Podcasts about credit unions

Many people use banks or credit unions to manage their money. But soon, these same institutions could help some people manage their cryptocurrency. A new law taking effect Aug. 1, 2026, in Minnesota lays out the rules for financial institutions wanting to become so-called “crypto custodians.”Advocates for the legislation say it's an important step in ensuring local banks and credit unions stay competitive against national crypto companies. Minnesota Department of Commerce Deputy Commissioner Michael Crow spoke to MPR News host Nina Moini about the new regulations and what it could mean for the state's economy.

Raddon's Bill Handel says younger consumers are gravitating toward big banks and fintechs, while AI and operational efficiency will shape the future of credit unions. And following some moves and major life changes, Michael pauses to check in with Natasha and Producer Zach.

Welcome to Bond Investment Mentor! In this episode, Chris explores what bond defeasance is, how it works, and how it affects you as an investor. He also discusses how to identify and analyze defeased securities.   In this episode: Market & Fed update (1:34) Understanding Defeasance (9:19) How defeasance works Municipal bonds & defeasance Commercial MBS & defeasance Analyzing defeased securities Why I do what I do  (29:17) If you have questions about anything covered in this episode, please email me at Chris @ BondInvestmentMentor.com. Do you know someone who could benefit from this information? Please share this episode and podcast with them! You will find more articles, tips, and resources about fixed-income investing and portfolio management at BondInvestmentMentor.com. Check it out! Let's Connect via Social Media! LinkedIn: Christopher Nelson, CFA Connect with Nelson Capital Advisors Interested in discussing how these concepts apply to your institution? I'd welcome the conversation. Email: Chris@NelsonCapitalAdvisors.com Phone: 207-420-2442 Website: NelsonCapitalAdvisors.com About Nelson Capital Advisors Nelson Capital Advisors is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, specializing in serving community banks and credit unions. We provide investment advisory services, portfolio management consulting, investment policy development, and fixed-income strategy guidance. Bond Investment Mentor LLC and Nelson Capital Advisors are commonly owned entities. For detailed information about Nelson Capital Advisors' services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A brochure. Important Disclaimer The content in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice for your specific situation. For advice tailored to your institution's needs, please contact Nelson Capital Advisors directly.

Kris Kovacs sits down with Mark Majeske, Senior Vice President of Faster Payments at Alacriti, to explore how instant payment technologies like RTP, FedNow, and emerging payment rails are transforming the future of credit unions. Powered by Curql, this episode dives into member expectations, fraud prevention, cross-border payments, payment orchestration, and why offering faster payments has become a strategic advantage for institutions looking to grow deposits and improve member experiences.

On Friday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Canadian Cattle Association and Alberta Beef Producers reach an Interim Participation Agreement, the future of Agribition at REAL District in Regina, and more.

On Thursday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Seeding nearly done Saskatchewan-wide, highlights from Agribition AGM, fertilizer prices, and more.

NABPAC's second Hill Day is in the books — and by all accounts, it delivered. In this debrief episode, Micaela Isler is joined by co-host Adam Belmar and two NABPAC board members who were right in the mix: Trey Hawkins of America's Credit Unions and Joe Manion of the American Waterway Operators. Together, they break down what made this year's Hill visit stand out — from the growing familiarity congressional offices have with NABPAC's priority issues like indexing and prior approval, to the power of PAC professionals who can walk into any meeting and tell their story without a script. Plus, a look back at the summer soirée that capped off the week, including the goat cheese bites that caused some serious FOMO.Whether you were in the room or following along from afar, this episode captures what happens when the Business PAC community shows up — and keeps showing up.

Send us Fan MailWhen will instant payments come to smaller credit unions?Perhaps the better question is: Will instant payments ever come to smaller credit unions?On the show are Bob West, CEO of CUSO CU*South, which serves  some 360 credit unions (in 42 states, not just the south), and Keith Riddle of Payfinia, which has launched an instant payment platform that integrated with CU*South's technology - meaning it's straightforward for a CU*South customer to integrate into Payfinia's tools.Now get this: most CU*South credit unions are smaller institutions.  Lots are under $350 million in assets.What might have seen a dream - available only to the likes of Chase and Navy Fed - now is available to small institutions.Does it matter?Will members use this instant payments technology?Instant payments are a reality - that's a fact in today's immediacy economy.  Credit unions need to climb aboard this train.  Listen upLike what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

On Thursday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Canadian Western Agribition AGM, Monette Farms' Intensive Livestock Operation discussed at a weekend meeting in Lac Pelletier, and more.

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com back to the podcast to talk about the new Earth, Wind & Fire documentary and his recent interviews with Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil and Jon Spencer of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. They also review recent concerts by George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Phil Manzanera, and Santana with The Doobie Brothers. Along the way, they discuss the parking headaches at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre and the troubling trend of outdoor venues keeping shows going during dangerous weather. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to read listener emails and talk about the new Martin Short documentary. That conversation leads to a deep dive into some of Short's wildest work, including the cult favorite Clifford. They also chat about Top Gun, Family Guy, Bob's Burgers, and a handful of other topics that somehow all connect by the end. Trust us, it makes sense when you hear it. [Ep 464]

In the sixth episode of the season, Chris Low, Chief Economist at FHN, rejoins the show LIVE from DCG's 42nd Annual Balance Sheet & Model Risk Management Conference. Chris and the guys jump into the current inflation and unemployment storylines, rate expectations, the “dual mandate,” and what bankers should expect from a Kevin Warsh-led Federal Reserve.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

What does it really take to grow a business lending CUSO in 2026? Mark Ritter and Jeff Lyons pull back the curtain on eight years of organizational evolution, honest reflections on artificial intelligence, and where credit union technology is finally delivering results. From Microsoft Copilot upgrades that went from frustrating to impressive, to AI-assisted hiring wins, to the unfiltered reality of conference networking, this conversation is refreshingly direct. If you work in fintech or credit unions and want a perspective grounded in real experience rather than buzzwords, this episode is for you.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How credit union technology like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT has evolved from clunky early tools into genuinely useful platforms for business efficiency inside a growing CUSO.✅ Why a thoughtful approach to AI adoption paid off for MBFS, including a real example of how updated job descriptions powered by AI led directly to a successful hire.✅ How portfolio management practices and internal team development have transformed credit union growth at MBFS over eight years of organizational change.✅ What conference networking looks like today compared to 20 years ago, and why showing up at trade shows is now more about relationships than closing deals on the floor.Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Jeff Lyons reflects on eight years of credit union growth and his evolving COO role05:14 History of artificial intelligence, from Clippy to ChatGPT and credit union technology09:44 Honest take on Microsoft Copilot, AI adoption struggles, and real business efficiency gains14:21 How AI adoption improved hiring via smarter job descriptions and operational efficiency16:16 The changing reality of conference networking, trade show etiquette, breakfast buffets, and industry trends observations21:52 Wrapping up favorite conferences and final thoughts on AI adoption in credit union growthKEY TAKEAWAYS:

On Tuesday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Trade talk as Saskatchewan signed an MOU with Poland, more comments about CUSMA, and more.

On Monday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Markets reacting to latest development in Iran conflict, CFA react to the National Food Security Strategy, and more.

On Friday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: The latest chatter on Canada-U.S. trade, Saskatchewan signs MOU with Czechia, and more.

On Thursday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Most regions of Saskatchewan almost done seeding, and more.

Send us Fan MailHow does a lawyer - by education and employment history - become a top executive at fintechs?  Good question.  But here's another one: how can a fintech help credit unions win members for savings accounts paying in the vicinity of 4% APR?On the show is Alastair Wood, CEO of Raisin, a fintech that helps credit unions market innovative products - high yield savings included - to attract new members.Understand, Raisin does essentially all the lifting involved in marketing and opening new accounts for new members.  Memberization included.  Raisin, by the way, is relatively new to the US market. But it has a long history in Europe.This episode starts with Wood explaining why, just maybe, a trained lawyer is an ideal leader for a fintech, especially one operating in a highly regulated environment.Wood, by the way, traces his hands on involvement in fintechs and credit unions back to a multi year stint at Silvur, whose CEO, Rhian Horgan is a past CU 3.0 Podcast guest.  Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

Steve Bugg, President & CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union, joins WGN's Jon Hansen to discuss the 100-year anniversary of Chicago Municipal Employees Credit Union and the partnership they have with GLCU. For more information, visit: www.glcu.org.

On Wednesday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Hail damage claims being made following Tuesday night's heavy weather, and more.

On Tuesday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Grain Millers celebrating 25 years in Canada, an FCC analysis on interest rates, and more.

On Monday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Saskatchewan Stock Growers holding AGM, a look at canola futures, and more.

Welcome to Bond Investment Mentor! In this episode, Chris breaks down callable step-up agency bonds. He explains how these agency bonds work and how these investments could deliver less than you expect. Chris also provides a framework for analyzing step-ups using Bloomberg screens and deciding whether they actually make sense for your institution's portfolio. In this episode: Market & Fed update (1:43) Listener question: Discount MBS investments & a yield quirk (8:28) Understanding callable agencies (13:40) Callable step-up agency basics How to evaluate them (Download: Pre-Purchase Due Diligence Checklists) The challenges of call and coupon interaction Developing a step-up investment approach Boost your investment fundamentals with Bond Basics (Learn More) (26:55) If you have questions about anything covered in this episode, please email me at Chris @ BondInvestmentMentor.com. Do you know someone who could benefit from this information? Please share this episode and podcast with them! You will find more articles, tips, and resources about fixed-income investing and portfolio management at BondInvestmentMentor.com. Check it out! Let's Connect via Social Media! LinkedIn: Christopher Nelson, CFA

“Remember to give your team time to shine.” – Samantha BeelerWelcome to episode 235 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your hosts, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight, and Jilly Nowacki, President and CEO of Humanidei.This episode is sponsored by Trellance. Trellance is a leading technology partner for credit unions, delivering innovative technology solutions to help credit unions achieve more. With a comprehensive suite of analytics, cloud and talent solutions, the Trellance team ensures credit unions increase efficiency, manage risk, and improve member experience. Learn more here!In this new 2026 season, Jilly and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too.This week on the podcast, we welcome back Samantha Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. She returns to the podcast to discuss what it looks like to live and lead well at the same time. We talk about how success on paper can still feel hollow when it comes at the expense of presence, health, or the people we care about and how many leaders learn that achievement alone doesn't hold up as a definition of a good life.Listen in as we share how those lessons rarely arrive in one dramatic moment but instead build through seasons, habits, missteps, and small course corrections. From missed boundaries to rules about disconnecting, we reflect on what it means to step back from making efforts to be constantly available and challenge the idea that being always-on is a requirement for being effective. Listen as Samantha opens up about the real tradeoffs behind leadership decisions—including times when she pushed too hard, learned from it, and began relying more intentionally on boundaries and the people around her to keep her grounded.Throughout our conversation, we return to the idea that leadership is shaped just as much by who surrounds us as by anything we accomplish on our own. Mentors, peers, teams, and even family members all play big roles in helping us see ourselves more clearly and adjust when we drift off course. We also discuss the pressure leaders often feel to be everywhere, know everything, and never miss an opportunity and how that mindset can quietly pull life out of alignment. We hope that you enjoy our insightful conversation with Samantha Beeler! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Samantha:Samantha Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliatesthe-league.coop Samantha: LinkedInThe League of Credit Unions & Affiliates: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTubeSubscribe on: Apple Podcasts and SpotifyBooks mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book ListShow notes from this episode:Sponsor: TrellanceShout-out: Jilly's son CrosbyShout-out: Paul MercerShout-out: Troy StangShout-out: Samantha's fatherShout-out: Montana Credit UnionShout-out: Samantha's husbandShout-out: Samantha's kidsShout-out: Samantha's board member ChrisShout-out: GACPlace mentioned: AlabamaPlace mentioned: GeorgiaPlace mentioned: Hartford, CTPlace mentioned: Las Vegas, NVShout-out: Alyssa HorwitzShout-out: HumanideiShout-out: Adam GrantPrevious guests mentioned in this episode: Samantha Beeler (#196); Caroline Willard (#20, #147, & #221); Patty Corkery (#112 & #213); Tracie Kenyon (#12, CUInsight Network episode #64, & #209); Robbie Young (#193 & CUInsight Network episode); & Greg Michlig (#156)In This Episode:[2:32] - Samantha touches upon what living well means to her at this stage of her life.[5:48] - Jilly points out that meaningful change develops gradually via habits that improve presence and reduce work attachment.[7:29] - Samantha argues that mentors and lived experiences help shape leadership growth more than titles or roles do.[10:12] - Hear how past imbalance taught Samantha that success requires boundaries, rest, and sustainable work habits.[13:00] - Samantha points out how modern work culture normalizes unsustainable pace, prompting her to question its necessity.[16:07] - External accountability helps Samantha recognize when she is overworking and maintain healthier boundaries.[19:38] - Samantha believes that leadership requires creating space for others.[22:01] - Jilly and Randy talk about how frequent conferences shape credit union culture, sometimes limiting time for meaningful local collaboration.[23:38] - Jilly points out how reframing leadership as creating opportunities for others helps transform FOMO into more purposeful delegation.[25:26] - Hear how life is seasonal integration rather than a fragile balance, and stepping back rarely causes disaster.[28:36] - Samantha agrees that viewing life in seasons can reveal shifting priorities where being present is more important than constant work urgency.[31:01] - Jilly and Samantha agree upon the importance of radical transparency.[33:53] - Team support helps Samantha protect boundaries and reminds her that leadership is a long-term commitment.[36:05] - Samantha asserts that authentic leadership requires vulnerability, shared leadership, and leaders who help develop other leaders.[37:26] - Jilly and Samantha discuss how emerging leaders show strong potentSend us Fan Mail

Kris Kovacs sits down with Alec Crawford, Founder and CEO of Verapath, to discuss how credit unions and community financial institutions can safely adopt AI while staying compliant and secure. From AI governance and regulatory requirements to AI agents, workflows, cybersecurity, and risk management, Alec shares practical insights from decades in banking, technology, and artificial intelligence. If your institution is exploring AI, this conversation provides a roadmap for doing it responsibly while unlocking real business value.

On Friday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: A Muenster area farmer provides an update on seeding, a new Deputy Ag Minister in Saskatchewan, research on seaweed as an alternative cattle feed, and more.

Joe Pfeiffer - St Louis Cardinals, joins Chris and Amy to promote the grand opening of the new Des Peres branch of Community America Credit Union this evening 5p-7p.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Kathy Orovitz shares how Navigant Credit Union is reinforcing its role as a trusted community partner through a people-first approach. We explore strategies for cultivating a strong organizational culture, maintaining employee engagement, and balancing technology with human connection in financial services.Key Topics:The importance of community-centric banking during times of uncertaintyNavigant's heritage and core values rooted in local involvement and cultureHow intentional leadership fosters employee satisfaction and member trustThe role of recognition programs and company events in reinforcing cultureBalancing remote work with in-person connection for a resilient workplaceDiversity of talent sourcing and ongoing learning initiativesNavigant's commitment to supporting local businesses through sponsorship and showcase programsThe evolving landscape of hybrid work models and their impact on productivity and cultureStrategies for attracting and retaining talent amid a competitive job marketTimestamps:00:00 - Introducing Kathy Orovitz and Navigant's community focus00:27 - Navigant's response to current economic noise and community involvement01:03 - Building trusted relationships with members over decades01:20 - The significance of community-based banking in uncertain times02:04 - Navigant's heritage rooted in local service and community need02:46 - Cultivating culture through intentional leadership and employee-first values04:11 - Impact of employee-centered culture on member experience04:45 - Differentiating through trusted relationships and value-added services05:13 - Keeping a disciplined focus on member needs and technological growth05:44 - Empowering employees through learning, cross-training, and feedback06:28 - Navigant's cultural approach during company-wide events and recognition07:04 - Leadership recognition and employee engagement strategies09:27 - The importance of culture in a hybrid work environment10:05 - Finding a successful balance between remote and in-office work11:25 - Strategies for attracting and retaining talent in a competitive landscape12:17 - Continuous learning and industry engagement for staff development13:15 - Infusing talent and AI with a strong emphasis on member experience14:26 - Supporting local businesses through sponsorships and community programs16:56 - Final thoughts on building community and fostering a resilient organizational cultureResources & Links:Navigant Credit UnionUnreasonable Hospitality ProgramLeadership Academy at NavigantConnect with Kathy Orovitz:LinkedIn Support the showFollow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

Send us Fan MailCan a credit union be a credit union without human employees?Are credit unions, in the age of AI, at risk of losing the humanity that distinguishes them?In this provocative episode, keynote speaker Joshua Evans, who bills himself as an expert on the workplace of the future, talks about how AI is transforming credit unions, how parts of this are to the good, but, he insists, credit unions need to maintain their humanity.That's a lot to think about but it's thinking that needs doing today as - plainly - AI is transforming many workplaces, credit unions included.How often did you use AI yesterday?  When a member contacts your credit union is he/she greeted by a human - or an AI bot?Incidentally, Google Gemini tells me that a credit union needs humans on its board.  That's non negotiable.  An LLM or AI bot cannot be named to a board seat.And Gemini raises a philosophical topic: “The credit union movement is built on the ‘People Helping People'  philosophy. A 100% automated entity would likely struggle to maintain its tax-exempt status or its identity as a ‘cooperative' if there is no human community to cooperate.”Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

On Wednesday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Miss Rodeo Agribition Shylah Sitter talks about her experience representing Canadian Western Agribition so far, and more.

Credit union strategy takes center stage as Mark Ritter welcomes industry veteran Jay Murray to Credit Union Conversations. From teller to CEO, Jay's path through corporate credit union leadership shaped decades of collaboration within the credit union sector. He reflects on the financial crisis, regulatory gaps, and how shared services helped small institutions survive and scale. Jay also unpacks the importance of succession planning and why the cooperative model remains vital. His long-tail insight: Credit union succession planning strategies are essential for institutions that want to outlast their current leadership.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How credit union strategy evolves over decades, and why leaders who embrace credit union collaboration and shared services consistently outperform those who go it alone.✅ What the corporate financial crisis revealed about regulatory oversight and why understanding credit union history prepares today's leaders for tomorrow's risks.✅ Why succession planning at both the CEO and board level is the difference between an institution that thrives beyond its founder and one that quietly disappears.✅ How the cooperative model and financial literacy initiatives can position credit unions as indispensable community anchors in an increasingly corporate financial landscape.Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Jay Murray's origin story: from forestry dreams to credit union leadership and becoming a teller at a family savings and loan03:16 The early days of corporate credit union outreach, visiting 1,150 Pennsylvania credit unions 05:34 How Mid-Atlantic Corporate grew through mergers and rebranded as VIZO08:55 The financial crisis: what regulatory oversight missed and what the NCUA ultimately did 15:33 Building credit union collaboration through myCUservices and RKGO BIG19:57 Succession planning and forward-thinking board governance determine whether a credit union survives KEY TAKEAWAYS:

On Tuesday's edition of SaskAgToday with Ryan Young: Producers are relocating livestock as wildfires burn in northern Saskatchewan.

“Start simple and stay curious.” - Larry MeadorThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Larry Meador, CEO of evok credit union marketing. Our conversation goes far beyond marketing buzzwords and demographic charts, with Larry sharing how a kid obsessed with commercials and creativity eventually found his way into advertising and the credit union world. Along the way, hear the wildly scrappy origin story behind evok!Throughout our conversation, Larry explains why demographics alone don't tell the full story and why understanding motivations, anxieties, habits, and emotional triggers matters so much more than simply targeting “women 35 to 54.” We talk about the difference between target audiences and personas, how digital personalization has completely changed member expectations, and why credit unions can't afford to sound generic anymore. Larry also breaks down how his team helps credit unions identify who they're already connecting with, where future opportunities exist, and how behavior-driven marketing can help strengthen loyalty in an era when consumers can move money with simply a few taps on their phones.As we wrap up the episode, Larry talks about why travel makes him a better marketer, the lessons that he has learned from coaches and family members, and why communication sits at the center of great leadership. Enjoy my conversation with Larry Meador!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Larry:Larry Meador, CEO of evok credit union marketingevokad.comLarry: LinkedInevok: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | XFilm mentioned: Jerry MaguireFilm mentioned: Other People's MoneyBook mentioned: The Art of Client Service by Robert SolomonBook mentioned: What Drives Winning: Building Character Gets Results. Here's How. by Brett LedbetterBook mentioned: Meditations by Marcus AureliusIn this episode:[0:58] - Hear how childhood creativity and fascination with commercials eventually led Larry into marketing and storytelling.[2:38] - Larry reflects on how a nontraditional career path and guerrilla marketing tactics helped launch evok.[4:33] - evok blends creativity and analytics to uncover members' emotional financial decision-making drivers.[6:47] - Larry argues that personas reveal behavioral motivations, enabling more personalized member communication.[8:31] - Larry believes that personalized, relevant messaging helps credit unions compete through stronger member connection and loyalty.[10:37] - Effective persona development starts by understanding your existing members and opportunities for growth.[12:56] - Larry argues that persona-driven messaging strengthens relationships by anticipating members' needs and life stages.[15:48] - What is evok's focus for the future?[17:42] - Hear how travel broadens Larry's cultural understanding, creativity, and perspective as a marketer![19:42] - Larry mentions several books that he thinks everyone should read.[20:24] - Larry asserts that entrepreneurial “balance” comes via integrating family, fitness, reading, and creative recovery time.[21:21] - In closing, authenticity and human connection give credit unions opportunities to compete beyond size and technology.

Cannabis banking is complex, highly regulated, and full of opportunity. In this episode, Kristin Stowe of Credit Union 1 shares what it really takes to serve this underserved industry—from compliance and operational challenges to pricing and long-term strategy.We cover key differences from traditional banking, why starting with deposits matters, and what's ahead as the industry evolves. Whether you're exploring cannabis banking or refining your approach, this episode offers practical, real-world insight.Send us Fan MailPresented by Remedy ConsultingFor more information on BankTalk:BankTalk  WebsiteSubscribe to BankTalk NewsRemedy Consulting WebsiteRemedy LinkedInTo speak on the BankTalk Podcast, please  email us. 

Send us Fan MailCome join Peter Rice, CEO of $2.3 billion Hanscom Federal Credit Union, on a walk.  A Long walk.  70+ miles.  On the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal.Rice did that walk three times for his book Break or Become: How Hard Roads Make Good Leaders.What's the book about? In an hour long podcast Rice explains and, listen up, it's about the death of a spouse, raising two young boys as a single dad, entering a second marriage, and lastly a Camino with two co-workers.Stuff goes wrong.  Stuff goes right.In the walks Rice explores big topics: what's a leader's role, what's a father's role, what differentiates credit unions, what's the future of credit unions, and why would a groom wear kilts to a wedding in Lisbon, Portugal?Rice by now has added one more Camino to his achievements and, as for your host, I have done two and must admit Rice's enthusiasm for the path has triggered in me a desire to add one more.But know this is not so much a book about walking the Camino as it is about leadership -- but it just may be the most unusual leadership book on the shelf.There's a link in the show notes to the book, buy it.Rice has been on the show before In 2021 he talked about helping members manage stress.  In 2025 he had been named CEO at Hanscom Federal Credit Union and he returned to the show to talk about credit union federal tax exemption, even the history of his native Ireland. Links to those shows are in the show notes.When he told me he had published a book, I had to get him on.Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

Send us Fan MailCareful or courageous?Which are you?James Grenon, vice president of administration at Summit Credit Union, a mid-sized institution in North Carolina, raised exactly that question in a recent CUInight story entitled: “Careful or courageous: The leadership choice that shapes culture.”Regular listeners know I have a bugaboo about what I see as the unhealthy risk aversion of many CU executives and boards so you can guess I am all in on Grenon's topic.Grenon sets the stage with a heavy snowfall in North Carolina.  His young daughters hadn't even seen so much snow, they initially were frightened and wanted to stay inside.Grenon picked up the story: “they bundled up anyway. Carefully at first. Testing their footing. Adjusting their pace. Before long, there were snowball fights in the yard, sled runs down the hill, and laughter echoing through the neighborhood with other friends.“They respected the conditions. But they did not let the conditions decide for them.That is the balance leadership requires. Acknowledge risk. Prepare for it. But do not let caution become confinement.”In our conversation we explore the cautious-courageous dynamic at credit unions involving everything from a core conversion - a recent project at Summit - to the roll out of AI initiatives.Meantime, fintechs embrace risk.  They grow in part by taking risks.  Nobody is saying credit unions should be as ready to plunge into risk - but should they take more risks?Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

The Moneywise Radio Show and Podcast Friday, May 22nd  BE MONEYWISE. Moneywise Wealth Management I "The Moneywise Radio Show & Podcast" call: 661-847-1000 text in anytime: 661-396-1000 website: www.MoneywiseGuys.com facebook: Moneywise_Wealth_Management LinkedIn: Moneywise_Wealth_Management Guest: Michael George, Executive Vice President/Marketing at Safe 1 Credit  The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision. Michael George & Safe 1 Credit Union are not affiliated with nor endorsed by LPL Financial or Moneywise Wealth Management].

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Mark Treichel sits down with Rick Mumm — a 34-year NCUA veteran who spent 26 of those years in field of membership work, including bylaws, mergers, liquidations, and charter expansions — to walk through NCUA's proposed rule change on customer-client relationships in field of membership decisions.This proposal is unusual in two respects. First, unlike most of NCUA's recent deregulation announcements, it has real practical impact for credit unions seeking to add fraternal organizations or associations with any customer-client element. Second, the rule is the direct result of an actual appeal that went all the way to the NCUA Board — an appeal pursued by POLAM Federal Credit Union, led by CEO Jennifer Audette, in which the Board denied the appeal but acknowledged inconsistencies in the existing rule and committed to a rewrite.Topics covered:•        Why the current Chartering Manual creates inconsistency by specifically naming the Knights of Columbus as qualifying while excluding similar fraternal organizations that sell insurance•        How Thrivent fits into the picture as another mutual insurance organization that converted from a mutual savings bank into a federal credit union•        The affiliate-membership wrinkle: under both Knights and Thrivent, members who don't buy insurance are affiliate members without voting rights — which the Chartering Manual says shouldn't qualify for credit union membership•        What the proposed rule actually says, why it's so sparse, and what's notably absent from it•        Why concerns about NCUA's loss of corporate knowledge at the Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion mean execution will matter more than the text•        How credit unions should position applications under the new standard•        Why credit unions with stalled or denied applications should consider submitting comment lettersRick can be reached at rick@rcservices.com or via rcservices.com.

Shoutout Cesar, owner of Imagine Threads for a dope conversation. Topics below. Follow https://instagram.com/imaginethreadco/ to keep up with new pieces and events 0:00 - Welcome @imaginethreadco 1:00 - Growing up in Guadalupe 2:00 - Being into sports growing 3:00 - Growing up in the 2000s 5:30 - Finding creative niche early on 7:30 - Deciding on creating a brand 9:00 - Working at Credit Unions; Helping People 10:30 - Expanding on Creativity 12:00 - Challenging yourself 15:00 - Imagine Threads Origins 18:00 - Building an ARIZONA Brand 20:00 - Talent & Community in AZ 21:15 - First Imagine Threads designs 22:45 - Making things that you love; Being your biggest supporter 24:00 - Being raised by Grandma; Standing out in Latin culture 25:30 - Setting a good example for community 27:30 - Keeping brand affordable 28:30 - Create to Create 31:00 - Skateboard brand influences 32:30 - Why do I have to send free stuff to celebs?? 35:00 - Business side of the brand 39:00 - Keep going! 39:30 - Imagine Threads Provocative Designs 45:45 - "Brown" Modelling 48:00 - Building a strong foundation 50:10 - Music taste 53:30 - NBA Talk 55:00 - AZ Sports Culture 1:01:00 - Shoutout @imaginethreadco Click the Below Links to Keep Up With New Versatile Vigilante content: Instagram: https://instagram.com/VersatileVigilante/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/versatilevigilante Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/6rbWSYZP9asHUv431qHZfK/overview Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/versatile-vigilante/id1384221180?mt=2 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/VersatileVigilante

Good luck, then we chat about heart health care, then robbing banks with dogs.

How many FIs have a relatively high efficiency ratio? In other words, how much do they have to spend to make $1? Scott Fieber, chief strategy officer, said he was shocked to find out that "over 12 % of all institutions in the United States are over 90%." This means that these FIs had to spend more than 90 cents to make $1.Fieber and Scott Smith, chief strategy officer at Cook Solutions Group, joined Bradley Cooper, editor of ATM Marketplace, to discuss this issue and how banks can reduce their ratios in this episode of the Bank Customer Experience Podcast.Fieber and Smith emphasized the importance of starting small with this issue, as even reducing ratios by 2% could make a big difference to one's bottom line. That money saved can then be used for strategic initiatives."Instead of spending that money on inefficient practices and doubling down on bad purchases and bad protocols, now we've got some money. Let's free it up to do the fun stuff," Fieber said.One way to improve this ratio, according to Smith and Fieber, is to take a look at one's vendor relationships and ask basic questions such as:Are we experiencing vendor creep?Are multiple departments using different vendors, where we could use one?Is there a vendor we could partner with to handle multiple aspects of our business?When asked how FIs can begin addressing efficiency ratios, Fieber pointed to hosting a strategic workshop where banks can gain some "nuggets" that could start some ideas."Why is a strategic workshop so important? It's important for the FI individually, but it's also important for the FI to involve their partners so that they understand the strategic layout of what their partners are doing too. Hey, what's on your roadmap? Does it align with ours? I think those are all conversations that sometimes get overlooked that are very, very valuable," Smith said.Cook Solutions Group created a guide called A Strategic Guide for Banking Executives: 10 Questions for Banking Executives, which FIs can use during these workshops to jumpstart conversation.Fieber said the guide can "at least get you started if you're kind of stuck on a home plate, not sure where to go."Listen to the entire conversation above. Click here to download Cook Solutions Group's free guide.

Steve Bugg, President & CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union, joins WGN's Jon Hansen to discuss Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA) and what it means for consumers and community financial institutions. Steve explains what interchange fees are, why the new Illinois law is problematic for credit unions and community banks, and how it could ultimately […]

Send us Fan MailCan bill pay be revived at credit unions?You may remember, perhaps a generation ago, when bill pay was revered by financial institutions because it was viewed as creating stickier members who, having inputted a dozen or two bill pay recipients, were reluctant to change FIs because of the work involved.Bill pay lost a lot of its stick when various fintechs rolled out widgets that collected billpay data so it could be transferred to another institution.The death blow came when many vendors - including most credit card companies - created auto pay tools where a user can choose to pay the minimum or the balance due or amounts in between automatically.  That's what I use to pay all my recurring bills and the closest I've come to using oldfashioned bill pay is when I've paid contractors with Zelle a couple times.Cary Strange is on the show to tell how PayOnward plans to change that current practice and, hold on, know that PayOnward is a portfolio company of Black Dragon Capital which talks about PayOnward this way: “PayOnward is a cloud-native universal payments platform that empowers Community Based Financial Institutions to offer a full suite of AI driven digital payment solutions for both business and consumers through an easy to use and efficient integrated solution.”Now know that Black Dragon Capital  is a private equity firm founded by Louis Hernandez, Jr. a dozen years ago.  He's a longtime credit union tech innovator - think the DNA core system. Hernandez is not a guest on this episode but he is much referenced in it.Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

This episode gives listeners an inside look at one of our ServiStar Trainer Mastermind Groups, where certified trainers unpack how to teach Service Excellence more effectively. Scott is joined by Josh Sweeney from Kemba Credit Union and Heather Fritz from Dow Credit Union for a practical conversation about what truly moves members from simply satisfied to deeply loyal. Along the way, they explore meaningful and memorable moments, the CARE model for service, empathy that leads to action, and how consistency and competence shape the member experience. Whether you are a trainer, current leader, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge you to think more intentionally about the service culture you are building. What you'll learn: How to move members from being merely satisfied to becoming loyal advocates by helping them not only receive value, but feel valued. Why meaningful and memorable moments, empathy, and listening with your whole self are essential to delivering exceptional service. How leaders can build consistency and competence across teams by tying daily behaviors back to purpose, attitude, and ownership. Click Here to Submit Your Questions    Links from show:  ServiStar Winning Strategies webinars  Sign up for the Service Excellence workshop we talk about! Subscribe to ServiStar Leadership Podcast on your favorite streaming service 

Is your credit union ready for what is happening in mortgage banking right now? In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter sits down with John Giordano of First Heritage Mortgage Services to break down the real state of mortgage rates, housing inventory, and home affordability in 2026. With over 1,800 active pre-approvals on the books and portfolio loans gaining ground, John reveals why this moment is one of the greatest opportunities credit unions have seen in years and what it takes to seize it.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why today's mortgage rates and tight sale margins are pushing credit unions toward portfolio loans as a smarter, more profitable lending strategy than traditional secondary market selling.✅ How the housing market has become deeply regionalized across nine distinct U.S. regions, and what that means for loan production and mortgage banking strategy at the local level.✅ What role mortgage technology and faster loan origination timelines are playing in helping credit unions compete with large national lenders like Rocket Mortgage and Wells Fargo.✅ Why housing supply shortages and builder deregulation discussions from Washington could reshape home affordability and home buying demand for credit union members in the years ahead.Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 John shares his background at First Heritage and how its services are unique04:15 John's perspective on why today's mortgage banking environment is unlike any prior cycle09:24 How the U.S. housing market has split into nine distinct regional quadrants affecting home buying and loan production15:35 The strategic shift: why credit unions are choosing portfolio loans over secondary market sales to protect margins20:30 Record pre-approvals signal strong demand, but housing supply and new construction shortfalls remain critical barriers26:10 Millennials reversing course from urban living reveals new home affordability and real estate trends KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Welcome to Bond Investment Mentor! In this episode, Chris explores callable agency bonds and examines what you're actually trading away when you buy these securities. He walks through how callable bonds work, the three main call structures you'll encounter, and the portfolio-level implications of giving up control to the issuer. You'll also learn which Bloomberg screens to use when analyzing callables and how to think strategically about whether these securities belong in your portfolio.  In this episode: Fed & Market Update (2:23) Proposed FHLB/FRB liquidity stress solution (9:02) Understanding callable agencies (11:40) Callable agency basics Types of call structures The yield/control trade-off Bloomberg screens for callable agency analysis The value of one-on-one mentoring (Learn More) (32:55) If you have questions about anything covered in this episode, please email me at Chris @ BondInvestmentMentor.com. Do you know someone who could benefit from this information? Please share this episode and podcast with them! You will find more articles, tips, and resources about fixed-income investing and portfolio management at BondInvestmentMentor.com. Check it out! Let's Connect via Social Media! LinkedIn: Christopher Nelson, CFA

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Are you torn between the convenience of a fintech app and the personalized service of a credit union? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra is joined by Marcus Webb, Branch Manager at SAFE Credit Union's Granite Bay location. With over 24 combined years of experience, they break down the shifting financial landscape—from the rise of "niche" apps like Rocket Money and Chime to why having a face-to-face relationship still carries immense "intangible value" in a digital world. Topics include: Defining Fintech: Why younger consumers are drawn to specialized, one-dimensional digital tools. The "Data Point" Problem: The difference between being a member of a community and just another entry in an algorithm. The Credit Union Philosophy: How not-for-profit institutions prioritize the person over the profit. Life's Milestones: How a dedicated financial partner helps you navigate buying a first car, planning a wedding, or starting a family. About the Guest: Marcus Webb is a veteran in the banking industry with 12 years of experience. He currently serves as the Branch Manager for the SAFE Credit Union Granite Bay branch, focusing on community-based growth and member success. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: R-Vida Cantina To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

A website launch is not the finish line. It is the starting point. In this episode, Meredith Olmstead and Rebecca Gwaltney break down the most common website maintenance mistakes credit unions and community banks make after launch, and how those small oversights can quietly impact performance, SEO, and conversions over time.Key Takeaways:1. Your homepage needs ongoing attention, not a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Homepage messaging can quickly become outdated if it is not refreshed regularly. Rotating promotions, updating visuals, and using smart content based on user behavior can significantly improve engagement and conversions2. Outdated content and broken paths hurt both SEO and user experience.  Stale product pages, expired promotions, and broken conversion paths can lead to lost leads and lower search rankings. Regular audits and simple testing processes help ensure your website continues to perform as intended.3. Technical maintenance directly impacts performance and visibility.  Page speed, accessibility, and SEO require ongoing monitoring. Large images, missing updates, and lack of backlinks can slow your site down and reduce discoverability, making consistent maintenance essential for long-term success.

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What happens when a career built on trust… ends in a federal conviction?In this episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent sits down with Kelly Givens, a former credit union executive whose life changed overnight when accounting mistakes and a federal investigation led to a prison sentence.Kelly shares her raw and honest journey—from rising through the ranks to becoming president of a credit union… to facing the FBI, navigating the justice system, and ultimately serving time in federal prison.But this isn't just a story about the fall.It's about survival, accountability, and rebuilding a life after everything changes. Today, Kelly is using her platform @convicted.andclimbing to help others facing prison, reentry, and the stigma of a conviction.This episode dives deep into:What really happens during a federal investigationThe emotional toll of waiting for sentencingThe reality of women's federal prisonThe hidden struggles of reentryWhy telling your story can be the key to freedomIf you've ever wondered what it's like to lose everything—and rebuild—it starts here.Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected at prisonist.org. Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount Visit Discoverability.co. Auto Plaza Direct "Your personal car concierge!" Let them handle every detail to find your perfect car autoplazadirect.com. Author Saffron Gustafson, "My Name is Saffron." Author Nevin Shetty, "Second Chance Economics: How Hiring The Formerly Incarcerated Can Unlock $1 Trillion in GDP." www.secondchanceeconomics.com