The Year Of Living Dangerously
Introducing monthly dues was a risky move for Arizona Federal. Yet one year later, the credit union has a more engaged membership as a result.
Introducing monthly dues was a risky move for Arizona Federal. Yet one year later, the credit union has a more engaged membership as a result.
Credit unions exist to serve members, and the Return of the Member (ROM) scoring system is designed to measure how well credit unions live up to this task.
Disclosing executive salaries is not a regulatory issue; rather, it can be a marketplace advantage. Keeping compensation private only suggests that credit unions have something to hide.
Quantitative facts covering almost every aspect of credit union activity are abundant—and becoming even more plentiful. Many users of data are seeking answers. The issues range from the general, “How-am-I-doing?” to the specific, such as “Should-Iraise-my-NSF-fee?”
A hang gliding anecdote from Jim Blaine, CEO of State Employees Credit Union, offers insight into what it takes for a credit union to truly take off.
Concentrate on four key merger elements that take into account all stakeholders.
The need for member connection is vital, so any changes should complement the credit union’s brand and mission.
A rebranding effort has to be driven by values, so find out what similarities make the credit unions stand out in their communities.
nCino CEO Pierre Naudé, winner of NACUSO’s Next Big Idea competition, talks his system, lending opportunities at credit unions, and cloud-based computing at financial institutions.
Credit unions need to recognize the power in their members’ stories as a way to communicate the credit union difference.

The Michigan cooperative keeps everyday payments working and members happy by using a common friction point to build brand loyalty.

How a former Sam’s Club finance leader adapted his member-first mindset to a not-for-profit credit union.

How a unique role instills SchoolsFirst FCU’s future leaders with an appreciation for its past.

Arriba Advisors co-founder Tom Russell explores how credit unions can bridge the gap between a growth mindset and their technical reality.

RKL offers insight, expertise, and experience to help fight off growing threats.

Members are anxious about their financial futures, even as credit unions remain financially strong. Institutions that respond to this moment can make 2026 a turning point.

Global events are flowing directly into household budgets, reshaping how credit union members save, borrow, and cope. Such trends don’t always show up in headline data.

Credit unions are benefiting from a rare margin advantage as loans reprice slower than deposits. The question now is how institutions will use that strength to better serve members.

Membership growth is slowing, but financial activity is not. What does the modern financial relationship look like?

Inflation, war, and uncertain futures have reshaped members’ needs in 2026. What does credit union performance data from the first quarter of 2026 say about household budgets, inflation pressures, and more?