In this episode of CU On the Show, Doug English speaks with Todd Fanning of GreenState Credit Union and Mike Macchiarola from Olden Lane, diving into how subordinated debt has become a key strategy for credit union growth and community impact. They share insights from GreenState's experience leveraging this financial tool for expansive growth and initiating a significant social bond for minority homeownership.  This conversation is essential for anyone in the credit union sector, investors with a focus on social impact, or individuals curious about innovative financial strategies. Discove ..read more

In a world where technological advancements continue to shape and redefine the landscape of  credit unions, the question of how technology can humanize culture is not just pertinent but essential. In this detailed exploration with Dr. Troy Hall, a best-selling author and expert in talent retention and cohesion culture, we delve into the ways technology can enhance cultural dynamics within credit unions, fostering a more engaged, inclusive, and productive workplace.  Join us for an enlightening discussion that promises not only to inform but inspire you to view technology as a catalys ..read more

The credit union movement’s biggest annual advocacy event, the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) hosted by America's Credit Unions, will occur this year from March 3 to 7 in Washington, D.C. and draw an estimated 6,000 attendees.  Doug English sits with Todd Spiczenski, Chief Association Services Officer at America’s Credit Unions, to discuss what changes and improvements attendees can expect and how they can make the most of their time between Hill hikes, networking, and breakout sessions. Tune in for a sneak preview into how GAC’s getting bigger and better than ever with an expanded ..read more

Achieving unprecedented growth takes strategic planning, ongoing examination, and access to the information required to consider bold ideas and pursue opportunities.  In this episode, guest Michael Bell, partner and chair of the Financial Institutions Practices Group at Honigman, LLP, sheds light on non-organic growth options that may be unfamiliar to many credit unions. These strategies have the potential to impact growth and broaden fields of membership significantly. Stream the episode to learn how strategic acquisitions and changing charters can play a crucial role in helping optimize ..read more

With funding pressures and the high rate of deposits across credit unions, leaders must find creative ways to generate capital. Credit unions need capital to maintain good financial standing and pursue long-term strategic plans, such as acquiring another financial institution, undergoing a digital transformation, and more.  In this episode, Doug is joined by returning guest Bill Paton, vice president of lending, loan participations, and subordinated debt at Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union, and Patrick Roberts, chief revenue officer at MountainSeed. They discuss their new sale-leaseb ..read more

One of the original intentions has always been to leverage life insurance-based executive benefits, such as collateral assignment split dollar plans, to retain a credit union executive. However, these plans generally come with floating maturity dates that may not be tenable long-term. So, what happens when the original goal of these benefits changes; for example, when an executive considers leaving the organization sooner than expected or for other reasons? In these scenarios, credit unions have historically been forced to keep a less desirable asset on their balance sheet—until now.  Jay ..read more

When you think of a digital-first organization, you may imagine the opposite of a personalized and thoughtful experience. However, “C.U. on the Show” guest Thomas Novak, vice president and chief digital officer at Visions Federal Credit Union, shares that’s exactly what his team is creating through strategic innovation and a buy, build, or partner approach to fintech. Tom explains how Visions leverages technology and partners with fintech and other companies to deliver value, support seamless end-to-end member experiences, and augment what the credit union movement represents, from affordable ..read more

In recent years, credit unions have made significant strides in enhancing their digital banking platforms and addressing challenges posed by the pandemic, such as high deposit rates. However, today credit unions are facing a new focal point—data—which the 2023 Strategy Priorities Benchmark Survey conducted by Jack Henry & Associates® explores. Survey respondents, including credit union and bank CEOs, provided insights into their future focus areas, which helps financial institutions understand where the industry is today, where it’s going, and how it’s driving bold strategic initiatives, w ..read more

Passionate about cooperatives that focus on mission, our guest, Sam Brownell, CEO and founder of CUCollaborate, wants to help credit unions become the primary financial partner of every American. He hopes to achieve that through a new data consortium, AnalyzeCU, which credit unions can leverage to gain new insights, compete with big banks, and deliver more value. Sam discusses the platform, features such as customizable reporting, and how credit unions can balance profitability and their mission while capturing more net-new members. Stream the episode to learn more about how to participate and ..read more

Last year, ACT Advisors released its white paper, The 125% Credit Union Executive, which described how credit union leaders could unlock up to 25% more in assets from their executive benefits by applying optimized executive financial strategies. In late 2022, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0 was passed, including provisions that offer credit union executives additional opportunities to gain even more value from their benefits. In this episode of “C.U. on the Show,” ACT Advisors Operations Manager Nicolette Speziale, CFP® takes over as host to interview ..read more