​Velera’s VP of Marketing Carrie Stapp and VP, Payment Solutions Sheba Carnes stopped by the show to share Velera’s 2026 CU Growth Outlook research revealing SMB banking as one of the largest growth opportunities for credit unions today.

Specifically, Carrie and Sheba highlighted that 36 million SMBs exist in the U.S., with 11 million already credit union members, indicating significant potential for growth. They noted that 86% of small businesses use multiple financial institutions, creating gaps that credit unions can address by offering integrated digital solutions and relationship-based services.

Sheba and Carrie emphasized the importance of credit unions developing a strategic focus on SMB banking, leveraging their strengths in trust and service to become primary financial providers.

They stressed that digital capabilities and payments are now table stakes, while relationship banking remains the differentiator, encouraging credit unions to review the research to better understand SMB needs and position themselves for growth in this sector.

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

Salus’ CEO James Chemplavil and Bill DeWitt, head of member delivery and marketing at People’s Credit Union, stopped by the show to share how their organizations are working together to help the credit union deliver results with Gen Z and Millennials through earned wage access, microloans, credit building through rent reporting, and predictive analytics.

Bill explained that the credit union was implementing Salus's products, starting with rent reporting, to help members build credit and address financial needs in a non-predatory way, especially in the expensive Rhode Island housing market.

James detailed how Salus's platform, including rent reporting, earned wage access, and microloans, helps credit unions deepen member relationships and measure ROI through increased deposits and cross-selling opportunities.

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

Illinois Credit Union League’s President/CEO Libby Calderone and Illinois Credit Union League’s Vice President, State Advocacy & Legislative Counsel Ashley Sharp joined us on the show to share the latest update on Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA), as well as some Illinois legislative session wins.

Specifically, Libby and Ashley Libby and Ashley discussed the ongoing legal battle and legislative efforts to delay and potentially repeal IFPA, which prohibits interchange fees on certain card transactions. They explained that the law's implementation date was extended to July 1, 2027, and highlighted the importance of NCUA's interim final rule in providing some relief for federal credit unions, while state-chartered institutions remain at risk.

They also covered the unified efforts with banking associations and the potential ripple effects of IFPA on other states.

Additionally, Libby and Ashley shared Illinois' legislative successes, including amendments to the Illinois Credit Union Act that now allow credit unions to partner with third-party digital asset service providers. They emphasized the need for continued industry unity and education on the issue.

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

Apple Federal Credit Union’s SVP of Retail Delivery Alan Williams stopped by the show to share how Apple FCU has become the first financial institution on the east coast to accept Virginia DMV's Mobile ID for member verification and other uses.

Alan explained that the Virginia DMV reached out to the credit union, leading to a collaboration that included working with tech supplier Credence to implement ID scanners in branches -- the same ones TSA uses in airports nationwide.

The system allows for both physical and digital IDs to be verified, with digital IDs now accessible through Apple Wallet, making the process faster and more secure.

Alan highlighted the security benefits, including real-time verification with the DMV database and the ability to deter fraud by matching photos.

Since launching in July 2026, the credit union has already scanned nearly 10,000 IDs, with most still being physical IDs but expecting digital ID use to increase.

The initiative was seen as enhancing member convenience and trust, and Apple Federal Credit Union was open to helping other credit unions adopt similar technology.

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

Mitch Rutledge, CEO at Vertice AI, and Stephen Arnold, Chief Strategy + Enterprise Development Officer at Filene Research Institute, joined us on the show to share their research on “Are Your Members Betting More Than You Think?” -- essentially how sports betting may jeopardize your member deposits. When more funds move from deposit accounts into betting platforms, these outflows can erode financial institutions' deposit bases and liquidity while potentially impacting consumers' long-term financial well-being.

Specifically, Mitch and Stephen presented their findings showing that 9% of checking account-holding credit union members were exhibiting transaction activity to betting platforms, with a 1,400% increase in activity on prediction markets.

Their research also revealed that 4% of customers account for half of all betting dollars and have significantly lower balances, with heavy bettors showing 56% lower deposit balances compared to casual bettors. The data showed this behavior is particularly concentrated among younger demographics, with 10% of Gen Z and 8.5% of Millennials exhibiting betting activity compared to only 2.5% of Boomers.

Mitch and Stephen emphasized that credit unions should view this as both a financial wellness and deposit issue, noting an opportunity to engage younger members who are open to financial education through programs like "Hopeful Help Seekers."

​Both organizations plan to continue research into other financial trends including buy now pay later, the gig economy, and subscription services.

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