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Back to Basics: Mitigating Money Laundering Risk in Credit Unions
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How Can Credit Unions Apply the "People Helping People" Philosophy to Find the Right Employees?
Unlocking the potential of credit unions goes beyond just numbers; it's about people! How can the "People Helping People" philosophy serve as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent? By rethinking hiring practices, credit unions can seek candidates from diverse backgrounds beyond traditional finance, discovering individuals with invaluable transferable skills. Explore innovative strategies with Cornerstone Resources that can transform the future of hiring in the credit union movement.
FedNow and P2P: Complementary Forces in the Future of Payments
Discover how the launch of FedNow in 2023 is reshaping payment systems in the U.S. This innovative service provides instant settlement for financial institutions and complements peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, empowering credit unions to offer seamless, branded solutions. Explore the advantages of integrating FedNow with P2P to enhance member satisfaction and engagement while maintaining secure, accessible funds. Don't miss out on the future of payments with Catalyst!
Entering The New Year With Purpose And Discipline
The start of a new year offers credit unions a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and strengthen their security posture with intention. Rather than introducing new tools or reacting to emerging threats, meaningful risk reduction often comes from reinforcing foundational controls—especially where discipline and consistency may have eroded over time. This article explores how small security gaps develop, why identity protection and access controls deserve renewed focus, and how credit unions can enter the year more resilient by doing what matters most—consistently. Read the full blog to learn how these practical steps can help reduce risk and strengthen security throughout the year.
AI 101
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us – and it didn't just start with the recent emergence of ChatGPT. In this blog post, Elizabeth Wadsworth, Velera's senior AI innovation strategist, offers a snapshot of AI's history, the current state of AI, and what to look for in the future. Keep reading to learn more.
Reimagining Checking for Gen Z
Today’s younger consumers seldom, if ever, write checks. The term “checking account” seems outdated and disconnected from how they manage their money. In this blog post, Kari Anne Arnosk, Senior Strategic Consultant at Advisors Plus, discusses the transition from paper checks to digital wallets, mobile apps, and instant payments. She also explores how financial institutions can create more consumer-friendly “spending accounts” that genuinely resonate with the next generation.
Overdrafts aren’t the problem—outdated strategies are
In an evolving financial landscape, credit unions face challenges like narrowing interest margins and volatile non-interest income. With outdated overdraft strategies under scrutiny, the focus has shifted to delivering responsible, transparent services that support both financial performance and member well-being. Discover how modernizing overdraft management can enhance member trust while providing a reliable source of income with ADVANTAGE.
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Liquidity Crunch Got You Down? There’s A Simple Solution – SimpliCD
SimpliCD Issuance provides a solution for credit unions facing liquidity challenges by enabling them to issue federally insured share certificates to a nationwide network of over 4,300 credit unions. This process allows for the quick raising of funds—up to $50 million in one transaction—with minimal paperwork. Managed by Primary Financial, the program simplifies fundraising with centralized deposits, no hidden fees, and straightforward onboarding. Credit unions of various charters can participate, making it an efficient alternative to FHLB advances and other funding options. To get started, credit unions can contact Millennium Corporate Credit Union.
Why Your Next LOS Needs More Than Loan Processing Power?
Unlock the future of lending with a next-generation loan origination system (LOS) that goes beyond basic functionality. As borrower expectations for speed, transparency, and personalization rise, credit unions must adapt to stay competitive. Discover the six essential capabilities your institution should prioritize to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and member engagement. Elevate your lending processes to transform the member experience and drive growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Discover how advanced technology with Origence can help your credit union stand out.
Subordinated Debt as a Strategic Growth Lever for Credit Unions
Unlock new growth opportunities for your credit union with subordinated debt (sub-debt)! As more credit unions embrace this strategic financing option, understanding what sub-debt is and how it can enhance your capital position is essential. Discover the key application requirements and learn how top-performing credit unions are leveraging sub-debt to expand their services and reach new members. Ready to take your credit union's balance sheet to the next level? Let Catalyst guide you through the process with expert support and insights!
Key Advantages of an Asset & Liability Management Validation
Unlock the potential of your credit union with robust Asset & Liability Management (ALM) model validation! Ensure financial stability, enhance compliance, and make informed strategic decisions. Discover how regular validations can reinforce regulatory confidence, improve risk management, and provide invaluable insights into your ALM processes. Don't leave your institution's future to chance—learn more about the importance of ALM validation today!
State of the CMO and MBS Market – Midyear 2025 (Basic Fundamental Analysis)
Halfway through 2025, the market for bonds tied to home loans – known as CMOs (Collateralized Mortgage Obligations) and MBS (Mortgage-Backed Securities) – are going through some changes. These changes are primarily driven by the overall economy, government policies, and what people anticipate regarding interest rates. Here’s a straightforward look at what’s happening.
Why the Barbell Strategy Is Gaining Traction in Today’s Market
Navigating the current rate environment requires more than defensive positioning – it demands strategic agility. For credit unions aiming to capture opportunity while preserving flexibility, the barbell investment strategy is emerging as a smart, time-tested approach.
Security Practices to Keep Financial Fraud at Bay
In 2023, the IC3 reported some shocking numbers. It received over 880,000 complaints from consumers regarding fraud. Total losses exceeded $12.5 billion. That's not trivial; in fact, this just further shows how much businesses and their financial institutions are still at risk of considerable losses today.
Message received — and deceived: Fighting the onslaught of text scams
AI is supercharging phone scams, but Mastercard is joining forces with telecoms to broaden visibility into blind spots. The flurry of texts about unpaid highway tolls. The constant calls from unknown numbers. The offers of a bucket-list vacation for cheap. Even dream job offers. These are just a few ways scammers exploit our newly interconnected world.
Beyond the Cash Bonus: How to Drive Engagement and Long-Term Value
In the race to grow deposits and market share, many financial institutions rely on cash sign-up bonuses to capture attention. While these offers can create a quick uptick in new accounts, they often fail to deliver long-term value.
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Don’t Overlook Windows to Reset Long-Term Contracts
As financial institutions prepare for year-end planning, it is crucial to assess upcoming renewal events and vendor contracts. With market dynamics shifting rapidly, engaging with experts can uncover significant savings and drive better terms—even without changing providers. Discover how strategic partnerships and informed negotiations can transform your technology investments, ensuring financial stability and enhanced customer experiences. Explore how one initiative helped credit unions save millions, demonstrating the immense value of expert support in today’s tech-driven landscape.
Navigating the Uncertain Economic Environment with Catalyst
In today's unpredictable economic landscape, where instability reigns supreme, credit unions must manage their financial strategies proactively. Discover how Catalyst can empower you to maximize liquidity, effectively manage interest rate risks, and enhance your capital base. Don't navigate uncertainty alone—partner with us to optimize your balance sheet and confidently achieve your financial goals. Keep reading to learn more.
A Personalized Customer Experience Matters Now More Than Ever
In today's fast-paced digital world, personalized customer experiences are more important than ever for community banks and credit unions. While large financial institutions offer convenience and speed, customers still crave meaningful interactions with their financial institutions. As digital banking continues to evolve, fostering warm relationships and advocacy can set smaller banks apart from the competition. Discover how Invo Solutions can help you blend innovative technology with authentic customer engagement to enhance loyalty and promote growth in your financial services.
2025’s ‘Wait & See’ Economy: What It Means for Credit Unions
As credit unions navigate a challenging economic landscape in 2025, finding the right balance between managing interest rate risk and growing interest income is crucial. With the Federal Reserve maintaining steady interest rates, credit unions are experiencing pressures on their investments and member share accounts. Understanding the implications of higher rates on loans and the associated credit risks for sustainable growth is essential. Discover how Millennium Corporate can help proactively address these challenges and position your credit union for success in this evolving environment.
TikTok Budgeting Trends To Know
TikTok is revolutionizing how we approach money with new budgeting trends that blend humor, relatability, and creativity. From the boldness of "loud budgeting" to the playful justifications of "girl math," these trends encourage open discussions about finances and challenge traditional money norms. Dive into the world of "soft savings" and "doom spending" and discover how these viral concepts reshape our financial conversations.
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