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

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

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

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

Not A Wall Street Merger – A Uniquely Credit Union Merger

Not A Wall Street Merger

Suddenly, the crowd erupted. Tears started flowing. Members and staff alike shouted aloud in celebration of victory.  These weren’t tears of sadness, but tears of joy.  Board members, staff and members embraced each other with warm hugs. In… Read More

Survive or Thrive? – The Question Credit Union Leadership Must Answer

Credit Union - Survive or Thrive?

In a perfect world, every business would be built to last forever, but that’s simply not the way things go. Competition ebbs and flows, some industries flourish, some companies flounder. In the credit union world, leaders are rapidly… Read More

Can The Network Credit Union Model Help You Compete?

Network Credit Union Model

The National Credit Union Association has suggested in more than one article that small credit unions should at least consider the idea of a network merger in the context of potentially creating partnerships with multiple small credit unions… Read More

The 3rd Best Day of My Life

3rd Best Day of My Life - A Credit Union Merger

We lifted our glasses of champagne in celebration; After months of evaluating merger proposals from several credit unions, selecting a finalist, and completing the final negotiations my client could finally breathe a sigh of relief.  Leaning back in… Read More

How Small Credit Unions Benefit From Mergers

Small Credit Unions Benefit From Mergers

Today’s financial market is extremely competitive and most smaller banks and credit unions face a difficult uphill battle in trying to survive among their larger competitors. The larger a credit union is, the more resources it has at… Read More

Instant Gratification Through Mergers

Mergers Provide Instant Gratification

Small credit union managers can be forgiven for feeling a little stressed. They regularly face one of the most challenging jobs in the financial industry: trying to operate a small, community credit union in the same field as… Read More

The Squeeze On Small Credit Unions

The Squeeze On Small Credit Unions

There was a time when a quaint, small credit union could compete with the bigger organizations in town. In simpler times, things were a lot different; however, today’s ultra-competitive credit union economy relies on economies of scale in… Read More

Should Credit Unions Grow For Growth’s Sake?

Growth for growth's sake

“We don’t want to grow just for growth’s sake.” It’s a comment I almost always hear during strategic planning sessions, and it reveals a potentially disastrous mindset. Growth isn’t an option to consider, but a necessity to start… Read More

5 Ways Employees Benefit From Mergers

How Credit Union Employees Benefit From Mergers

Just the term “merger” can send shivers through your employees – what will happen after two companies combine, and how will it affect you? Adversarial mergers form interesting themes in modern fiction, however, they can be an enormous… Read More

Mergers: A Key Topic for Director Education

Credit Union Board of Directors - Merger Education

It seems mergers are always a topic of discussion in the credit union world these days. Interestingly enough, however, despite the constant conversation around the topic, many credit union leaders are unprepared when they’re actually face-to-face with decisions… Read More

Credit Union Mergers Enhance Members’ Financial Lives

Credit Union Mergers Increase Member Satisfaction

A white paper recently submitted by students of the Southeast CUNA Management School, “Perceptions and Realities Surrounding Credit Union Mergers,” has revealed some interesting research and analysis in support of the mergers and acquisitions trend that’s been experienced… Read More

The Challenge Of Keeping Up With Member Expectations

Challenge Of Keeping Up With Credit Union Member Expectations

Consumers today know what they want. They do the research, shop around, and put due diligence into every decision they make. When it comes to their money, most consumers these days have a solid understanding in terms of… Read More

3 Technologies That Are Key To Your Credit Union’s Success

3 Technologies That Are Key To Your Credit Union's Success

Have you ever stopped to think about how much technology you truly use in a day? The number of times you reach for your cell phone, rely on an app, and consult with the many computers that automate… Read More

Credit Union Mergers: Maximizing Benefits & Best Practices

Credit Union Mergers: Maximize Benefits & Best Practices

You have a lot to celebrate when you’ve created a credit union that is successful enough to be sought after by larger financial institutions. All of your hard work and due diligence can pay great dividends in the… Read More