Union Credit has recently launched to become the first marketplace for credit unions to deliver perpetual credit approval and one-click loan activation to new member prospects. As a result, credit unions can break into new markets digitally with firm offers of credit embedded into the front end of purchase and financing experiences.

To get all the details on this unique, new venture, we invited Union Credit CEO/Co-founder and CuneXus co-founder Dave Buerger and colleague CRO/Co-Founder Barry Kirby (also formerly of CuneXus) on the show share Union Credit is actually leveraging a partnership with CuneXus to offer an embedded digital storefront model outside the credit union’s digital walls and into the open market. 

Union Credit will be the exclusive partner of CuneXus to offer this marketplace and initially will focus on the nearly 250 credit unions already leveraging CuneXus. These credit unions serve communities throughout the United States and represent approximately 37 million members.

According to Dave and Barry, Union Credit provides credit unions with new, credit-worthy members from outside their ecosystem by aggregating consumer data, and matching it with credit union field of membership, product, decisioning and underwriting details.

For the 250 credit unions already using the CuneXus platform, these lenders will have the ability to easily opt-in to Union Credit’s marketplace, via an existing integration with CuneXus. Once the match is made, the consumer is in charge of the relationship and their data. If they choose to move forward with an offer, it only takes one-click to engage.

Dave added that credit unions thrive on their long-lasting member relationships, but acquiring new relationships has always been a challenge. He said all that ends with Union Credit, as it advocates for credit unions on a national scale, putting them in front of consumers at their point of need. It combines the local, competitive, and advantageous offers that credit unions are known for and gives them the sophisticated platform they need to amplify existing digital services and reach new audiences.
 
The fintech startup is launching with $5 million in Seed funding, led by CMFG Ventures, and supported by Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures (MSIV), Array and other strategic fintech influencers. The company will use this investment to focus on building out its digital lending marketplace, SDK, and a direct-to-consumer app where consumers can manage perpetual offers of credit from local lenders that want to serve them.
 
Union Credit has partnered with CuneXus, a wholly-owned technology subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Group that is currently producing over $27 billion in loans annually. 

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

CUNA's 2023 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) is only a few weeks away in Washington, D.C., and most of us attending are dotting our "i's" and crossing our "t's" in preparation for a week of networking, note taking, and not getting enough sleep.

For the 14th year in a row there will be one group there that will have more energy and drive than most of us put together -- and that would be the Crashers, hosted by the Cooperative Trust and their fearless and fun leader Cortney Arnold (also Filene's Community Development Director).

But it wouldn't be a complete interview on the 2023 GAC Crasher experience without one of the chosen Crashers: ValleyStar Credit Union’s Vice President of Brand Stephanie Potter, sharing her expectations of this unforgettable, weeklong experience.

Cortney and Stephanie discussed some of the activities in which they will be involved, as well as goals they would like to achieve, what they are looking forward to, how this program benefits careers and the industry, and much, much more.

Lastly, Cortney talks about the many other Crasher opportunities throughout 2023. Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

Astera Credit Union President/CEO Martin Carter stopped by the show to share how his credit union's financial health initiative, called "EmpowerME!," has literally changed lives. Tom says participants have raised their credit scores by over 100 points, many have become homebuyers, and much more.

Martin explained how “EmpowerME!” works to help members and employees, discussion the program's two paths that provide opportunities to improve their financial health and wellbeing. Those two paths include a self-service platform and a coach-guided platform. He points out the target audience for each, as well.

Martin discussed the reasoning behind EmpowerME!, as Astera is a low-income designated credit union that recognized the significant need to help members with their financial wellness.

He also shared anecdotes and success stories as a result of this initiative, acquiring and retaining 208 unique site users who have completed 762 activities, unlocking 349 achievements and earning 743 learning badges in the self-service program. They have had 10 members and eight employees enrolled in the coach-guided program so far.

Some of the success stories they have had include members whose credit scores have improved by more than 100 points, members who had bad credit but turned it all around (thanks to the program) and became homeowner, members who have learned smart budgeting practices to build emergency savings, and much more.

Martin also shared some goals he has for his credit union leveraging this initiative -- being a differentiator is one of them. And, lastly, he provided some sound advice for other credit unions looking at doing something similar.

Very inspiring talk with Martin, whose credit union is definitely making a difference and changing members' lives with EmpowerME!. Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

New year, new direction -- or expanded direction -- for the folks at Trellance, as they have been focused on helping credit union better manage their data analytics for many years now. In 2023, they are definitely not swaying from their commitment to analytics, but they are enhancing their direction in talent and cloud, as well.

To get the logic behind these moves, we invited Trellance President/CEO Tom Davis on the show to share his thoughts on where they are headed in 2023 with these new business lines.

Additionally, Tom discussed Trellance's recent acquisitions and how they are shaping the CUSO's direction this year -- the Ongoing Operations acquisition, in particular. He says they will be focusing on creating a cohesive brand this year, so there may be a few name changes, but exciting things to come as they continue to grow and expand their brand.

Getting back to cloud, Tom says that it means faster delivery and lower set up costs, without sacrificing quality. It means no more clunky "on-prem" set up. It means achieving more. Trellance sees that speed and cost savings are really important in today’s market, and they want to make sure they're meeting that need.

In regards to Trellance’s talent acquisitions services. Tom adds that speed is also going to be a big factor this year, and the fact of the matter is outsourcing tech projects is just faster than hiring new talent for them.

Circling back to analytics. he explains that it is going to be an important resource for credit unions in 2023 — especially as the economy slows. Their predictive models will help determine the best course of action based on the current forecast. That may be pursuing auto refinancing or credit line increases, or it may be taking steps to prepare for late or defaulted payments.

Another insightful and energetic talk with Tom. Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

ViClarity's Erin O’Hern stopped by the show to share her expertise and insights on how the Great Resignation has -- and still is -- impacting credit unions' compliance capabilities.

Erin shared with us what's happening out there right now on the job front with gaining and retaining top talent in the credit union industry, as well as how is the current shortage of talent is impacting credit unions -- particularly with their compliance capabilities.

She then provided some strategies credit unions can incorporate to give themselves a little relief in this challenging area.

Lastly, Erin gave us her prediction on a timeline where this situation will ease up -- especially when more talent is available.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode with Erin below for all the details.