Recruited to Help with a Community Focus
Wide experience in various for-profit financial institutions allowed Simone
Lagomarsino a broad perspective on credit union strategy and tactics.
Wide experience in various for-profit financial institutions allowed Simone
Lagomarsino a broad perspective on credit union strategy and tactics.
You shouldn’t have to wait for your first million to see a decent return on your money, was the message of BECU’s ($7.6B, Seattle, WA) commercial to promote their Member Advantage and Early Saver Programs, for members younger than 18.
With a dedication to its members and to the spirit of family, Affinity Plus has made giving back a major priority. With a dual-marketing strategy, Affinity is learning from both its local and national partnerships.
According to Ed Callahan and Bucky Sebastian, the future share and direction of the credit union industry may lie in the hands of mid-sized credit union CEOs.
In Part 2 of this series we explore the performance of credit unions with incentive programs. Is there a correlation between staff incentives and operational results?
Strategic planning has become an important initiative by credit union executives to plan for future success and remain competitive.
After discussing Neighborhood CU’s community charter strategy, Mark Arnold, SVP, discusses the tactics used to grow members in this Part Two article.
Using the benefit of hindsight, one credit union shares its steps to a successful data processor conversion.
Many credit unions just issue a debit card to their members with a checking account. Learn how Patriot FCU, University FCU and Citibank structure their programs.
Between common-interest affinity programs, low rates, and monthly cash back rewards, Pentagon has clearly put the member first in credit card lending.

A look at year-end performance trends reveals how earnings, affordability pressures, and asset quality are redefining the operating environment heading into 2026.

Members are struggling with an affordability crisis that is changing how they manage debt, and new behaviors are showing up across the credit union loan portfolio.

This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Credit union asset quality didn’t collapse in 2025 — but it didn’t cooperate, either. What’s going on, and are credit unions prepared to respond in 2026?

This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.

This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
The affordability crisis extends far beyond big-ticket expenses. As the rising cost of basic necessities outpaces income growth, household budgets are under strain and long-term financial stability is increasingly at risk.
As credit unions move deeper into 2026, the earnings conversation is shifting. Elevated interest rates have boosted margins and strengthened earnings flexibility, but that advantage won’t persist indefinitely.
A radical shift is taking place in the way consumers move money and engage with their financial institution.

How the Michigan-based cooperative’s “Culture of Finance” curriculum is reframing financial education.