Podcasts about cuso

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:

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:

Nach unserer Folge GKW59 über Polizei-Kritik und Abolitionismus haben wir euch aufgefordert, uns Fragen zu schicken, und es kam viel spannendes zusammen. Diese Fragen besprechen wir jetzt mit Cuso Ehrich vom Podcast "Hast du alles?"Das Episodenbild ist von Maik Banks. Vielen Dank, dass wir die Illustration hier nutzen dürfen! Ihr könnt die Illustration auch als Poster bei Black Mosquito kaufen: https://black-mosquito.org/de/stop-cop-city-protect-the-planet-poster.htmlErwähnte Bücher, Filme, Gruppen und Links:Podcast "Hast du alles?": https://hast-du-alles.podigee.io/Buch "Abolitionismus. Ein Reader" von Daniel Loick und Vanessa E. ThompsonMaterialsammlung und Archiv über das Sozialistische Patientenkollektiv (SPK): https://www.spkpfh.de/index_de_pfspk.htmlDokumentation von Ava DuVernay: 13thKapitel von Patrick Opwis: "Was tun mit den «Dangerous Few»?" im Sammelband: Strafe und Gefängnis von Rehzi MalzahnEssay von Moana Jackson - Decolonization and the Stories in the Land https://poutamapounamu.org.nz/assets/resources/site/Moana-Jackson-decolonisation-article.pdfBethel House: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-cool-people-who-did-cool-96003360/episode/part-two-bethel-house-how-schizophrenic-260145978/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1779358045774201&usg=AOvVaw3vnn48oKMdhryrTLY8ZUOxJustice for Pedro: https://www.instagram.com/justiceforpedro/Women in Exile: https://women-in-exile.net/Copwatch Leipzig: https://copwatchleipzig.home.blog/ https://www.instagram.com/copwatch_le/Konzept zur Abschaffung der Polizei: https://copwatchleipzig.home.blog/2021/04/23/ein-konzept-zur-abschaffung-der-polizei-in-deutschland/Abolish Frontex: https://abolishfrontex.org/ https://www.instagram.com/abolishfrontex/Links aus der Mail von der Person von Abolish Frontex: https://www.ssc.wisc.edu/soc/racepoliticsjustice/2020/07/18/when-the-nypd-rioted/https://www.thethinbluelife.com/articles/working-as-a-believer/how-to-embrace-our-police-servant-warrior-ethos/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangs_in_the_Los_Angeles_County_Sheriff's_DepartmentSupport the showLive Podcasts:15.8.2026 in Berlin im Freiluftkino fmp1. Einlass 14, Beginn 15 Uhr.Tickets gibt's für 0-20 € hier: https://pretix.eu/Muenzenberg/GKW-2/Die Musik unseres Spenden-Einspielers hat beo-beo für uns produziert: www.beo-beo.de Werbepartner:https://ews.jetzt/gkwSchickt uns Feedback an hallo-gkw@riseup.netSchickt uns Postkarten, Bücher und was immer ihr wollt an Geschichte der kommenden Welten c/o Radio BlauPaul-Gruner-Straße 6204107 LeipzigAbonniert unseren Telegram-Kanal @linkegeschichte um die Fotos zu sehen und keine Folge zu verpassen: https://t.me/linkegeschichteFolgt uns auf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linkegeschichte/Unterstützt diesen Podcast mit einer Spende: https://steadyhq.com/de/linkegeschichte/about 

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:

What does it take to build a thriving credit union business lending program in today's market? Mark Ritter sits down with Joe Hyatt of DFTC to unpack decades of experience in commercial lending, loan underwriting, and portfolio diversity. From navigating NCUA compliance to chasing treasury management goals, they share candid insights on what credit unions are doing right and where they still fall short. If you work in business lending, this conversation will hit close to home.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How credit union business lending has shifted from a rigid, prescriptive regulatory framework to a more flexible, opportunity-driven environment, and what that means for your program today.✅ Why strong credit administration, consistent independent loan review, and thorough annual reviews are the foundation of surviving and succeeding in an NCUA compliance examination.✅ How portfolio diversity, including a move toward C and I lending, small business lending, and treasury management, is reshaping how credit unions approach growth and member relationships.✅ Why credit union technology and emerging AI tools are no longer optional, and how embracing innovation will determine which programs lead and which get left behind.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 Joe Hyatt details DFTC's loan underwriting, training, and independent loan review services built for credit unions nationwide04:25 Reflecting on the early days of member business lending and the evolution of talent, tools, and portfolio limits 08:39 Joe outlines keys to NCUA compliance: strong policies, solid credit administration, and proactive loan workout planning12:50 Exploring portfolio diversification, treasury management, and why small-business lending competes with larger commercial real estate deals18:45 Some of the big differences for better or worse today versus the old days21:48 Joe's closing thoughts on portfolio diversity, AI adoption, and why credit union technology will separate tomorrow's leaders from the restKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Send us Fan MailAsset liability management - ALM as it's known - can be fun, good for a credit union's balance sheet and, dare we say it, sexy.On the show is Daniel Ahn, CEO of Delfi, a company that - and I quote from the website - “combines deep public and private sector experience with cutting-edge AI expertise—bringing best-in-class technology to banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.”The website adds: “Transform your bank or credit union financial decision making and race to the top with our revolutionary platform.Delfi delivers instant analytics, access to a deep inventory of solutions, and is powered by AI so you can pick the right solution for you.”This an exciting new, powerful look at ALM in credit unions.  Also on the show is Scott Daukas, a principal at One Washington Financial, a CUSO wholly owned by Washington State Employees Credit Union and an investor in a new Delfi CUSO.  But One Washington Financial is more than that with Delfi as you will hear in the show.  Indeed it approached Delfi with the suggestion that it form a CUSO - and long conversations followed, not the least of which was explaining what a CUSO is!One Washington Financial also invested in two other companies that have featured in recent CU 2.0 podcasts - Remynt and Starlight.  Why is One Washington Financial making these investments?  Daukas explains.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

What does it take to lead a credit union from the inside out? Maurice Dawkins, CEO of American Spirit Federal Credit Union, built his career on preparation, passion, and people. From growing up in Jamaica to earning an accounting degree in Maine, Maurice never planned to run a credit union, but he proved he was built for it. His philosophy of staff training, member advocacy, and bold community lending helped American Spirit defy regulatory pressure and grow stronger. He also explains why increasing credit union marketing during periods of uncertainty and embracing artificial intelligence are essential moves for survival in today's financial landscape.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How credit union leadership is built through preparation and cross-departmental learning. Maurice explains why spending time in every department, especially accounting, is the foundation for anyone pursuing executive development in the credit union industry.✅ Why bold community lending decisions can define a credit union's long-term survival and strengthen its relationship with member advocacy.✅ How credit union collaboration among small and mid-size institutions creates a powerful alternative to expensive outside consulting, allowing credit unions to share strategies and grow together.✅ Why embracing artificial intelligence and increasing credit union marketing during uncertain economic times are the two forward-thinking moves every credit union leader should be making right now.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 Maurice shares his journey from Jamaica to Maine and how adaptability shaped his financial leadership03:13 How Maurice discovered the credit union industry and was promoted to VP before his first day on the job07:20 The history of American Spirit and how staff training and one-stop service drove credit union growth13:04 Maurice's advice on navigating regulatory challenges and standing firm on community lending decisions18:05 Why artificial intelligence and bold credit union marketing are the keys to staying relevant in today's landscapeKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Send us Fan MailDo you want to talk about bad debts and collections and…what's that, you'd rather discuss athlete's foot and gyms?Listen up: on the show today is Gwyneth Borden, founder and CEO of Remynt, a debt collection CUSO - funded  by One Washington Financial, the investment arm of Washington State Employees Credit Union and a recent guest on the show along with Starlight, an innovative fintech that also won funding from One Washington Financial.So, yes, Remynt is doing collections but with a dramatic twist: it also emphasizes its mission is  financial wellness and it helps consumers pay off their debts and rebuild credit.Face it, a lot of Americans are struggling to pay their bills.  Pew Research estimates that a quarter to a third of us struggle to pay their bills every month.Remynt is there to help, while also helping credit unions collect the money they are owed.If that seems paradoxical - indeed it is! - listen up as Gwyneth Borden explains Remynt's approach to debt collection today.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

What does it actually take to close the right deal for both the borrower and the credit union? Tom Halliday, head of business lending sales at MBFS, joins host Mark Ritter to answer that question with candor and expertise. From mastering the first-borrower conversation to navigating today's fierce loan-participation marketplace, Tom reveals why the best lenders act as trusted advisors, not order-takers. If your credit union is serious about growing its commercial loan portfolio while managing risk intelligently, this episode delivers the real-world insight you need.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to approach the initial business lending conversation by focusing on borrower goals, experience, and story rather than jumping straight to documents and data.✅ Why today's market conditions demand that credit union relationship managers understand both geography and portfolio concentration before recommending any commercial real estate deal.✅ What factors beyond rate, including prepayment penalties, deposit requirements, and debt service coverage ratio covenants, shape a winning loan negotiation strategy?✅ How the loan participation marketplace has shifted dramatically, making speed and responsiveness essential for credit unions looking to grow their loan portfolio.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 Tom Halliday's background in small business lending and his journey to leading business lending sales at MBFS02:04 How MBFS has grown its loan origination team and what that expansion means for credit union partners03:03 The art of the first borrower conversation and why understanding goals matters more than gathering documents05:19 A breakdown of current market conditions, interest rates, and challenging sectors in commercial real estate10:00 Discussion of commercial loans and negotiations11:44 Inside the loan participation marketplace and why credit unions must move fast to secure deals today13:36 Tom's move to Tennessee and a fun trivia segment wrapping up the episodeKEY TAKEAWAYS:

What happens when a global HR expert falls in love with the credit union movement? Nenuca Syquia, CEO of Boxd, joins Mark Ritter to challenge how credit unions think about leadership development, change management, and staying relevant in a shifting market. With the average credit union member now 53 years old, the urgency to attract younger generations is real. Nenuca brings bold ideas on board diversity, mission-driven culture, and why the best-kept secret in financial services needs to start telling a much better story.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why credit union leadership must evolve beyond institutional comfort zones, and how bringing in diverse board perspectives can sharpen both mission focus and competitive awareness against the broader financial services market.✅ How the concept of "human bridges" inside your organization can prevent costly digital transformation failures by connecting tech language with real-world member workflows and day-to-day operations.✅ How embedding long-tenured employee knowledge into clear operational principles supports member experience consistency, especially as credit unions grow through merger integration and generational workforce transitions.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 Observations on credit union leadership trends and Mark introduces Nenuca Syquia of Boxed03:11 Nenuca shares her personal journey as a credit union member and her mission to expand awareness of credit unions11:19 Member demographics, aging membership, and why attracting younger generations is critical for credit union growth15:20 Human bridges and how they connect tech teams to real-world member experience and digital transformation efforts20:21 Board diversity, insularity within the industry, and the need for diverse expertise at the leadership level27:41 Mission-driven culture and change management principles help credit unions stay locally relevantKEY TAKEAWAYS:

In 2025, credit union business lending quietly staged one of its strongest comebacks in years, and Mark Ritter has the numbers to prove it. From a 25% surge in business loan volumes to a 43% jump in participation loans, the recovery exceeded nearly every expectation. But Mark does not stop at the good news. He tackles the slow erosion of community lending, the growing threat of credit union mergers, rising delinquency rates, and an NCUA board in limbo that could create regulatory turbulence for years to come. This is the episode you forward to everyone in your network.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How credit union business lending rebounded in 2025, with industry-wide business loan volumes climbing over 25% and participation loans rising 43% after years of tightening liquidity.✅ Why credit union consolidation and ongoing credit union mergers are quietly weakening community lending and reducing the cooperative presence in local markets across the country.✅ How rising delinquency rates and increased charge-offs are signaling early stress in portfolios, particularly among larger institutions that leaned into big real estate loans without personal guarantees.✅ Why the NCUA board leadership gap is creating real strain on credit union examiners and slowing down the regulatory clarity that smaller credit unions desperately need.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 Credit union business lending volumes for 2025 are revealed, including a 25% industry-wide surge04:05 Participation loans jumped 43%, and MBFS crossed 1,000 loan underwriting milestones in a single year06:14 Mark has some random thoughts about the industry09:54 New people in the industry, credit union mergers, and consolidation are shrinking community lending and weakening local cooperative roots13:48 Rising delinquency rates and charge-offs signal growing portfolio stress tied to loosened business lending standards15:19 The NCUA board leadership vacuum is straining credit union examiners and stalling critical regulatory reliefKEY TAKEAWAYS:

What does it take to lead a community credit union for over a decade while honoring a 42-year legacy? In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter talks with Amey Sgrignoli, CEO of Belco Community Credit Union, about navigating executive succession, evolving board governance, and building a standout brand in a competitive market. Amey shares how her roots in business lending shaped her leadership style and why strong member relationships, smart fintech partnerships, and a commitment to financial education remain at the heart of Belco's growth strategy.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to navigate credit union leadership transitions from a long-tenured CEO while preserving institutional culture and accelerating forward momentum.✅ Why intentional board governance and proactive volunteer recruitment are critical to a community credit union's long-term health and strategic direction.✅ How to evaluate fintech partnerships with eyes wide open, protecting your brand reputation while still embracing digital banking innovation and technology.✅ How staying rooted in member relationships and financial education helps a growing credit union compete against larger regional banks and institutions.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 Introduction: Meet Amey Sgrignoli of Belco Community CU05:47 Lessons learned from an executive succession transition following a 42-year CEO legacy at Belco Community CU08:55 Evolving board governance, volunteer recruitment pipelines, and building a high-performing credit union board13:53 Being the face of the credit union community-wide18:53 Competing with larger institutions by leading with member relationships, branch technology, and financial education24:12 Evaluating fintech partnerships and using the CUSO model to access expertise beyond your asset sizeKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Community finance is under pressure. On this episode of Credit Union Conversation, Mark Ritter sits down with Doug Wadsworth to unpack the realities facing small credit unions, including expanding regulatory burdens, rising compliance costs, and growing competition among credit unions. They discuss why credit union advocacy matters, how the cooperative model must evolve, and what practical leadership looks like when serving members in an increasingly complex financial environment.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How small credit unions manage increasing regulatory burden and mounting compliance costs during NCUA examinations✅ Why credit union advocacy is essential to protecting the cooperative model and strengthening member impact✅ How credit union competition from large financial institutions and FinTech competition is reshaping credit union strategySubscribe 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 Doug shares his journey into the credit union space and his introduction to small credit unions06:25 The challenges of obtaining services, the weight of NCUA examinations, and the rising regulatory burden on small credit unions17:18 Survey results reveal growing credit union competition from larger credit unions over smaller ones21:04 Breaking down compliance costs, HMDA reporting, and NMLS registration27:58 Advocacy efforts aimed at achieving regulatory relief for small credit unions31:15 A vision for strengthening the cooperative model and sustaining community financeKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Le Journal en français facile du lundi 2 mars 2026, 17 h 00 à Paris.Retrouvez votre épisode avec la transcription synchronisée et des exercices pédagogiques pour progresser en français : http://rfi.my/CUSO.A

Join host Mark Ritter for a refreshing twist on Credit Union Conversations as Carrie Hutton, MBFS's loan origination leader, trades business talk for outdoor adventures and friendly competition. From conquering fears on cliff-side hikes to camping in Montana's stunning Glacier National Park, Carrie reveals her family's passion for exploration before facing the ultimate challenge: an MBFS trivia showdown. Discover the impressive numbers behind MBFS's 2025 success, including $279 million in closed loans and nearly $3 billion in portfolio management, all delivered with humor, personality, and genuine insights into credit union excellence.What You Will Learn In This Episode:✅ How MBFS achieved remarkable credit union lending growth in 2025, closing $279 million in loans and underwriting 939 new loan origination deals while maintaining a portfolio approaching $3 billion.✅ The personal side of financial services leadership as Carrie Hutton shares her family's outdoor activities, including RV camping adventures, dispersed camping with solar panels, and exploring Glacier National Park in Montana.✅ Inside look at MBFS's operational excellence, including completing 621 annual reviews and serving credit unions nationwide through dedicated relationship managers and origination teams.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 Carrie discusses outdoor activities, featuring hiking and kayaking adventures, and conquering the fear of heights01:33 RV camping stories, including trips to Montana, South Dakota, and dispersed camping with solar panels04:27 MBFS trivia challenge begins, covering 2025 achievements in loan origination and portfolio management07:16 Pittsburgh trivia round featuring Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin, Dan Marino, and Pirates pitcher Paul SkenesKEY TAKEAWAYS:

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/The NCUA has issued a proposed rule implementing the GENIUS Act, establishing a federal licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers.For the first time, credit union subsidiaries could apply to become Permitted Payment Stablecoin Issuers (PPSIs) — but only under strict supervisory standards.In this episode, Mark breaks down:Why credit unions cannot issue stablecoins directlyHow the subsidiary licensing model worksThe 10% “Parent Company” threshold and joint application structureThe 1% CUSO investment cap and its impact on participationThe 120-day statutory decision clockHow this compares to FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve proposalsWhy “rewards vs. interest” could become the next regulatory battlegroundHow the proposed CLARITY Act fits into the broader digital asset frameworkThis proposal represents one of the most significant expansions of NCUA supervisory authority in decades. While stablecoin issuance is optional, the regulatory guardrails are now taking shape.Comments on the proposed rule are due 60 days after Federal Register publication.If your credit union is considering digital asset innovation, payment modernization, or cooperative technology ventures, this episode outlines the strategic considerations.Key TopicsGENIUS Act stablecoin frameworkSubsidiary-only issuance requirementPPSI licensing processCapital and liquidity expectationsCUSO structure implicationsJoint ownership modelsRegulatory cost recovery debateCLARITY Act market structure considerationsWhy This MattersStablecoins are not insured shares. They are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. They cannot blur the line between payments and deposits.Understanding these distinctions will be critical as the industry evaluates next steps.If you found this episode helpful, share it with a colleague and subscribe to With Flying Colors for ongoing insights into NCUA policy, supervision trends, and regulatory strategy.

Business lending expert Carrie Hutton shares her journey from military spouse to VP of documentation services at MBFS in this episode of Credit Union Conversations. Host Mark Ritter explores the critical components of the loan closing process, including essential entity documents, title work, and collateral valuations. Hutton reveals how proper documentation requirements for credit union business lending can dramatically reduce closing delays. From managing loan approvals to coordinating environmental due diligence, listeners gain insider knowledge on how to achieve faster, more efficient closings in commercial lending.What You Will Learn In This Episode:✅ The realistic timeline for closing commercial real estate loans versus equipment financing deals, and why business lending professionals should expect three to four weeks for real estate transactions, while non-real estate loans can close in under a week.✅ The four critical loan documentation requirements that consistently delay closings include entity documents with correctly spelled names, title work for correct vesting, accurate collateral valuation, and detailed loan approval documentation.✅ How credit union operations can avoid common mistakes in the loan closing process, including missing authorized signers on documents and delays caused by incomplete environmental due diligence or appraisal process issues.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 Introduction to business lending expert Carrie Hutton and her debut on the Credit Union Conversations podcast01:10 Carrie's banking career journey from military spouse employment at Bank of America in Japan to credit union roles04:05 Carrie's role managing the documentation services team and onboarding credit unions05:46 The ideal loan closing process timeline and managing appraisal process, flood certification, and environmental due diligence09:07 Common mistakes that delay closings, from missing authorized signers to incomplete loan approval detailsKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Discover how credit union strategies shape the future of cooperative banking in this compelling conversation between host Mark Ritter and Ancin Cooley, founder of Synergy Credit Union Consulting and CU Communities. From his early days as an OCC examiner to running a consulting practice focused on strategic planning and board development, Cooley shares candid insights on what separates thriving credit unions from those that simply grow to size. They tackle uncomfortable topics, including organic growth versus acquisition strategies, member business lending best practices, CUSO investments, succession planning, and maintaining the cooperative banking philosophy while managing enterprise risk management in today's complex financial institution leadership landscape.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How organic growth creates better operators compared to acquisition-driven expansion strategies, and why every hundred million dollars in asset growth teaches painful but valuable lessons that can't be learned through purchases alone.✅ The critical importance of sophisticated board development and enterprise risk management frameworks to protect member capital, especially when dealing with CUSO investments and preventing the extraction of capital outside the charter.✅ Best practices for member business lending programs, including how to align your strategy with funding goals, determine appropriate risk appetite, and implement proper credit administration to balance growth with sound credit union strategy.✅ Why succession planning and cross-functional education matter more than specialization, and how understanding multiple areas from compliance to interest rate risk creates stronger financial institution leadership capable of seeing the bigger picture.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 Intro: Meet Ancin Cooley03:53 Cooley's journey from Wachovia teller to OCC examiner and witnessing organic growth challenges during the banking crisis08:10 The strategic error of specialization and the importance of cross-functional financial institution leadership education11:52 What makes credit unions successful across the spectrum from small community institutions to mega growth models15:49 How board development and accountability gaps allow risky behavior in acquisition-driven credit union strategy approaches20:23 Venture capital threats and extracting member capital through questionable CUSO investments and cooperative banking concerns27:04 Priority topics for 2026, including succession planning, technology adoption, and community-focused brand-building strategies30:50 Member business lending best practices, balancing risk appetite with proper credit administration and relationship focus34:22 Introduction to CU Communities online learning platform and Synergy Consulting's strategic planning approach for 2026KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Read the shownotes and full transcript on our site: growyourcreditunion.com Your board thinks $100,000 is too much for a CEO because they never made more than $40,000 on the factory line. Your C-suite wants the credit union of old. And your employees? They're leaving, not for better pay, but because you're offering them a 1995 compensation package in 2026. In this episode: What age is your leadership thinking in? Why somewhere you lost your ability to be creative Why they don't want pizza they want a path to your chair Why you can't keep absorbing benefit increases every year Host: Joshua Barclay  Guest Co-host: James McBride, SVP of Credit Union Relationships at CU Benefit Guest: David Simms, Creator of CU Benefit A huge thanks to our sponsor, CU Benefit Stop absorbing annual benefit cost increases of 20-40%. CU Benefit is a strategic CUSO partner designed to help Credit Unions pre-fund up to 100% of employee benefits and unlock balance sheet potential. Generate investment returns 4-5 times higher than traditional bonds. Strengthen employee retention and increase net income by as much as 50%. Visit CUBenefit.com to learn more.

Credit union lending faces pivotal changes in 2026 as interest rates, inflation, and regulatory shifts reshape the landscape. In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter and MBFS COO Jeff Lyons make bold predictions about fed rate movements, treasury rates, and commercial lending growth. They discuss how rising delinquency rates may affect the industry and explore the NCUA's anticipated regulatory priorities, including oversight of AI and automation. From mortgage rates to commercial real estate refinancing opportunities, this Quick Hits episode delivers actionable insights for credit union leaders navigating an uncertain economic environment in the year ahead.What You Will Learn In This Episode:✅ How fed rate reductions and treasury rates will influence credit union loan pricing strategies and member borrowing costs throughout 2026✅ Why commercial lending growth may slow, while commercial real estate refinancing opportunities emerge from distressed properties✅ What regulatory priorities the NCUA will focus on, including delinquency management, loan loss reserves, stablecoins, and AI and automation policies✅ How the housing market, unemployment rate, and inflation rate interconnect to shape the overall economic outlook for credit unionsSubscribe 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 2026 predictions episode discussing credit union industry forecasts and Fed rate and interest rates predictions, with expectations of rates dropping to 3-3.25% 01:42 Treasury rates and mortgage rates outlook, analyzing the impact on credit union lending and the housing market03:10 Inflation rate forecast at 2.5% with discussion of tariffs and unemployment rate effects on economic stability04:25 Commercial lending growth predictions and commercial real estate refinancing opportunities amid rising delinquency trends06:29 Discussion of the NCUA board, the rising delinquency numbers, and the abuse of AI10:15 Let's talk footballKEY TAKEAWAYS: ✅ Federal Reserve leadership changes will drive fed rate policy toward 3% by year-end, creating refinancing opportunities for loans originated in 2024 at higher rates✅ Rising delinquency rates will trigger stricter NCUA oversight on loan loss reserves and accounting practices, while AI and automation regulation emerges as a new compliance focus area✅ Commercial real estate distress will create a "greater fool" refinancing market where credit unions can acquire loans at significant discounts after original lenders absorb lossesABOUT THE GUEST:Jeff Lyons - LinkedInRESOURCES MENTIONED: Mark Ritter - WebsiteMark Ritter - LinkedInSEO KEYWORDS: Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Credit Union Lending, Interest Rates, Inflation, Fed Rate, Treasury Rates, Commercial Lending, Delinquency, NCUA, AI And Automation, Mortgage Rates, Commercial Real Estate, Federal Reserve

Read the shownotes and full transcript on our site: growyourcreditunion.com We all think it: "If I just work longer, I'll get more done." But when one of your high performers starts operating this way, you need to step in immediately. Because they're not going to tell you they're burning out. So how do you catch it before they quit? In this episode: Why AI isn't making you dumber Why working 70 hours isn't making you more productive Why better due diligence won't prevent vendor breaches Host: Joshua Barclay Co-host: Becky Reed Guest: Ray Ragan, CIO at Securityplus Federal Credit Union A huge thanks to our sponsor, CU Benefit Stop absorbing annual benefit cost increases of 20-40%. CU Benefit is a strategic CUSO partner designed to help Credit Unions pre-fund up to 100% of employee benefits and unlock balance sheet potential. Generate investment returns 4-5 times higher than traditional bonds. Strengthen employee retention and increase net income by as much as 50%. Watch this video or visit CUBenefit.com to learn more. Ray is organizing the Banking on AI Conference in Atlanta. Credit union professionals and banking professionals will discuss new and novel uses of AI throughout the industry. Learn more at bankingonai.info

Read the shownotes and full transcript on our site: growyourcreditunion.com Credit unions are out there chasing new members—spending on billboards, opening branches, crafting the perfect rate specials. Meanwhile, 80% of your existing members have one product with you and you haven't called them once. Maybe the new members you're looking for are actually the members you already have. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed welcome Elizabeth Osborne, COO at Great Lakes Credit Union, to talk about: Everyone's measuring trust wrong The growth obsession is backwards You're tracking the wrong economic data Plus we play a BRAND NEW GAME that we hope you really enjoy. A huge thanks to our sponsor, CU Benefit Stop absorbing annual benefit cost increases of 20-40%. CU Benefit is a strategic CUSO partner designed to help Credit Unions pre-fund up to 100% of employee benefits and unlock balance sheet potential. Generate investment returns 4-5 times higher than traditional bonds. Strengthen employee retention and increase net income by as much as 50%.  Watch this video or visit CUBenefit.com to learn more.

Send us a textI fancy myself something of a minor expert on Medicare and often have advised friends who are approaching 65 about their best options.  Until a man I know approached me and asked for my advice.  He added he was dually qualified for Medicare and Medicaid and he thought he probably qualified for food benefits, too.Huh?  I had no idea what he was talking about and had to admit to him I was useless in this case.Today I advised him to find a credit union he could join that also is a customer of Starlight, a fintech with a focus on unlocking some $100 billion in government benefits that are potentially available to credit unions.Starlight was on the show a year ago. It's on again today because it comes with big news: it's now a CUSO and has won funding from One Washington Financial, a CUSO that is wholly owned by Washington State Employees Credit Union, the same credit union that  birthed Q Cash.Scott Daukas, a principal at One Washington Financial is on the show to talk about the CUSO and, specifically, why it funded Starlight. He also briefly talks about Silvur, a portfolio company that also has been on the show.  And Starlight CEO Shreenath Regunathan s back to talk about how it is helping automate the often bewildering process of applying for government benefits - a process made all the more bewildering by massive changes that several big programs (such as SNAP, the food stamps program) are undergoing as the year ends.Starlight is deployed at over a dozen credit unions and it is busy signing up more credit unions because frankly the need is there.Along the way, there's a discussion about Prizeout, an innovative ad tech company that also has been a podcast guest.  In another episode a Prizeout consumer user sings its praises.  There's rich content in this episode. Listen up.

Send us a textMark Ritter, CEO of Member Business Financial Services, a Pennsylvania based CUSO, estimates that about 800 US credit unions do member business lending, meaning that perhaps 3700 don't.Many, many more could.  That is spelled out in HR 1151, the law that lets credit unions serve more than one employer group.  Passage of that law is detailed in CU 2.0 Podcast Episode 51 with Marc Schaefer, then the CEO of Truliant CU.If credit unions can make small business loans, why don't they - that's a question Ritter asks and answers in this show.But it also is very clear that he believes credit unions - and their members and communities - would be better served if more credit unions jumped into member business lending. The need on the part of small businesses is acute, many are turning to non traditional lenders who may charge as much as 40% APR.  Credit unions can play an important role in helping their communities' small businesses, says Ritter.Understand, too, that a CUSO like MBFS - and there are several competitors in the space - may source the loan, it will underwrite it, MBFS will say if it thinks the loan is a definite “yes,” a definite “no,” or - most likely - a maybe.  And if it's a maybe MBFS will relate the pros and cons of issuing the loan.The credit union provides the loan capital.  MBFS does the heavy lifting.In the show Ritter offers his unfiltered outlook for commercial real estate loans and also predicts a bump in delinquency rates - and yet he is bullish about member business lending in general.Ritter, by the way, has his own podcast.  Tune in for deep dives in member business trending.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

Credit Union Service Organizations are evolving rapidly, and NACUSO's new CEO, Randy Salser, discusses the future of CUSO collaboration in this episode of Credit Union Conversations with host Mark Ritter. Salser shares insights on credit union innovation, the critical 1% capital rule restricting CUSO investments, and NACUSO's advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. The discussion covers member business lending, fintech partnerships, and how credit unions can leverage CUSO's to gain a competitive advantage. Salser emphasizes that collaboration remains the credit union movement's superpower, highlighting upcoming initiatives, including the reimagined NACUSO conference and regional roundtables to foster year-round credit union networking.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How the 1% capital rule restricts credit union investments in CUSOs and limits stablecoin opportunities, member business lending initiatives, and other CUSO activities that could help credit unions compete with larger financial institutions.✅ NACUSO's advocacy strategy focuses on CUSO model protection, third-party vendor oversight, and collaborating with America's Credit Unions and DCUC to address regulatory challenges while playing both offense and defense on Capitol Hill.✅ The reimagined NACUSO conference format features intentional tracks, educational content on CUSO formation, regional roundtables, and collaborative networking opportunities that extend credit union engagement beyond annual events.✅ How credit union collaboration through CUSOs enables innovation, risk mitigation, and scale that individual institutions struggle to achieve alone, with opportunities for credit unions, CUSOs, and fintechs to partner strategically.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 Randy Salser, new NACUSO CEO, explains the history and how credit union collaboration through the CUSO model drives credit union innovation over 40 years03:39 Randy shares his professional background 06:10 NACUSO advocacy on Capitol Hill addressing the 1% capital rule, Genius Act, stablecoins, and member business lending restrictions13:02 April 2026 reimagined NACUSO conference in Orlando featuring educational tracks on CUSO formation, regional roundtables, and credit union networking16:20 Randy shares his vision for the future of the CUSO 22:30 Credit union industry consolidation from 14,000 to 4,400 institutions and evolution of trade associations navigating CUSO complexity with fintechs and private equityKEY TAKEAWAYS: ✅ The arbitrary 1% capital rule severely limits credit union investment capacity across ALL CUSO activities collectively—from stablecoins to insurance to member business lending—preventing credit unions from competing with mega players like Coinbase, Amazon, and Meta in emerging financial services.✅ NACUSO is transforming from an annual event organization into a year-round credit union community platform with regional roundtables, modern educational resources, webinars, and collaborative opportunities that connect credit unions, CUSOs, and fintechs for strategic partnership development.✅ Credit union industry consolidation — from 14,000 to 4,400 institutions — demands that trade associations deliver speed, clarity, and actionable data while cutting through complexity. NACUSO's unique positioning focuses on CUSO-specific advocacy and collaborative innovation as the movement's competitive superpower.ABOUT THE GUEST:

Today on Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter sits down with Bryan Doxford of Grow America to discuss innovative approaches to supporting small businesses, affordable housing, and underserved communities. Bryan shares insights into the mission-driven work of Grow America, including its role in providing capital through SBA loans, new market tax credits, and low-income housing initiatives. Bryan highlights how Grow America partners with credit unions, CDFIs, and community organizations to bridge funding gaps, offer economic development training, and help businesses access the capital they need to thrive.They also delve into the current state of Certified Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), exploring trends in consolidation, grant reliance, and self-sufficiency. Bryan underscores the importance of collaboration, both between mission-aligned organizations and with credit unions, to maximize impact in underserved communities. From small business lending to affordable housing and workforce development, this episode provides actionable insights for credit unions and community-focused organizations seeking to expand their impact.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅How Grow America (formerly NDC) drives community impact✅The evolving landscape of CDFIs✅The national housing shortage & affordability crisis✅How credit unions and CDFIs can partner for greater impactSubscribe 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 Introduction01:00 Bryan Doxford's career journey: from credit unions to SBA lending07:00 About Grow America's mission and programs09:00 Explanation of new market tax credits11:00 Current state and future of CDFIs17:100 Affordable housing initiatives and impact21:00 Training programs and community partnerships24:00 Access to capital and client community examples25:00 How credit unions can collaborate with Grow AmericaKEY TAKEAWAYS:

“We have to get into the game of convenience so we can continue to prove that credit unions are the best financial institutions for consumers to partner with.” - Jed MeyerThank 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 guests on today's show are Jed Meyer, CEO at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, and Jon Ungerland, CIO of Information/Innovation at DaLand CUSO. They join me to talk about the evolving digital asset ecosystem and the important role that credit unions can play, with Jon explaining how DaLand has been helping St. Cloud Financial stay relevant by using data and digital tools. A key focus has been DaLand's "Coin2Core" solution, allowing credit unions to connect to emerging decentralized finance (DeFi) networks and cryptocurrencies!In our conversation, Jed shares how he recognized the impact of the digital asset space on his members' financial lives about five years ago. Initially skeptical, he eventually realized the importance of getting ahead of this trend to keep his members' wealth circulating in the local economy. Partnering with DaLand has allowed St. Cloud Financial to plug into DeFi networks and offer innovative services like their own white-label stablecoin, and both guests call attention to the need for credit unions to engage with the digital asset ecosystem rather than avoid it, with Jed stressing the importance of education both for credit union leaders and their members. He also highlights the role which credit unions can play as trusted, community-based financial institutions in this new landscape.As we wrap up the episode, Jon notes how leaders across sectors are already deeply invested in the future of tokenized, blockchain-based money, and he cautions that credit unions must act quickly to avoid being left behind. Our conversation also emphasizes the potential of digital assets as well as the need for credit unions to shape this change to best serve their members and communities. Enjoy my conversation with Jed and Jon!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Jed:Jed Meyer, C.E.O. at St. Cloud Financial Credit Unionscfcu.orgJed: LinkedIn St. Cloud Financial Credit Union: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokConnect with Jon:Jon Ungerland, C.I.O. of Information/Innovation at DaLand CUSOdalandcuso.comJon: LinkedInDaLand CUSO: LinkedIn | Twitter | 

This month we are joined by Michael Nagl, President and CEO for Centennial Lending, LLC. As a CUSO, which is a company owned by credit unions and for credit unions and its members, Centennial Lending provides an important strategic partnership to the industry. Michael's career journey to credit unions was a "long, strange trip", going from bar/restaurant management, to golf pro, to the industry we all love. WCMS, of course, was an experience that became a turning point in his journey. Listen in if you want to learn more about this history of CUSO's, how they work today, and where they are going in the future!Interviewers: Shonna Shearson & Nate BurnsProducers: Ryan Kane & Steve SchmidleSupporting Cast: Robert York, James Wileman, Jeff Morris, and Original Ryan Olsen

Send us a textExactly what is Room (39)a?There's one at NASA's Kennedy Space Center but today we are talking about the Room (39)a at CFCU, Community Financial Credit Union in Michigan, where past CU 2.0 Podcast guest Tansley Stearns serves as CEO and she has launched this Room (39)a as a CUSO that will offer subscriptions to its research.As for what it does, CFCU's Room (39)a describes itself this way: “a place where possibility and the unexpected collide. We blend the precision of research with human imagination to unlock new ideas, products, strategies and opportunities for companies and brands.”Could this be exactly what credit unions need today as they battle with mammoth money center banks and fintechs with massive war chests.On the show is Blake Woods, a CFCU SVP who also serves as chief ideator at Room (39)a.The episode explores the Room (39)a approach to research, how it decides what topics to pursue, and why it believes the credit union industry very much needs the kinds of research it is doing.Don't think this is a propeller head show.  Quite the contrary. We dive deeply into gambling, for instance, and also into questions about credit union sports sponsorship deals.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

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Episode Summary In this episode of With Flying Colors, I sit down with Mark Ritter, CEO of Member Business Financial Services (MBFS) and host of Credit Union Conversations. Mark brings decades of experience in credit union business lending, having built MBFS from a three-person startup into a nationwide CUSO serving over 60 employees and credit unions across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.We dive into:The evolution of member business lending—from the early “Lewis and Clark” days to today's robust systems and strategies.The current lending environment: strong demand, liquidity challenges, and why stable employment remains the backbone of a healthy business lending program.The opportunities ahead, including refinancing booms as interest rates decline and five-year resets approach in 2026–27.The Federal Credit Union Act's unintended consequences and how the 12.25% cap on MBLs reshaped the industry.Shifting NCUA exam culture—from transactional reviews to portfolio management—and what credit unions must do to stay ahead.Why relationships and annual portfolio reviews matter more than ever in building safe, sound, and mission-driven lending programs.Mark also shares his perspective on where credit unions should focus their energy: serving small businesses, veterans, and underserved communities, while avoiding mission drift into mega real estate deals that don't align with cooperative values.Whether you're a CEO, examiner, or just curious about the future of credit union business lending, this episode delivers insight, history, and strategy from one of the industry's most trusted voices.Resources & LinksLearn more about MBFS: mbfs.orgListen to Mark Ritter's podcast Credit Union Conversations on all major platforms.Connect with Mark Ritter on LinkedIn.

This episode, Patty Corkery sits down with John Ballantyne, Founder and CEO of Tru Treasury, to unpack what treasury management really means and how credit unions are stepping up to serve the business community. From Tru Treasury's origin story to its recognition as 2025 CUSO of the Year, John shares how collaboration and clarity are reshaping the way credit unions support their business members.

Send us a textCould shared services be the cure that puts a halt to the epidemic of mergers among credit unions?Could shared services help credit unions increase their efficiencies and dramatically lower their costs so that they can better compete against big banks and fintechs?On the show today are Vin Anand, CEO of Member Support Services (MSS), and an evangelist for shared support services at credit unions.To spread this word Anand has brought in Gene Foley, former CEO of Harvard University Employees Credit Union, Kirk Kordeleski, former CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and Erin Coleman, SVP of Industry Impact at Callahan & Associates.  They are the new MSS Advisory Board  with the mission of providing strategic guidance,Today Foley joins Anand on the show and they are here to explain how shared services can in fact enable credit union independence. That may sound per se self contradictory but it isn't and on the show you'll hear how shared services just may be the lifeline a lot of credit unions are looking to grasp.For more on shared services and credit union independence there's another show in the library with Anand.  To hear the show with Jim Blaine that Foley discusses, click here.  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.comAnd 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

Though the work of the Federal Reserve's Faster Payments Task Force took up a good portion of the last decade, its efforts to speed the rails of payments in the U.S. are just starting to bear some exciting fruit. Keith Riddle, General Manager of Payfinia and its CUSO structure, explains the fine points of payment efficiency, how consumers will benefit on so many levels--and why credit unions will want to capitalize on the latest payments technology as a way to deliver on their positive promise.

Send us a textSuddenly youth banking is back in the conversation and that's because this time there is real optimism that it's a product that's emerging at the right time.  Case in point of the optimism is a recent Finovate article headlined “Why Youth Banking Is Set to Surge In 2025.”  Better news is that this market isn't solely for the big banks and fintechs.  Now on the scene is Incent with its youth digital banking tools and it's launched a CUSO that right now has one member owner, Idaho based Pioneer Federal Credit Union, a $700 million institution.Many credit unions already are signed up to be customers of Incent.On the show to tell about why now is the time for youth banking and the product is Incent are Marcel King, president of Incent, and Tracey Miller, EVP at Pioneer.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

Are you ready to rethink how young people approach money and build lasting financial confidence? Welcome to Credit Union Conversations, hosted by Mark Ritter, CEO of MBFS, a business lending CUSO serving clients across the United States and Puerto Rico. In this episode, Mark is joined by Todd Romer, who partners with credit unions to leverage his "Do Money Differently" financial education approach as a powerful tool to attract younger members. With paycheck-to-paycheck living at a record high of nearly 75% and rising, Todd's strategy challenges traditional financial advice, focusing on practical, transformative steps for young adults. Today, they'll dive into Todd's journey with Young Money University, the unique advantages credit unions offer, and actionable insights on investing and avoiding college debt traps.IN THIS EPISODE:(00:00) Intro(01:39) Todd Romer discusses Young Money University(05:20) Credit unions offer named savings accounts to save purposefully (09:36) You don't have to be an expert, start with a platform like Acorns(11:13) Upbringing shapes our money habits, set up a college budget and discuss career goals and costs(21.57) How to start investing in the stock market and its historical 10.2% annual return KEY TAKEAWAYS: Early exposure to investing shapes lifelong financial habits. To foster enduring financial confidence, begin teaching teens about money and investing. Providing young people with targeted financial education, emphasizing a distinctive approach to money management, is essential.Credit unions should emphasize their unique benefits, like named savings accounts, to attract younger members.Guide high schoolers to consider affordable education paths and discuss financial realities early to avoid debt. College debt is a growing concern, with many students unaware of cost-effective options.RESOURCE LINKSMark Ritter - WebsiteMark Ritter - LinkedInYoung Money University - WebsiteBIOGRAPHY:Todd Romer is passionate about financial education. He has helped thousands of people take on a new lease of life by providing them the exact steps to dream, save, spend, invest and give money DIFFERENTLY to reach goals/dreams. Todd also partners with credit unions to use DO MONEY DIFFERENTLY financial education as their most valuable marketing tool to drive younger membership growth.

MBFS CEO Mark Ritter and a guest from his team catch up on the latest happenings at MBFS, the credit union industry, and other odds and ends.IN THIS EPISODE:(00:00) Craig Page shares his professional background and responsibilities(01:57) Mark introduces a new, shorter episode format featuring MBFS team members(04:30) Mark and Craig discuss their moves from suburbia to rural areas(06:49) MBFS sees unexpected growth in 2025 in the CUSO(08:41) Craig explains the value of small credit unions in partnering with a CUSO like MBFS(10:32) Craig shares his reaction to the boom in lendingKEY TAKEAWAYS: The Credit Union Conversations podcast has introduced a shorter, more conversational format featuring "quick hitters." These episodes, airing twice monthly, will focus on current industry topics, updates from MBFS, personal anecdotes, and team insights, in contrast to their traditional long-form interviews.Despite expectations for a flat year, MBFS has experienced rapid growth, with seven new credit unions joining early in the year and 18 more in the pipeline. Loan volume has also increased, reflecting strong demand for its services.Smaller credit unions are increasingly entering the member business lending space but face resource and staffing challenges. MBFS offers a “plug-and-play” solution, handling everything from origination and servicing to loan workouts, making it easier for credit unions to scale without heavy internal investment.RESOURCE LINKS: Mark Ritter - WebsiteMark Ritter - LinkedInCraig Page - LinkedInMBFS, CUSO, Mark Ritter, Credit Unions, Growth, Lending, Origination, Servicing, Pipeline, Small Credit Unions, Team, Industry, Business, Partnerships, Future of Lending, Boom in Lending, Unexpected Growth, Partnering With MBFS, Services, Loan Volume, Business Lending

Continuing our NACUSO Reimagine coverage, Glen speaks with Silvur founder Rhian Horgan about the “social journey of retirement” and how credit unions can play to their strengths in transitioning their biggest borrowers into their biggest depositors. Also- more of John's conversation with cybersecurity expert Emma Zaballos about DeepSeek's rise and the broader operational concerns around AI.   Links related to this episode:   Silvur: https://www.silvur.com/   CyCognito: www.cycognito.com/     NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/   Our first batch of NACUSO coverage featuring interviews with Next Big Idea winner GoodBuy and CUSO law leader Brian Lauer: https://www.big-fintech.com/big-ideas-cut-through-the-chaos/      Part 1 of John's interview with CyCognito's Emma Zaballos: https://www.big-fintech.com/deepseek-bytedance-and-the-ai-arms-race/   Honey, I Shrunk the NCUA Board (not a laughing matter): https://www.big-fintech.com/honey-i-shrunk-the-ncua-board/   Former NCUA Board Chair Todd Harper's recent LinkedIn post on his firing: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/toddmharper_creditunions-activity-7320942790429786114-Igzi   The CU Daily's story on Americans still misunderstanding credit card debt: www.thecudaily.com/3399-2/    Join us on Bluesky!  @bigfintech.bsky.social;  @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

Live from NACUSO's Reimagine conference Glen speaks with the co-founders of Next Big Idea competition winner Goodbuy, Cara Oppenheimer and Cary Fortin. CUSO lawyer Brian Lauer shares his insights on the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, and then as if on cue the tectonic plates shift….   Links related to this episode:   Goodbuy: https://www.trygoodbuy.com/   Messick, Lauer & Smith: https://www.cusolaw.com/   NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/   Our recent interview with Next Big Idea runner up Scamnetic: https://www.big-fintech.com/scams-grievances-and-the-enduring-value-of-trust/    The CU Daily's ongoing coverage of the NCUA board upheaval: https://thecudaily.com/white-house-reportedly-fires-two-democrats-on-ncua-board/   Glen's reflections on the NCUA commotion: https://www.big-fintech.com/honey-i-shrunk-the-ncua-board/   The NCUA's memo claiming it can function with a single board member: https://ncua.gov/newsroom/press-release/2025/ncua-releases-staff-message-current-ncua-board   Former NCUA Board Chair Dennis Dollar's perspective from a similar 2001 situation:  https://www.cutoday.info/site/Fresh-Today/Single-Member-NCUA-Board-Not-Unprecedented-Chairman-Has-Authority-To-Act-As-The-Board-Says-Former-NCUA-Chairman  Join us on Bluesky!  @bigfintech.bsky.social;  @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

Live from NACUSO Reimagine in Las Vegas, this episode tackles one of the most disruptive weeks in credit union oversight, offering a real-time gut check on leadership, advocacy, and opportunity in a time of uncertainty.In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay is joined by co-host Becky Reed and guest Dan Daggett, Chief Strategy Officer at Credit Unions First, to talk about the unexpected NCUA terminations, what deregulation could unlock, and how to make smarter tech investments through CUSO collaboration.Listen now to stay ahead of what's shaping the movement.

I'm Mark Ritter, and this is Credit Union Conversations. Today, I'm joined by Austin Wentzlaff from Nook to discuss how credit unions can evolve beyond competitive rates and traditional relationships by using digital tools to deepen member engagement. We'll explore how Nook takes a fresh approach—focusing on lifestyle topics like travel, health, and relationships—to build trust and naturally drive financial product adoption. Plus, we'll dive into the role of venture capital in fintech, the challenges early-stage companies face, and what it really takes to bring innovation to the credit union space.IN THIS EPISODE:(00:00) Introduction(01:50) Austin shares his professional journey(07:36) Austin explains Nook's purpose and how it operates(13:39) How is the industry responding to the premise of Nook's purpose(17:44) What is in Nook's future and Austin explains the roots of FinTech Accelerator(25:16) Discussion of venture capital KEY TAKEAWAYS: The credit union industry has thrived on competitive rates and strong member connections, but digital tools now deepen engagement. By focusing on lifestyle topics over direct financial discussions, this approach builds trust and drives natural product adoption.Successful early-stage fintechs and QSOs must be innovative, not just marginally improving existing solutions. They should be in a pilot phase with limited clients and employees, and they must be genuinely committed to the credit union industry rather than just exploring it as a potential revenue stream.While venture capital provides diversification and reduces risk for credit unions, it can also create a disconnect. Historically, credit unions invested in QSOs they were already working with, ensuring strategic alignment. The shift toward aggregated investment funds may weaken direct relationships between credit unions and fintechs, potentially impacting strategic collaboration.RESOURCE LINKSMark Ritter - WebsiteMark Ritter - LinkedInAustin Wentzlaff - Nook - LinkedInNook - WebsiteAustin's EmailBIOGRAPHY: Austin Wentzlaff is the Co-Founder & CEO of Nook and brings 10+ years of credit union industry, CUSO, and Fintech startup leadership experience.Prior to starting Nook, Austin was the Founder and CEO of Fintech Accelerator, a consulting firm focused on bringing new technologies to the credit union industry, whose client list included CUSOs, RenoFi and Illuma, among other successful startups. Prior to founding Fintech Accelerator, he was the Chief Revenue Officer overseeing sales and marketing efforts at OnApproach, a CUSO acquired by Trellance in 2019. He has spent the entirety of his career in the credit union industry, where he has worked exclusively for Fintech startups from the earliest stages of growth through exit. Austin has extensive experience working with Fintech startups as an early employee (joining OnApproach, Illuma, and RenoFi all with less than 10 employees) and a key contributor, instrumental in their early success. Austin is an alumnus of Gustavus Adolphus College, where he received a degree in Financial Economics.

Send us a textI'd expected this to be an AI free show but, let's face it, that just isn't likely in 2025 but the good news is that in the show Pete Major,  vice president of fintech services at CUSO MDT, offers concrete AI use cases at work in MDT and he also, importantly, offers cautions about security and the leading AI tools.In a rush to stay abreast of the fast moving AI universe are some credit unions losing sight of the need to be very sure of the security of the tools they use? Maybe.Major provides tips on how to stay secure while still using AI tools..But there's a lot more in this show.We talk for instance about the need of CUs to keep security in mind when using any technology tools.  If there are flaws - and there have been some doozies in recent years - it's the credit union that will be saddled with the bulk of the blame.On a happier note Major discusses a suite of tools for small business members at credit unions - and, he says, demand for the tools is very hot.  Is offering good tools a path to winning more business members? Just maybe.We close the show pondering what the developments in Washington DC - anything from an end to credit union tax exemption to an end to NCUA - might mean for credit unions and also the rising CU interest in merging.There's a lot to unpack in this show.  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

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Glen speaks with NACUSO's Interim CEO- and serial CUSO founder- Miriam Ackerman about plans for the group's Reimagine conference this April in Las Vegas, including a juiced up Next Big Idea competition. Also- a quick summary of the busiest credit union news week in recent memory.    Links related to this episode:   NACUSO's Reimagine Conference, April 14-17 in Las Vegas: https://www.reimaginenacuso.com/ The Next Big Idea competition: https://www.reimaginenacuso.com/next-big-idea-competition Bernie Sanders' press release about the new Senate Bill capping credit card interest rates at 10 percent: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-hawley-introduce-bill-capping-credit-card-interest-rates-at-10/ CU Today's reporting on the latest twist in Illinois interchange legislation: https://www.cutoday.info/THE-boost/Federal-Judge-Expands-Injunction-Against-Illinois-Interchange-Law-To-Out-Of-State-Banks-Denies-Credit-Unions-Request CU Times' reporting on USAID-related layoffs at the World Council of Credit Unions: https://www.cutimes.com/2025/02/07/woccu-let-go-over-half-of-its-employees-due-to-usaid-freeze/ Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair's Washington Post op-ed calling for the elimination of credit unions' tax exemption: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/02/03/credit-unions-tax-subsidies-bair/ Glen's blog on 2025's credit union Bingo card:   Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 12 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- the CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It's free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/  Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

Welcome to the Season 7 premiere of The Arena! In this exciting first episode of 2025, we sit down with the talented hip hop artist Cuso to discuss his journey, creative process, and what's next in his music career. From breaking down his latest projects to sharing his thoughts on the evolution of hip hop, this episode is packed with insightful conversations and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. Tune in and join us for an unforgettable start to the new season!

Send us a textLiterally a couple days before I recorded this podcast with Siva Narendra, CEO and founder of Tyfone and now Payfinia, a story moved over the wire with this headline: Payfinia Launches CUSO with Star One Credit Union.The story added that Star One - a Silicon Valley behemoth - had invested $4.5 million in the CUSO. That money, by the way, moved in a series of $500,000 instant payments into Payfinia's coffers.  At its end Payfinia has built in layers of controls to guard against fraud but to allow real time transfers.That Star One commitment tells you Payfinia is for real, and Narendra is on the show to tell about Payfinia, which he says is the opportunity for community financial institutions - that means credit unions too - to own an instant payments system that has shown its losses to fraud are dramatically lower than with instant ACH and at the same time overhead costs are dramatically lower.Instant payments are real and increasing numbers of consumers and businesses - perhaps small businesses especially - want instant payments.  The time is now.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

Glen connects with Payfinia CUSO General Manager Keith Riddle and Star One Credit Union's EVP of Operations Minal Gupta about the newly minted CUSO aiming to streamline CUs' provision of instant payment services. Also, newly released FedNow data- plus reporting from the more mature RTP network- reveals some unexpected twists.   Links related to this episode:   Payfinia: https://tyfone.com/payfinia/ (or contact Keith Riddle: keith.riddle@tyfone.com) Star One Credit Union: https://www.starone.org/   FedNow volume statistics through September 2024: https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/fednow/quarterly-volume-value-stats Glen's 2023 article featuring Minal Gupta/Star One (as well as other early FedNow Adopters) in Credit Union Magazine: https://media.americascreditunions.org/articles/123351-real-time-relevance   Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2024- Wednesday December 11 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It's free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/  Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

Send us a textWhat magic pill can help keep hundreds, indeed thousands of credit unions from vanishing over the next decade?Vim Anand, CEO of Member Support Services, says his CUSO can create operational efficiency and cost savings through economies of scale and standardization.  The focus is on backoffice technologies and, says Anand, MSS's tools deliver 20+ % cost savings.But don't take his word for all of this. Also on the show is John Bissell, CEO of $1.6 billion Greylock Federal Credit Union in Pittsfield MA. Bissell is a new MSS member-owner and he explains that the credit union took this step because he sees this as a way to stay independent and local and both of those are crucial to Bissell who believes they are a big part of the credit union special sauce.Greylock, by the way, is the biggest credit union in MSS - the two other member owners are >$400 million apiece - and MSS is actively seeking new member owners because Anand's goal is $8 to $10 billion in total assets.And the payoff, says Anand, will be helping more credit unions stay independent.As for why Bissell is set on keeping Greylock independent understand that he grew up in a Greylock family. His dad logged 30 years at GE which was the SEG that powered the birth of the credit union.Listen to the show to hear Bissell's story of how an Amherst College grad with an English degree migrated to Seattle but after 10 years he felt the call to return to western Mass, as locals call the region.Do you want more credit unions to stay independent? 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.comAnd 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

Set up a call:https://calendly.com/cuexamsolutions/talk-to-mark-about-any-exam-topic?month=2024-10Check out our website:https://calendly.com/cuexamsolutions/talk-to-mark-about-any-exam-topic?month=2024-10Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union passers its exam with flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.## Episode SummaryMark Treichel discusses Credit Union Service Organizations (CUSOs) and CUSO examinations, drawing from his experience as a former NCUA Regional Director. He compares CUSO exams to credit union exams and provides insights into what credit unions and CUSOs can expect during these reviews.## Key Points1. CUSO exam frequency and types:   - Less frequent than credit union exams   - Three types: integrated exams, standalone exams, and independent reviews2. NCUA's authority to examine CUSOs:   - Based on agreements between credit unions and CUSOs   - Allows NCUA complete access to CUSO books and records3. Types of CUSOs likely to be examined:   - Those offering new or growing services (e.g., commercial loans, student lending, FinTech)4. NCUA's focus during CUSO exams:   - Systemic risks   - Individual credit union risks   - New or growing services5. Documents NCUA may request:   - Strategic plans   - Disaster recovery plans   - Organizational charts   - Board minutes   - Customer lists   - Policies and procedures6. Corporate veil considerations:   - Ensuring independence between CUSO and credit union operations7. "Primarily serves" requirement:   - Case-by-case determination   - Based on totality of circumstances## Notable Quotes"Getting a CUSO review, if your books and records are clean and your services are well documented and you can do a good job of controlling the narrative when NCUA comes in, when that happens, it's actually, can be a plus."## Upcoming NCUA Developments- Proposed rule on eligible obligations and loan participations expected between July and September## Resources Mentioned- Credit Union Exam Solutions: marktrico.com- CUSO Law: cusolaw.com- Previous podcast episode with Brian Lauer on CUSO regulation changes (episode number to be added in show notes)## Call to ActionSubscribe to "With Flying Colors" on your favorite podcast app for more expert insights on achieving success with NCUA.

Send us a textEx nihil nihil fit.   Out of nothing nothing comes.That's a building block of Western thought - and then there is Prizeout, an innovative ad tech firm that maybe proves that nihil proposition is wrong.You've heard Prizeout before. Perhaps 18 months ago, CEO David Metz was on the show with Darlene Johnson of Suncoast Credit Union.Metz is back, this time with TJ Wyman, chief digital officer at Coastal Credit Union.  Wyman is here to tell why his credit union just climbed aboard and Metz is here to tell about Prizeout's explosive growth and also to detail how the offering has morphed into a cashback toolMetz and Wyman highlight the program's unique value proposition of providing rewards to debit card users, who often do not have access to traditional credit card rewards programs. They also emphasize the program's potential to help credit unions better compete with larger banks by offering an attractive cash benefit to their members.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. ProntoHave you heard about Deep Dive? It's Google's foray into AI driven podcasting and. as an experiment, we fed this podcast into it.  What Deep Dive does is create its own podcast - the voices are machines - and here's a link to a 9 minute AI discussion of this show.

In this episode of Banking Transformed, we explore the transformative power of data in the financial services industry. Joining us is Jeremiah Lotz, SVP of Product & Data Experience at Velera, formerly known as PSCU/Co-op Solutions. We discuss how banks and credit unions can harness data to drive strategic decisions, enhance customer experiences, and navigate the delicate balance between AI capabilities and human insights. Jeremiah also shares his expertise on developing effective data strategies, ensuring privacy and security, and measuring the success of data initiatives in the ever-evolving landscape of modern banking. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by Velera Velera, formerly PSCU/Co-op Solutions, is the nation's premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider. With over four decades of industry experience and a commitment to service excellence and innovation, the company serves more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America, operating with velocity to help its clients keep pace with the rapid momentum of change and fuel growth in the new era of financial services. Velera leverages its expertise and resources on behalf of credit unions and their members, offering an end-to-end product portfolio that includes payment processing, fraud and risk management, data and analytics, digital banking, instant payments, strategic consulting, collections, ATM and POS networks, shared branching and 24/7/365 member support via its contact centers. For more information, visit velera.com.