Asset Quality Is Worsening. Is There Light On The Horizon?
Higher interest rates have forced members to pick and choose which debts to repay and which to postpone, which doesn’t fare well for revolving products.
Higher interest rates have forced members to pick and choose which debts to repay and which to postpone, which doesn’t fare well for revolving products.
The Federal Reserve is projected to cut rates several times in 2024; however, soaring prices and dwindling savings still leave Americans with little incentive to make a big purchase.
Interest rates and inflation meet member budgetary challenges, but this Ohio credit union has a plan for that.
TAPCO Credit Union boosted loan volumes with a campaign that put a new spin on a not-safe-for-work expression.
Some underwriting and belt-tightening, staffing and product changes are part of the response as swiftly rising rates roil the housing market.
The U.S. is experiencing a shortage of homes amid record demand, which is likely to have an impact on mortgage lending moving forward.
Supply still lags demand but price hikes are slowing, and a lot has changed in the past 15 years.
Home equity loans for remodeling can help fill the mortgage lending pipeline as the refinancing boom begins to fizzle.
Targeted promotions generate enough volume to make up for the smaller margin on home equity lines at SECU of Maryland.
Credit unions used creative ways to serve new markets and members throughout 2016, and they survived the first year of some dramatic document changes.

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.