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Back to Basics: Mitigating Money Laundering Risk in Credit Unions

The financial system plays a vital role in our society, and credit unions have a significant responsibility in maintaining its integrity. One critical threat to this integrity is money laundering, the process of disguising the illegal origins of funds. To understand money laundering, credit unions need to understand the devastating consequences and key strategies to mitigate risk. 

Elevating Credit Unions in Commercial Lending: The CBS Advantage

Credit unions face challenges competing with traditional banks in the commercial lending market despite offering personalized service and local expertise. Cooperative Business Services (CBS) helps credit unions by providing expert underwriting, streamlined loan origination, and marketing support, enabling them to distinguish themselves from banks. CBS equips credit unions with the tools to offer flexible loan terms, leverage local market insights, and accelerate decision-making. Keep reading to learn more.


From manual to digital: Why credit unions need DPA

Unlock the future of lending for your credit union! Discover how Document Processing Automation (DPA) can streamline your operations, reduce delays, and enhance accuracy in loan approvals. Stay competitive in a fast-paced digital landscape and elevate member experiences with cutting-edge technology. Are you ready to transform your lending process? Learn more about the advantages of DPA!


Closing the Gaps: Enhancing Employee Benefits for Small Businesses

In today's competitive job market, small business owners must offer comprehensive employee benefits beyond just competitive salaries to attract and retain top talent. By proactively managing employee benefits; businesses can ensure employee satisfaction and adapt to changing workforce needs, ultimately improving retention and engagement. To identify and address gaps in benefits offerings, keep reading.


Financial Fraud Evolves as Fraudsters Ramp Up Their Attacks

Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting new financial products and services offered by financial institutions (FIs) through omnichannel banking. While FIs aim to improve customer access and compete for business, these changes also create opportunities for fraud. Many FIs still rely on isolated solutions that fail to integrate data across channels, making it challenging to combat fraud effectively. To learn how to enhance security, keep reading.


Understanding NCUA’s Guidance on Overdraft and NSF Fees

The NCUA has urged credit unions to improve overdraft and NSF fee practices to protect members and reduce costs, emphasizing the need to eliminate harmful practices without ending overdraft programs. Key issues include unpredictable fees, multiple NSF charges, blanket RDI fees, high daily caps, and poor disclosures. Credit unions should evaluate their practices, educate members, offer alternatives, and strengthen compliance to maintain valuable programs and build trust. Keep reading to learn how ADVANTAGE supports these changes.


Embracing AI to elevate your member experience

AI is transforming credit union lending by automating tasks, enhancing member experiences, and promoting equitable access to credit. It streamlines underwriting processes, personalizes loan offerings, and improves fraud detection. These advancements allow credit unions to focus more on member relationships, maintain competitiveness, and serve underserved populations. Keep reading to learn how Origence can help your credit union utilize AI.


Treasury Check Fraud: Ways to Protect Your Credit Union

Fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks are rising, with alterations to the MICR line being a common tactic. Credit unions should be aware of potential losses when depositing these checks, as the U.S. Treasury does not have a 24-hour return deadline. Fraudulent checks may be returned months later, and standard check holds don’t guarantee funds. Read on to discover how to safeguard your credit union with solutions from Catalyst.


Strategic outsourcing: A modern approach to credit union lending

Strategic outsourcing transforms credit union lending by addressing staffing challenges, enhancing member service, and embracing technology. Many credit unions face recruitment and retention issues, making outsourcing an appealing solution to manage workload fluctuations and avoid employee burnout. By outsourcing lending tasks, internal staff can focus more on member interactions, improving service quality. Keep reading to learn more from Origence.


Credit Union Earnings Remain Strong Amid Slower Loan Growth

Credit union earnings are strong despite loan growth slowing to below 2%. Members spend less, and credit unions hold higher loan rates to manage risk. Delinquencies and charge-offs have increased, but performance remains solid. Understanding loan portfolios, especially in vehicle loans, is essential. While term certificate growth continues due to competitive pricing, the overall cost of funds has risen. Credit unions are effectively managing loan and deposit pricing, maintaining net interest margins around 3%. Keep reading to learn more.


Securing Your Online Accounts – Phishing Red Flags to Share with Your Members

Take advice from the experts at Stickley on Security and Millennium Corporate Credit Union to understand the importance of recognizing phishing red flags that can help protect your online financial accounts. Key red flags to watch include checking the sender's email address for discrepancies, being wary of messages that create a sense of urgency, spotting poor grammar or spelling, and verifying any offers that seem too good to be true. To learn more, keep reading.


Payments Index November 2024: Holiday Spending Season Starts Strong in the Goods Sector

In the November edition of the Velera Payments Index, consumer card spending showed improvement in October. Debit purchases increased by 5.1%, while credit purchases rose by 0.7%. Consumer confidence surged significantly in the lead-up to the presidential election, although job growth remains stagnant. As the new year approaches, credit unions are encouraged to focus on acquisition strategies and member engagement while managing elevated credit card delinquencies. Keep reading to learn more from Velera.


Essential Budgeting Skills for College Students

Budget management is crucial for college students as it prepares them for financial independence. To manage their finances effectively, students should adopt critical strategies such as setting clear financial goals, understanding their income sources, identifying and prioritizing expenses, using credit responsibly, repaying loans while still in school, saving regularly, and developing positive financial habits. Continue reading to learn more from LendKey about how budgeting can benefit college students in the future.


Loan Participation Choices: Direct Placement or Automated Platform

Loan participation is a strategic tool for credit unions to manage their loan portfolios, diversify risk, and enhance liquidity by selling portions of loans to other institutions. Sellers can choose between two primary methods: direct placement, which offers a personalized approach with specific buyers, and marketplace platforms that increase visibility and reach a larger pool of potential buyers. Catalyst provides both options; keep reading to learn more.


ATM Crime: How to Help Prevent It

ATM-related crimes, including skimming and attacks on personnel, have spiked by a concerning 50% in the U.S. over the last three years. It's imperative to act now to safeguard your ATM fleets. Keep reading to learn about crucial security strategies that can significantly strengthen your defenses, expertly presented by Dolphin Debit.


How CBS Helps Credit Unions Launch Commercial Real Estate Lending Services

Cooperative Business Services (CBS) offers expertise to help credit unions expand into commercial real estate lending. They assist in evaluating tenant financial stability, conducting market analysis, and reducing risks. CBS helps credit unions create safer and more profitable lending portfolios. Keep reading to learn more about their tailored services for launching Commercial Real Estate Lending Services.


Top 7 Payroll Mistakes to Avoid and How You Can Prevent Them

Managing payroll efficiently is vital for every employer. Mistakes in payroll can lead to serious consequences, from disgruntled employees to potential legal troubles. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and systems in place, most payroll errors can be easily avoided. Read on to uncover the top seven payroll mistakes and actionable strategies to prevent them, brought to you by OneDigital.


Cybersecurity and AI: Pros and Cons

Online security poses daily threats to financial institutions globally. AI is transforming cybersecurity by enhancing threat detection and automating tasks, but it also enables cybercriminals to launch advanced attacks, such as tailored phishing schemes and AI-generated malware. Catalyst addresses these challenges with AI-driven security measures and promotes digital privacy awareness among stakeholders. While AI offers powerful cybersecurity tools, financial institutions must balance its benefits with potential risks. Keep reading to learn more.


Streamlining success: The power of automation

As credit unions navigate a rapidly changing financial landscape, automation is critical to delivering seamless, digital-first member experiences. Member expectations for instant service necessitate quick online applications and immediate decisions, making automation a crucial differentiator. Continue reading to learn more about the key advantages of automation.


The Future of Auto Financing: Credit Union Lending and Automation

In auto financing, speed and accuracy are crucial. Delays can lead customers to seek quicker loans elsewhere, making technology essential for credit unions. Currently, 63% of lenders report that manual processes can extend auto purchases beyond 30 minutes, causing significant funding delays and errors. Learn more about how the partnership between Origence and Informed.IQ can help change the landscape.


Mortgage-Backed Securities Double-Edged Sword

Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) can offer higher yields but come with associated risks, such as interest rate and liquidity risks. Credit unions must balance these factors through robust Asset Liability Management (ALM) practices. Keep reading for more information on how Catalyst can assist.

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