There's been a lot of talk about credit union member business lending (MBL) lately and its recently proposed changes from the NCUA. Nothing has occurred since 2003. And in today's rapidly-paced business environment, it feels more like 1803. So it may be high time to move the needle here to stay current with the times.

With the recently proposed changes, there is some movement for credit unions in this area and NCUA's Vice Chairman Rick Metsger has taken the torch and running with it to get these adjustments implemented soon. We caught up with Rick to get the inside scoop on some of the significant changes to MBL, as well as their possible effect on credit unions if given the green light.

Speaking of changes, we also discussed NCUA's recent announcement about automatically qualifying 12 groups as valid associations as they relate to a credit union's field of membership (FOM). Rick, who has championed necessary FOM changes, talks about this automation and what it means to credit unions looking to expand their audiences for future growth.

Lastly, we touched on an industry hypothetical based on a Feb. 24, 2015, CU Times Op/Ed piece by Cliff Rosenthal: What if there were no FOMs or common bonds needed for CUs? What would it look like for credit unions to have just an open membership like most cooperatives worldwide? It was definitely an entertaining ending to our conversation with Rick, as we always appreciate his time and insight on today's important issues. Enjoy!

As check usage declines, mobile RDC is becoming the preferred deposit method for a growing number of credit union members (and bank customers). Financial analyst firm Celent expects RDC to account for a third of retail banking deposits by year-end 2015 and half by 2016.

Those are some pretty significant numbers for FIs to be aware of. So we invited Celent's Senior Analyst Bob Meara on the show, who researches RDC each year to spot trends and usage numbers. Bob provided us with four trends every credit union should know to stay ahead of the proverbial mobile services curve.

Bob adds that mobile RDC will become increasingly relevant — not just for mobile use cases, but more broadly. Mobile RDC is becoming the new scanner, with banks and credit unions racing to offer mRDC to small business and commercial clients. He says this trend will have a profound effect on the branch channel at many institutions as branch visits are increasingly replaced with digital deposits.

Check it out and let us know what you think about mRDC, along with what you're seeing today. Additionally, review Bob's report on this topic: State of Remote Deposit Capture 2015.

In part 3 of our "Cohesive Financial Experience" series with Q2's Will Furrer, we discuss how Q2 helps credit unions build stronger communities. The branch, for instance, has evolved because of all the self-service offerings that allow members to be in control. Will compares it to NetFlix usurping Blockbuster, allowing the consumer to choose the movie they want and watch it -- along with preparing their own snacks instead of paying $10 for licorice ropes and a movie that you really didn't want to watch because it was all Blockbuster  had.

Will adds that moving money back and forth and paying bills online when it's convenient for them -- same with visiting a branch for a more complex transaction. It is key to the brand promise of the community financial institution to the community to provide them with this service that makes their lives better. And, thus, it makes the community a better place to live.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, as we also touch on some of Q2's highlights over the years along with some of its greatest challenges. Will's candid responses are truly refreshing. I think you will really enjoy this episode.

And, if you missed 'em the last week or so, check out part 1 and part 2. Enjoy!

One of our favorite fraudster fighters returns to CUbroadcast for another report on how credit unions can keep the bad guys at bay. Aite Group's Research Director Julie Conroy joins us this time around to divulge her latest report, "Digital-Channel Fraud Mitigation: The Mobile Force Awakens."

Cybercrime remains a big business with few consequences, but Julie reports that the mobile device is not only ideal for managing one's financials it's also taking on a bigger role in fraud prevention. In our discussion, she shows us just how your mobile can help fight fraud -- along with what banks and credit unions are doing today, even though losses are surprisingly down.

Could it be prime time to gear for the next round of fraud attacks? Julie lets us know about the possible "calm before the storm" and why now is a perfect time to invest in new fraud fighting technology to quell future attacks -- and your mobile is on the front lines.

As always, a compelling discussion with Aite's Julie Conroy in this all-important era of fighting cybercrime. Check it out and let us know what you're credit union is doing to join this battle to outwit today's incessant fraudsters.

See the report:
Digital-Channel Fraud Mitigation: The Mobile Force Awakens

Alright, hold on to your britches as we tackle part 2 of "Creating Chaos with State Employees' CEO Jim Blaine." In this episode, we discuss Jim's thoughts on today's regulation/compliance environment for credit unions and I think you'll be surprised at how calm and reassuring he is with his response.

We also touch on his recent "Credit Union Marketing ... SOS!!!" blog post, where he says that credit union marketeers' need to do a better job at differentiating themselves to successfully deliver a "value" message to consumers. Here's a snippet:

Credit union marketing looks just as good as everyone else’s because it looks just like everyone else’s!  Aren’t credit unions different and unique? Or is that just a marketing ploy?

If we are exceptional, is there any reason we shouldn’t start featuring values over value? Doesn’t our purpose have panache?

We also address today's constant data breaches and where the responsibility lies: FIs, consumers, retailers, etc.?

To wrap up our interview, we discussed the "changing of the guard" in today's CU industry with more and more CEOs retiring, making room for the new blood to lead credit unions for the next few decades.  Jim, of course, has some sound advice for the new execs looking to take the torch -- hence our "creating chaos" headline.

We can't thank Jim enough for coming on the show and delivering as only he can deliver. Enjoy the show and let us know what you think. Oh yeah, if you missed part 1 of our conversation with Jim last week, click here to watch.

You can also see Jim speak live at the upcoming CU Water Cooler Symposium, Oct. 1-2, in Kansas City.