already use. Agility, both technical and operational, becomes a core risk-management capability.

Loan Retention And The Acceleration Of Refinance Cycles

Similar forces will reshape lending portfolios. Today, borrowers often delay refinancing because tracking rates and reapplying takes effort. Many continue paying above-market interest for months after a better option appears.

AI agents will again redefine this process. Acting under borrower-defined rules, they will continuously evaluate rate trends, closing costs, and tax implications and trigger refinance applications the moment savings surpass a specified threshold.

This automation benefits consumers by capturing value more quickly, but it also compresses lenders’ ability to retain loans through inattention. Retention will depend on how fast a lender can process, price, and approve refinances relative to its competitors’ digital infrastructure. Institutions capable of handling automated refi requests seamlessly will protect relationships and extend customer lifetime value. Those relying on manual workflows will experience accelerated runoff.

The winners will treat automation not as a threat but as a loyalty mechanism, using the same agentic logic to proactively offer optimized products before customers’ own systems move elsewhere.

Integration Becomes The New Competitive Moat

As AI agents gain access to multi-institution data, consumers will favor providers that connect effortlessly to their financial ecosystems. Traditional loyalty drivers — such as proximity, brand familiarity, and branch service — will give way to API accessibility, data quality, and real-time responsiveness.

Institutions with open, secure integration layers will attract deposits and lending volume from competitors constrained by legacy infrastructure. A smaller regional bank with well-designed interfaces could outperform larger incumbents if it enables faster, cleaner agent transactions. Conversely, any friction — including manual approvals, incomplete data feeds, and inconsistent authentication — will divert flows elsewhere.

This shift also levels the competitive field. When financial relationships are governed by automation, size matters less than technical compatibility. In effect, banking becomes a networked software contest where performance is measured in milliseconds and uptime, not square footage or advertising spend.

Strategically, this means investing in modular systems, standardized APIs, and intelligent compliance frameworks that allow for continuous, automated engagement without increasing operational risk.

Strategic Imperatives For The Agent Economy

As agentic AI gains adoption, the line between customer and system will blur. Financial institutions must adapt on several fronts:

1. Architect For Continuous Execution — Build systems that originate, underwrite, and service in near real-time. Lagging approval or funding processes will create instant attrition.
2. Reassess Profit Levers — Margin compression from fluid deposits and automated refinancing will require new fee structures, precision pricing, and deeper cross-product integration.
3. Prioritize Data Interoperability — Institutions must treat connectivity as a product. APIs and data standards become revenue enablers, not back-office considerations.
4. Strengthen Risk And Liquidity Management — Faster asset movement increases volatility. Balance-sheet models must evolve to reflect the speed and scale of algorithmic decisions.
5. Invest In Trust Infrastructure — As agents act on behalf of consumers, secure authorization, transparency, and auditability become essential differentiators.

The overarching message: automation will not erode relationships if credit unions remain the trusted operating layer through which financial decisions flow. Those that enable agents responsibly will earn customer confidence and the data advantages that come with it.

Conclusion: Competing At Software Speed

Agentic AI will redefine the fundamentals of competition in financial services. Money will move faster, customer expectations will rise, and operational excellence will be judged by how well systems perform under autonomous demand.

Institutions prepared for this reality, those that embed intelligence into their workflows, design for integration, and price for precision, will thrive in an environment where value creation happens continuously and invisibly.

The shift is already underway. The question for banks and credit unions is no longer whether automation will transform customer behavior, but whether their infrastructure is ready to compete at software speed.

Blend is a leading digital origination platform for banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders. From mortgages to consumer loans to deposit accounts, Blend helps financial institutions streamline workflows, launch faster, and deliver standout customer experiences. In 2024, Blend’s platform powered $1.2 trillion in loan applications. Learn more at blend.com.

The post AI Is Rewriting The Economics Of Banking appeared first on CreditUnions.com.

According to this quarter’s FirstLook performance figures, what’s notable about third quarter performance? And what does it suggest about today’s trends?

11.05.25 Update

• Total loans are set to grow 4.6% year-over-year, fueled by residential other real estate (HELOCs) with growth of 16.2% and commercial real estate with 11.9%. First mortgage balances are on pace to grow 5.1%. This is a faster annual rate than last quarter and could be a sign that rate cuts are reinvigorating the mortgage market.
• Credit card balances are up, 3.6% year-over-year, but overall consumer lending is down. Auto is down 0.6%, driven by a 2.8% decrease in new auto lending. Other, miscellaneous loans — personal, boat, RV, etc. — are also down 0.2% annually. Tariffs likely play a role here as  high prices weigh on tight budgets; however, expected cuts to the federal funds rate could drive more growth in the future.
• Share balance growth is tracking at 5.2% year-over-year. This is the highest rate since the third quarter of 2022. Growth in every share type is up annually; however, regular share growth is on track to drop quarter-over-quarter. Money market and certificates — especially certificates with less than 12-month maturity terms — are reporting the fastest annual growth, at 8.6% and 7.1%, respectively. Quarter-over-quarter, the  2.3% growth in certificates leads all other share types. Rate cuts — both past and potential — could be leading savers to lock in higher rates to ensure better returns and near-term liquidity.
• Thus far, the cost of funds is holding steady from last quarter. That could change when loan demand heats up if institutions start to compete for deposits via expensive certificate promotions.

Money market and certificates — especially certificates with less than 12-month maturity terms — are reporting the fastest annual growth. Past and potential rate cuts could be leading savers to lock in higher rates to ensure better returns and near-term liquidity.

As of Nov. 05, 2025, Callahan's FirstLook program represents more than 99% of the industry.

10.31.25 Update

• Analysts at Callahan & Associates put annual asset growth at 3.7%. That’s a slight pick up from 3.6% annual growth one year ago. Loans are on track to grow 4.3%; share growth is set to reach 5.1%, both up from the second quarter.
• Meanwhile, membership is on track to grow 2.0%, consistent with last quarter’s dampened figure but still representing another 3 million members joining the credit union movement.
• Slower growth aligns with credit unions’ strategic decision to pull back from indirect lending, given that indirect members tend to hold just the one loan with a credit union and can pull focus from core members. FirstLook data shows indirect lending is down to 19.9% of total loans.
• The move to refocus on core members appears to be paying off. The average member relationship — as defined by the average loan balance per member plus the average share balance per member — is tracking up slightly from last quarter to $24,329 as of Sept. 30.
• Share draft penetration also is tracking up — 18 basis points from last quarter to 63.1% as of the third quarter. That 63.1% of credit union members hold a draft account is notable because the metric is a common proxy for member engagement.
• Asset quality has continued to deteriorate slightly. Total delinquency is on track to increase 4 basis points quarter-over-quarter; net charge-offs appear to have dropped by 1 basis point compared to midyear. The rise in delinquency is present across every loan type except for commercial loans. Take note: Worsening asset quality allows credit unions to look for opportunities to help members keep their vehicles, make day-to-day purchases with credit cards, stay in their homes, and much more.
• ROA, which is currently at 0.80%, is tracking up 4 basis points from last quarter and 12 basis points from the third quarter of 2024. The net interest margin is up 3 basis points from last quarter to 3.4% as credit unions continue to reprice existing products.
• Net income growth continues to grow at a fast clip, 21.7% year-over-year. Interest income is the driving force here and is up 21 basis points year-over-year as a percent of assets. Interest on loans is set to grow 8.8% since the third quarter of 2024; however, interest income might start to drop sooner rather than later given the recent cuts to the federal funds rate.

The move to refocus on core members appears to be paying off. Average loan and average shares balances per member both are up; thus, the average member relationship is tracking slightly up slightly from last quarter to $24,329.

As of Oct. 31, 2025, Callahan's FirstLook program represents more than 70% of the industry.

Trendwatch 3Q25. Explore third quarter performance trends and learn about their impact on the industry today with Callahan & Associates. Callahan hosts and industry guest presenters highlight where credit unions are excelling, where challenges are emerging, and how peers are responding. Don’t wait to gain key benchmarks, strategic takeaways, and insights to navigate the rest of 2025. Watch On-Demand today.

CreditUnions.com updates this page with the freshest FirstLook credit union performance data every quarter, so don’t forget to come back for more insights.

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The Credit Union Advantage

Credit unions have several unique advantages: trust, community connections, and a relationship-based model that fintechs can’t replicate. However, maintaining that advantage requires meeting members where they are, across digital, mobile, and in-branch channels, with consistent, relevant, and actionable offers.

Credit unions have several unique advantages: trust, community connections, and a relationship-based model that fintechs can’t replicate.

Following early days as a marketing agency, today, ASAPP Financial Technology is an example of a system partner that helps deliver technology solutions that support dozens of credit unions as they compete against direct-to-consumer fintechs. The bank.io OXP® | Omnichannel Experience Platform integrates account and loan origination, CRM, marketing automation, and digital engagement capabilities into a single integrated platform that enables credit unions to personalize every interaction, from the first click on a promotional email to the completion of a multilingual loan application in-branch.

Today’s member journey is nonlinear. A member might see a promotional email about a debt consolidation loan, click through to a personalized landing page, begin an application on a mobile device, and later complete the process with staff support in-branch or over-the-phone. Credit unions that succeed ensure all touchpoints, whether digital or in-person, offer a connected, seamless, and consistent experience.

Personalized engagement doesn’t have to mean manual effort. With the right partner, credit unions can deliver offers directly within online and mobile banking environments, based on real-time insights such as life stage, transaction patterns, or recent inquiries. These activities differentiate credit unions as members feel understood and supported, while the credit union deepens the relationship through timely and relevant outreach.

What Does Differentiation Feel Like

Located in the Greater Toronto Area, administering nearly $2 billion in assets, Tandia Financial Credit Union, a community-centric financial institution, has seen strong improvements in engagement and efficiency since adopting ASAPP Financial Technology’s integrated platform. Its teams leverage configurable email templates to personalize communications and automate follow-ups, while custom promotional pages make it easy to launch targeted campaigns for specific lending and deposit programs. These campaigns guide members from personalized digital offers directly to dedicated landing pages where they can learn more or start and complete an application in minutes.

Tandia has extended this concept to an even more engaged level of member experience by partnering with a regional periodontist firm to offer a specialized in-clinic lending program for complex dental procedures that allows customers to instantly apply for the necessary financing, gain approval, and become a new member without leaving the clinic.

By leveraging real-time origination capabilities, linked to new member onboarding workflows, the possibilities to support both business and retail members are endless. From micro-loans offered via a multilingual user experience at a neighbourhood community center, to iPad-based lending applications for window replacement and driveway resealing contractors, the options of how a credit union can aid its business members, build credit union membership, and deliver greater ROI have never been more attainable.

Relevant Member Experience Is The Differentiator

Many FinTech companies have gained market share by delivering products through digital channels, but credit unions can differentiate themselves by combining community proximity, exceptional member experience, and digital delivery capabilities. Supported by the right partner, credit unions are empowered to stay connected to members not just during major financial moments, but in everyday decisions.

In today’s competitive environment, staying top of mind isn’t about being the biggest or quickest, it’s about being the most relevant and personalized option for members, wherever they choose to connect. In less than four minutes, learn more about how you can futureproof your credit union.

Justin Hayes is the Client-Partner Success Manager for ASAPP Financial Technology Inc. Contact him at justin.hayes@asappbanking.com.

ASAPP Financial Technology provides Customer Experience Software that supports regulated financial institutions as they Originate, Onboard, Understand, and Grow their Member Relationships. The bank.io OXP ®| Omnichannel Experience Platform delivers feature sets that leverage experience gained over the past 25 years while delivering a solution that adapts to the needs of credit unions today.

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And when your technology provider falls short, they feel it.

Whether it’s a system outage, a delayed update, or a support ticket that goes unanswered, poor service can ripple through your credit union. It slows down your team, interrupts operations, and chips away at the trust you’ve worked hard to build with the people you’re here to serve.

That’s why service and support shouldn’t be an afterthought when choosing a technology provider —  they should be a top priority.

Your credit union’s success depends on it.

Prioritize What Keeps Your Credit Union Running Smoothly

When service is strong, your credit union runs smoothly. Your team can focus on helping members — not troubleshooting tech.

You’ll see fewer disruptions, faster resolutions, and more time spent on what matters. That means happier members, stronger relationships, and a reputation for reliability that sets you apart.

But when service is weak, the risks add up fast.

You might face:

• Lost productivity from staff stuck solving tech issues.
• Operational hiccups from outages or lagging systems.
• Member frustration that leads to account closures.
• Compliance concerns from unresolved problems.
• Missed chances to innovate and grow.

And those aren’t just inconveniences — they can quietly drain your resources and momentum.

Recognize The Real Cost Of Poor Support

Credit union CEOs are feeling the pressure.

In fact, 41% named “efficiency” their top strategic priority this year. That’s no surprise. With rising expenses and tighter margins, every minute and dollar counts. And the right technology provider can help you make the most of both.

But not all providers treat service and support the same way.

Some offer it as an add-on. Others outsource it entirely. And when you need help, you’re stuck waiting in a queue, repeating your issue to someone who doesn’t understand your credit union — or your members.

That’s not just frustrating. It’s costly.

Choose A Provider That Acts Like Part Of Your Team

When you choose a provider that treats service and support as a core offering — not a side benefit — you gain more than just uptime.

You gain a true extension of your team.

You’ll have access to:

• Reliable systems that keep your operations humming.
• Responsive support that meets members in their moments of need.
• Strategic guidance that helps you grow with confidence.
• Proactive maintenance that saves you from costly fixes.
• A team that knows your credit union and cares about your success.

This means you can serve members better, faster, and more consistently — because your technology won’t get in the way.

Ask The Questions That Reveal True Commitment

So how do you find a provider that will show up when it counts? Ask the right questions.

In your RFP, dig into the details:

• What’s their average case resolution time?
• How long have their support reps been with the company?
• Do they offer direct communication — or just ticketing systems?
• How many credit unions have stayed with them for 20+ years?
• Do they participate in advisory groups or user communities?

These answers reveal more than just stats. They show whether a provider truly values relationships — and whether they’ll treat your credit union like more than a number.

Serve Members Better By Choosing Support That Delivers

Your members deserve better than “good enough.” And so do you.

Choosing a technology provider with exceptional service and support isn’t just smart — it’s essential. Because when your systems work, your team thrives. And when your team thrives, your members do too.

That’s how you build loyalty. That’s how you grow.

That’s how you make a difference.

Discover solutions and support from Jack Henry that can help your credit union thrive — whether you’re growing, evolving, or navigating change.

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