How Mergers Can Build the Talent Pipeline

Where will your future leaders come from? The question has taken on greater urgency in today’s quickly changing workforce. CEOs are retiring at an unprecedented rate, fueled by the demographic reality of 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every… Read More

Two Key Issues for Boards: Succession Planning and Merger Considerations

by Teresa Freeborn, Guest Writer Board succession planning is as important as executive succession planning, but often it’s simply not done because it’s not perceived to be urgent. Some board members seem to view their role as a… Read More

Too Many Credit Unions Lack a Merger Policy

There are two potential approaches that credit unions can take to address merger opportunities: proactive or reactive. A proactive approach entails having a structured policy in place for uncovering and considering potential merger opportunities. A reactive approach often… Read More

CEO Perspective – Obstacles to Mergers

CEO Perspective - Obstacles to Mergers

We’ve talked about the people or groups of people who are sometimes averse to considering a merger when a potential partner presents itself, but we haven’t really addressed the merger obstacles that often keep leaders from considering integrating… Read More

Credit Union Guidelines for Merger Proposals

Has your board of directors developed a former merger policy or guidelines for considering a merger? If you answered “no”, you’re not alone. According to a study conducted by CEO Advisory Group, an overwhelming majority of boards do… Read More

Director Perspective – Obstacles to Mergers

Director Perspective: Obstacles to Mergers

We all know credit union mergers have become more and more common in recent decades. With this, however, there are still many leaders who aren’t sold on the idea. What merger obstacles are standing in the way of… Read More

M&A Trends in 2021

Exclusive Webinar for Credit Union Executives Following a lackluster year for mergers and acquisitions, the market is anticipated to heat up as consumer behavior evolves, economic conditions improve post-COVID-19, and the regulatory environment continues to change. Credit unions… Read More

Open Doors To Capital With Subordinated Debt

Regulatory Capital Strategy The NCUA’s upcoming final rule will relax the restrictions on credit unions’ eligibility to issue subordinated debt. Previously, the issuance of subordinated debt was restricted to low income designated credit unions. Subordinated debt can be… Read More

Mergers Dismissed Without Consideration

When a credit union is faced with a merger, it’s also faced with the ability to strategically align itself against competing for financial institutions. Mergers enable credit unions to incorporate the best technologies for both their employees and… Read More

Fiduciary Duty to Consider Merger Proposal

Fiduciary Duty - Main Image

When it comes to credit union regulations, leaders’ fiduciary duty to consider merger proposals is of the utmost importance. Why? Because it requires directors to act in good faith in the best interests of the membership, and in… Read More

Important Factors in Assessing a CU Merger

Evaluating a Credit Union Merger

Credit union mergers have become increasingly more common. From the 23,000 credit unions that existed at their peak in 1969 to the 5,200 credit unions that existed as of 2020, the industry has seen a lot of shift…. Read More

How Receptive Is Credit Union Leadership to a Merger?

In the world of credit unions, mergers are an essential part of growing and staying relevant. In fact, a well-planned merger can actually help you gain a significant competitive advantage. With that said, it seems some leaders are… Read More

5 Themes – Conversations With CU Leaders

5 Themes - Conversations with CU Leaders During Convid-19

Based on calls we have received over the last month, there is no doubt credit union leaders believe our business will be forever changed after COVID-19. The thoughts these leaders shared with us can generally be categorized into… Read More

Is Now the Right Time for Your Credit Union to Consider a Strategic Merger?

Is Now the Right Time for Your Credit Union to Merge?

One of the leading reasons credit unions engage in mergers is declining membership, according to a study conducted by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). It found that 47 percent of merging credit unions had negative member growth… Read More

Aligning Executive Compensation With Member Interests In A Merger

When a change in control occurs in a credit union, the board of directors must consider the best interests of its members. This means not only ensuring the financial health of the organization is stabilized, but also putting… Read More

When Prospective Partners Come Knocking

When Prospective Partners Come Knocking

New White Paper Explores Obstacles to CU Merger Proposals ‘When Prospective Partners Come Knocking’ Although credit union executives and boards have a duty to consider members’ interests in all matters, other factors may take precedence when it comes… Read More

The Anatomy of an Ideal Credit Union Merger Partner

Characteristics of Favorable Merger Partners

Credit union mergers and acquisitions have been on the rise for several years. In fact, credit unions have been merging at the rate of 2.9 percent per year since the industry reached its peak in 1969 with nearly… Read More

Seven B.C. Credit Unions Explore Forming a “Regional Amalgamation”

7 Credit Union Merger

In this atmosphere of hyper-competition in the financial services industry, credit unions throughout North America are exploring the potential of strengthening their positions through beneficial consolidations and mergers. In British Columbia, the potential benefits of a major consolidation… Read More

Bank Branch Acquisition Offers Credit Unions Another Option To Expand

Bank Acquisition Vocal CU

As the recent acquisition of a community bank branch by Vocal Credit Union demonstrates, mergers aren’t the only avenue open to credit unions aiming to expand their reach and membership. Vocal CU, a $30 million financial cooperative based… Read More

Overcoming The Fear Of Merger

Courage is knowing what not to fear

If your credit union has never been through a merger before, the entire idea can be frightening for everyone involved, from the C-suite to the newest employees. There are a lot of unknown aspects, and credit union leaders… Read More