 Anthony Hernandez Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) called for a follow-up industry-wide strategy meeting to take place next Wednesday, April 30th at 12 PM ET as the credit union industry prepares for a pivotal month of legislative action.
With major issues on the horizon—including the potential threat to the credit union tax status, concerns surrounding the NCUA’s independence, interchange proposals, and more—DCUC recognizes the urgent need for coordinated and collaborative advocacy. “This is not a time for panic—but it is a time for unity,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. “We must mobilize with purpose and precision. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of our industry for years to come.” “This moment demands our full attention and collective action,” said Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at DCUC. “Our strength lies in our unity, and now is the time to ensure that every voice in the credit union movement is heard—on the Hill, in the media, and in every community we serve.” Congress returns next week, with markup of a major tax bill—including potential offsets—over the next few weeks. DCUC is calling on credit union leaders, leagues, and strategic partners across the movement to engage now and join with their voices to defend the cooperative credit union model, mission, and impact. This past Monday, DCUC hosted a virtual conference call first proposed last Wednesday that brought together key leaders and advocates across the credit union space, inviting ACU, NASCUS, NACUC, NACUMA, NACUSO, WOCCU, NCUF, AACUC, MACUMA, Backbone Communications, and many others. The credit union coalition discussed recent research and advocacy strategies aimed at protecting not-for-profit credit unions and highlighting their value to America’s communities—particularly underserved, rural populations and military families. “There is more happening beneath the surface,” added Hernandez. “Several credit union leagues will be in D.C. next week for in-person meetings on Capitol Hill. This is the time to amplify the credit union story and ensure our message is front and center.” At this inflection point, DCUC urges all industry partners and advocates to take action. This is not just about defending against policy threats—it’s about shaping a future where credit unions continue to provide accessible, affordable financial services to those who need them most. For more information or questions about how you can get involved, contact DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer, Jason Stverak, at [email protected].
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Financial Plus Credit Union Announces Multi-Year Commitment to Benefit Kettering University4/25/2025  Financial Plus Credit Union and Kettering University have launched a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing financial education and resources for students. The collaboration was celebrated with a special announcement at Kettering’s Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Garage, where Financial Plus leadership unveiled the exclusive Kettering-branded debit card and placed a symbolic Financial Plus sticker on the University’s SAE Formula car.
“Kettering students are known for their innovation, leadership, and problem-solving skills, and we are proud to support their success beyond the classroom,” said Brad Bergmooser, President & CEO of Financial Plus Credit Union. “Through this partnership, we’re ensuring that students have access to financial tools and education that will empower them throughout their academic and professional journeys.” “Kettering students push boundaries — and this partnership equips them with the resources to go even further,” Jennifer Patterson, Kettering University Vice President of University Advancement and External Relations, said. “Financial Plus understands that preparing tomorrow’s leaders means investing in their success today, in anything they endeavor to achieve.” The multi-year commitment from Financial Plus directly supports a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing student experiences and promoting financial wellness. The credit union will serve as the official Student Orientation Partner, providing resources for incoming students and participating in key campus events like Bulldog Fest and community service projects. Additionally, Financial Plus will play an active role in university life through financial wellness seminars, career development opportunities, and ongoing campus engagement. Financial Plus will be a presenting sponsor for the Major Sobey Memorial Golf Outing benefiting Kettering/General Motors Institute Alumni Associations, as well as a sponsor of Kettering’s Formula SAE, VEXU Robotics team, and Kettering’s Robotics Community Center. Beyond student engagement, Financial Plus unveiled a Kettering-branded debit card, launching in Summer 2025, offering students, faculty, and alumni a unique way to bank with a credit union committed to their community. For more information on the partnership and the benefits available to Kettering students, faculty, and alumni, visit www.myfpcu.com/kettering.  Tru Treasury The National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations (NACUSO) proudly announced the winners of the 2025 CUSO of the Year Awards during the Reimagine Conference at the Wynn in Las Vegas. These awards recognize Credit Union Service Organizations (CUSOs) that demonstrate extraordinary innovation, collaboration, and impact in advancing the credit union movement.
2025 CUSO of the Year: Tru Treasury Tru Treasury won this year’s prestigious award because they have reimagined what treasury services can look like for credit unions—building partnerships, solving real problems, and helping credit unions compete and thrive in the business banking space. "We are incredibly honored to be named CUSO of the Year by NACUSO. This award is a testament to the vision of our CUSO ownership, the trust of the financial institutions we serve, and—most of all—the talent and commitment of the Tru Treasury team,” said John Ballantyne, CEO, Tru Treasury. 2025 New CUSO of the Year: BenefisCU As a young CUSO, BenefisCU won this coveted award because it set its vision on disrupting business as usual and creating a valuable solution for credit unions within the benefits and advanced insurance industry. “To be named New CUSO of the Year is an incredible honor that speaks to the heart of what BenefisCU powered by TRISCENDNP stands for: collaboration, innovation, and results for credit unions. This recognition is a reflection of the strong relationships we’ve built with our partners and the shared belief that credit unions deserve tailored solutions that keep value within the movement,” said Alexandria Staron, CEO of BenefisCU and COO of TRISCENDNP. “The CUSO of the Year Awards remind us of what makes Credit Union Service Organizations so powerful—real collaboration, purposeful innovation, and a deep commitment to serving credit unions and their members,” said Miriam Ackerman, Acting CEO of NACUSO. “Tru Treasury and BenefisCU are both incredible examples of what’s possible when CUSOs lead with intention and impact. They move the industry forward.” Learn more about the CUSO Awards and the Reimagine Conference. Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFRM), the payment network that empowers consumers and helps merchants drive growth, is expanding the credit reporting of its pay-over-time products to TransUnion (NYSE: TRU), the companies jointly announced today. All Affirm pay-over-time loans issued from May 1, 2025 onward, including Pay in 4 and longer-term monthly installments, will be reported to TransUnion.
Consumers will see details about all Affirm transactions on their TransUnion credit files, though these transactions will not be factored into traditional credit scores nor be visible to lenders in the near-term. As more pay-over-time providers report account information to the credit bureaus, lenders who request TransUnion credit reports will also be able to view consumers' pay-over-time history. In the future, as new credit scoring models are developed, this information may factor into consumers’ scores, with the aim of supporting more informed lending decisions and helping consumers build their credit histories. "Affirm is committed to protecting and empowering consumers through our products and practices - from having no late or hidden fees to supporting positive credit outcomes through responsible lending," said Libor Michalek, Affirm's President. "Including all loans in a consumer's credit profile is a crucial step toward making Affirm's honest financial products even more mainstream. We look forward to TransUnion’s partnership as we continue to drive greater adoption of Affirm and further our position as the most pro-consumer provider in the industry, offering unmatched flexibility and transparency.” TransUnion research found nearly 40% of consumers who haven’t used buy now, pay later are likely or very likely to use them in the future. Notably, a higher 53% of non-users would be likely or very likely to use them if it had the potential to have a positive impact on credit scores. “Affirm’s loan furnishing to TransUnion is an exciting milestone for the industry,” said Steve Chaouki, President, U.S. Markets and Consumer Interactive, TransUnion. “Millions of consumers use Affirm’s pay-over-time financing and they deserve to get credit for their payment behavior.” Affirm will continue to work closely with other industry stakeholders to standardize policies for furnishing information across loan products.  Milind Borkar Illuma, the leader in voice authentication technology for banks and credit unions, has announced a strategic partnership with Amplify Credit Union to implement IllumaSHIELD™, a cutting-edge voice authentication solution. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing security and streamlining member authentication in Amplify’s contact center.
Through this partnership, Amplify Credit Union will integrate IllumaSHIELD™, a seamless voice authentication system designed to replace traditional knowledge-based authentication methods into their contact center telephony environment. By leveraging advanced voice biometrics, IllumaSHIELD™ provides a frictionless and highly secure authentication experience, reducing member verification times and mitigating fraud risks. “Security and member experience are top priorities for Amplify Credit Union,” said Stacy Armijo, Chief Experience Officer at Amplify Credit Union. “Partnering with Illuma allows us to enhance both by implementing state-of-the-art voice authentication technology, ensuring that our members can access their accounts securely and effortlessly.” IllumaSHIELD™ is engineered to analyze unique voice characteristics, providing a secure and convenient alternative to PINs, passwords, and security questions. With real-time authentication, the solution not only improves security but also reduces call center handling times, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency for financial institutions. “This partnership with Amplify Credit Union underscores our commitment to revolutionizing security in the financial sector,” said Milind Borkar, Founder & CEO of Illuma. “By deploying IllumaSHIELD™, Amplify is taking a proactive approach to fraud prevention while delivering a superior member experience.” As financial institutions continue to face increasing security threats, innovative solutions like IllumaSHIELD™ are crucial in safeguarding account holder information and enhancing trust. The integration of voice authentication technology reaffirms Amplify Credit Union’s commitment to providing secure and efficient banking services to its members.  Wescom Financial's Knott's Berry Farm branch Wescom Financial is hosting a grand opening celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm, taking place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
“Being the first financial institution to open a branch at Knott’s Berry Farm marks a significant milestone for Wescom, and we’re thrilled to be able to share this moment with our very own Wescom team members and the Southern California communities we support,” stated Ashley White, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Wescom. “We’ve also invited a select number of our members to this event who have been impacted by the wildfires. With the Eaton fire raging nearby our Pasadena headquarters, we understand the devastating impact – those affected deserve a day of fun and positive memories with friends and family as they recover.” The Wescom Knott’s Berry Farm Branch, conveniently located in Knott’s California Marketplace, first opened its doors in September of last year. As the Official Banking Partner of the bustling Southern California theme park that attracts more than five million guests each year, Wescom’s invite-only celebratory day at the park will include a complimentary lunch at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, theme park character meet n’ greet / photo opportunities, giveaways and more. "We're thrilled to have a Wescom Financial branch at Knott's Berry Farm. It benefits both our associates and our guests," said Jon Storbeck, Vice President and General Manager of Knott’s Berry Farm. “Wescom, like Knott’s, is an organization that values an exceptional guest experience. So, today we not only celebrate the formal grand opening, but also a great partnership." To further support wildfire relief efforts and involve the Knott’s community, Wescom is launching a Knott’s Visa® Credit Card promotional offer. Active as of April 21st and running through May 31st, the financial institution will match dollar-for-dollar on all Knott’s credit card purchases, up to a total of $10,000 plus member contributions to benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Cardholders will also be automatically entered for a chance to win1 an unforgettable Knott’s experience – a four-pack of Gold passes and a one-night stay at the Knott’s Hotel – by making a Knott’s Visa® purchase during this timeframe. Cardholders receive one entry, regardless of the number of purchases made. To date, Wescom and its members have raised more than $214,000 for the Southern California wildfire relief efforts ($50,000 was a match from the financial institution). The day’s events are scheduled as follows:
To learn more about Wescom’s partnership with Knott’s, please visit wescom.org/knotts for more details.  Origence, the leading lending technology solutions provider for credit unions, announces breakout sessions for its Lending Tech Live ’25 conference, scheduled June 16-18, 2025, at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. This announcement follows the news of General Bradford Shwedo, Steve Brown, and Sheryl Connelly as keynote speakers.
This year’s tracks will focus on auto lending trends, the evolution of online car buying, AI-driven innovation, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and strategies to enhance the digital member experience. Attendees can attend the following breakout sessions:
“The breakout sessions at Lending Tech Live are designed to deliver more than insights – they offer credit unions practical tools and proven strategies to take back to their teams. Whether it’s leveraging AI, refining compliance programs, or enhancing member engagement, attendees will leave with clear, actionable value,” said Erika Hill, Origence’s VP of Marketing. Lending Tech Live ’25 is the premier lending technology conference in the credit union industry, offering sessions and interactive demonstrations on cutting-edge technologies, strategies, and trends. The two-day event also includes networking opportunities to engage with key industry stakeholders and collaborate – shaping the industry's future. To learn more about the conference, visit the Lending Tech Live website.  Dan Coosk by Daniel Goosk
Director of Lending at Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union With April’s Financial Literacy Month in full swing, it’s more important than ever to talk openly about money. In 2025, navigating our finances isn’t just about budgeting and saving—it’s about having real, honest conversations with the people who matter most: your family, your financial advisor, and even yourself. Whether you’re talking to a child about the importance of saving, a friend about managing debt, or a parent about retirement plans, you build the foundation for smarter decisions. In today’s uncertain economy, that foundation is critical. Here are five key points to consider when borrowing or managing your finances this year: 1. Use Home Equity Loans Strategically, Not Emotionally Many homeowners are tapping into their home equity to tackle big expenses like home renovations, consolidating debt, or paying for college tuition—smart moves that can reduce overall interest and simplify monthly payments. But it’s equally important to avoid using your home’s equity for luxury items or impulse purchases like expensive cars or vacations. In a high-cost economy, needs must take priority over wants. 2. Understand Your Loan Options—And Your Risk Tolerance Whether it’s a fixed- or adjustable-rate home equity loan, understanding what you’re signing up for is key. A fixed-rate loan offers consistency—your monthly payment stays the same for the life of the loan. Adjustable rates may start lower but can rise with the market. The right choice depends on your financial stability and long-term outlook. Don't guess—ask questions, get guidance, and know what you can truly afford. 3. Take Advantage of Specialty Loans Designed for Real Life Not all borrowing is bad—especially when it’s done wisely. We’ve created specific products to help you manage life’s big events without turning to high-interest credit cards. From a wedding loan that covers expenses like DJs and venues, to a seasonal Christmas loan for holiday spending, these options come with lower rates (5–7%) and shorter terms that make budgeting easier. Compare that to credit cards, which average 22–24% interest, and the choice is clear. 4. Talk About the Right Time to Refinance On Long Island, mortgage rates remain around 6–7%—not historically high, but not ideal in areas with steep home prices. If your current rate is at least 1% higher than what’s available now, refinancing might make sense. But if the difference is smaller, and you're planning to move within five years, it may not be worth it. This is where a conversation with a loan expert really pays off—because you’re not just crunching numbers, you’re thinking strategically. 5. Help First-Time Homebuyers Enter the Market with Confidence For younger generations or new buyers, the road to homeownership is daunting. The average home on Long Island hovers around $700,000, and the myth that you must have 20% down often stops people from even looking. At Ocean Financial, we work to open doors—whether through private mortgage insurance (PMI) or adjustable-rate options that make monthly payments more manageable. The key? Start the conversation early and know that you don’t have to do it alone. Money can be emotional, even overwhelming. But the more we talk about it—at the kitchen table, with our kids, with trusted financial partners—the more confident and informed we become. Sharing knowledge and experiences across generations can strengthen financial confidence and create a supportive environment for achieving goals. We are here to listen, guide, and help you make choices that align with your goals. Whether you're refinancing your mortgage, planning a wedding, or helping your child with college tuition—let’s talk. Because in 2025, the smartest financial move you can make is starting the conversation  Elissa McCarter LaBorde The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) announced Tuesday that Elissa McCarter LaBorde is leaving her position as President and CEO.
“We thank Elissa for her years of service at an unprecedented time in WOCCU's history and celebrate the organization's success under her leadership,” said Michael Lawrence, Chair of the WOCCU Board of Directors. With WOCCU at a strategic crossroads, it was an opportune time for the organization to refocus on its core trade association activities and advocacy mission. The WOCCU Board has already initiated a search for a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer. The Board remains committed to identifying a strategic leader who will build upon the organization's strong foundation and guide it into its next chapter. Paul Treinen will serve as Interim CEO of both WOCCU and the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU), which McCarter LaBorde also oversaw in her role with the organization. Mr. Treinen retired from WOCCU in 2023, following a distinguished seven-year career as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. His deep understanding of the organization's mission and operations positions him well to lead during this transitional period. Under Paul’s leadership, the Board is confident there will be no disruption to the trade association's services, ongoing projects, partnerships or contracts. The WOCCU and WFCU management teams remain focused on supporting our global membership’s needs and delivering against our project plans and donor commitments. We look forward to delivering an outstanding 2025 World Credit Union Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, July 14-16, and executing the Rally the Movement initiatives so many industry groups and individuals donated to earlier this year. "We are confident in Paul's leadership and ability to ensure continuity during this time of change," added Lawrence. "WOCCU and WFCU remain focused on advancing the global credit union movement and delivering continued value to our members, partners and donors." “Under Paul’s leadership and direction, we are confident the work of the foundation will continue uninterrupted,” said William (Bill) Cheney, Chair of the WFCU Board of Directors. “The WFCU board looks forward to working with Paul during this period of change and transition.” The Family Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Davenport, announced today the appointment of Michael Brandt as its new Chief Executive Officer. Brandt's first day will be April 28th.
"It's a true honor to join The Family Credit Union as CEO. I'm excited to partner with this dedicated team, leveraging our collective experience to shape a vibrant future for our members and the institution,” said Brandt. Brandt brings more than 24 years of experience in the credit union industry, including more than half of those years as president/CEO of two successful credit unions. His career began as a loan officer and quickly progressed to positions including financial services manager and vice president of lending on his journey to the top leadership role. Most recently, Brandt served as president/CEO of Empower Credit Union in West Allis, Wisconsin, where he developed partnerships with area non-profit organizations to enhance the credit union’s brand recognition, grow membership, and increase loans. He was recognized as a Notable Credit Union Leader by BizTimes magazine in 2021 for creating the credit union’s Change for Charities debit card program. This program allowed members to round up their debit card purchases, donating the difference to select non-profit groups, with the credit union matching those donations each year. As the CEO of Evergreen Credit Union in Neenah, Wisconsin, Brandt received the Sustainable Leadership – Small Business award from the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council for his efforts in transforming the small credit union into a top performer with a mission centered on environmental responsibility. His work at Evergreen also earned him the title of Credit Union Rock Star by Credit Union Magazine in 2016. "With Mike’s leadership, we are excited about the vision and future of The Family Credit Union,” said Steve Horan, Vice Chair of the Board and member of the search committee. "After a thorough and thoughtful search process, the Board of Directors is confident that Mike’s leadership, experience, and deep understanding of the credit union philosophy make him the ideal person to lead the credit union into its next chapter and help us continue to improve the financial lives of Iowans." Under Brandt’s leadership, the credit union will continue its commitment to providing exceptional financial services, fostering strong member relationships, and supporting the economic well-being of members. The Family Credit Union provides innovative financial products and services to encourage the lifelong success of its members. The credit union was originally founded in 1935 as the Kohrs Credit Union. The name changed to Oscar Mayer Credit Union after the Oscar Mayer Company purchased Kohrs. It is currently headquartered in Davenport, Iowa and serves members in Perry, Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. For more information, visit www.familycu.com. |
Author: Mike LawsonMarried to a most gorgeous and wonderful wife, raising 5 kiddos (including twins!), enjoy helping others tell their stories, and love surfing SoCal waves. Keep it simple. Archives
April 2025
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