​Georgia’s Own Credit Union, the third-largest credit union in Georgia, activated volunteers in three communities on Earth Day, doing its part to beautify the areas it serves. 
 
In Atlanta, volunteers worked hand-in-hand with Trees Atlanta to care for young trees at Atlanta Memorial Park. The effort focused on three hours of weeding, mulching, staking and watering the trees, ensuring the urban forest continues to thrive. In Albany, volunteers joined Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful to perform community cleanup along the streets surrounding the main Georgia’s Own branch. Volunteers also helped collect 150 pounds of litter in Kingsland, as the credit union partnered with St. Marys Riverkeeper to clear the river entry and surrounding walkways to help prevent trash from entering the waterway.
 
“Earth Day serves as a critical reminder we all have a part to play in keeping our planet healthy, and the initiatives our team members participated in show that anyone can make an impact,” said Dave Preter, president and CEO of Georgia’s Own Credit Union. “We are grateful to Trees Atlanta, Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful and St. Marys Riverkeeper for providing opportunities to serve our communities and keep them pristine for generations to come.”
 
For more information on Georgia’s Own Credit Union, please visit georgiasown.org. 

​Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has sent a letter (attached) to House and Senate leadership ahead of the Independent Community Bankers of America’s (ICBA) Washington Summit, urging congressional leaders to reject sweeping policy proposals targeting the credit union charter, tax status, and service model.
 
In the letter, DCUC grounded its position in federal statute, regulatory interpretation, and the most recent data from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), sharing that federally insured credit unions serve 144.7 million members nationwide, maintaining a strong 11.26% net-worth ratio, with 2,390 low-income-designated institutions. DCUC noted that these numbers represent a majority of the system that expands access to grants, supplemental capital, and member business lending flexibility.
 
DCUC also highlighted that credit unions serving military communities alone serve more than 40 million member-owners and manage over $525 billion in assets, operating under a statutory mandate to meet the financial needs of servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
 
“Congress has long recognized in statute that credit unions are member-owned, democratically governed, not-for-profit cooperatives designed to meet the credit and savings needs of consumers—especially those of modest means,” said Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer. “Proposals to impose charter-wide tax changes or arbitrary asset thresholds are inconsistent with that legal framework and risk undermining institutions that deliver measurable consumer benefit.”
 
The letter directly rebuts recent ICBA claims on three principal policy fronts:

• Tax Treatment: DCUC reiterated that federal tax exemption is grounded in law, including the Credit Union Membership Access Act and Section 501(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, and does not vary by asset size. NCUA and IRS interpretations affirm that credit unions’ not-for-profit, cooperative structure—not scale—determines their tax status.
• Bank Acquisition Transparency: Citing NCUA’s formal memorandum to Congress, DCUC noted that credit union acquisitions of banks are explicitly authorized, subject to arm’s-length negotiation, and reviewed against rigorous legal, valuation, and safety-and-soundness standards; also confirms coordination with the FDIC and state regulators to ensure continuity of deposit insurance. DCUC maintains that any congressional interest in this area should be limited to transaction-level disclosure enhancements, not charter-wide restrictions.
• Supervision and Accountability: DCUC shared that credit unions operate under a distinct statutory and regulatory framework, separate from bank-specific regimes such as the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). NCUA’s risk-based supervision, enforcement authority, and consumer complaint processes demonstrate active oversight tailored to the cooperative model.

​DCUC also pointed to NCUA data showing credit unions consistently deliver lower average loan rates and higher savings yields than banks across key products, reinforcing their role in promoting consumer access and affordability.
 
“Congress can insist on accountability without undermining a cooperative model that federal law deliberately recognized that federal regulators continue to supervise, and that millions of Americans continue to choose because it delivers better rates, lower costs, and mission-focused service,” wrote Stverak.
 
DCUC advised that policy changes to credit union taxation would have direct, material consequences for military and veteran communities, especially in instances where emergency relief measures, including zero-percent loans, fee waivers, payment deferrals, and financial counseling are needed.
 
“Any specific concerns brought into question can and should be addressed through targeted, proportional oversight,” says Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. “Broad, charter-wide policy changes would impose real costs on communities across America, without a corresponding policy justification in the statutory or supervisory record. We’re asking Congress to preserve the existing legal and regulatory framework governing credit unions, reject proposals for sweeping tax changes, and focus instead on evidence-based, narrowly tailored oversight that protects consumers while maintaining the integrity of the cooperative financial system.”

Ascend Federal Credit Union and LGE Community Credit Union have announced plans to merge, pending regulatory approval and a vote by LGE members. The planned partnership brings together two memberowned credit unions with long histories of serving people, strengthening communities, and building relationships rooted in trust.

Both organizations approach this decision with a shared sense of responsibility. Celebrating 75 years of service, each organization has been guided by the principle of people helping people, and this planned merger reflects a thoughtful step forward in continuing that mission — while remaining grounded in the values and service cultures that define each credit union.

“This partnership is rooted in responsibility and care,” said Chris Leggett, president and CEO of LGE Community Credit Union. “By coming together, we can strengthen our ability to support members and communities while staying true to the principles that have guided us for decades.” Ascend President and CEO Matt Jernigan echoed that perspective. “Both organizations share a deep commitment to memberfirst service and community impact,” Jernigan said. “This planned merger allows us to build on those strengths with intention, ensuring we continue to serve people with clarity, care, and purpose — today and into the future.”

If approved, the combined organization would serve more than 390,000 members across Tennessee and Georgia, with over $7 billion in assets, approximately 950 employees, and more than 40 branch locations. While Ascend and LGE currently serve different geographic regions, the organizations view their markets as complementary. By combining resources and expertise, the credit unions expect to enhance longterm stability, share best practices, and better support members across a broader footprint.

Together, the credit unions will be better positioned to support longterm stability, invest thoughtfully in products and services, and continue meeting members’ evolving needs. Both organizations are committed to retaining all employees to capitalize on talent and preserve the service experience members rely on.

Following completion of the merger, the combined organization would retain the Ascend Federal Credit Union name, with Matt Jernigan serving as president and CEO. Chris Leggett would transition into an executive role with the combined credit union.

The merger’s expected legal effective date is late Q4 2026/early Q1 2027, with systems integration extending into 2027. As member-owned cooperatives governed by the National Credit Union Administration, final approval is contingent upon regulatory review and a vote by LGE members. Both credit unions are committed to communicating openly with their respective memberships as the process moves forward.

The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) announces the election of Fred Robinson, President and CEO of the Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association, to its Board of Directors.
 
Robinson was recommended by the Foundation’s Nominations Committee to fill a vacant League president seat on the Board. Following his acceptance, the full Board of Directors voted to confirm his appointment. 
 
"Fred brings a strong league perspective and a deep understanding of the credit union movement’s commitment to improving financial well-being," said Lauren Culp, Executive Director of the Foundation. "We know the important role Leagues play in connecting, strengthening, and advancing the credit union movement and Fred’s leadership and experience will help strengthen the Foundation’s ability to serve credit unions and the communities they impact."

Robinson also serves on the America’s Credit Unions Board of Directors and has been a longtime advocate for credit unions and the people they serve."It’s an honor to join the National Credit Union Foundation Board at a time when the credit union movement is more focused than ever on advancing financial well-being," said Robinson. "I see firsthand how partnership, innovation, and a deep commitment to people drive meaningful impact in our communities across Tennessee and Mississippi, and the Foundation plays a critical role in strengthening that work nationwide. I look forward to bringing another league perspective to help advance this important mission."

Robinson fills the seat previously held by Juan Fernandez. The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Fernandez for his service and contributions to advancing the organization’s mission.

The National Credit Union Foundation is dedicated to improving financial well-being with and through credit unions. Through leadership development, grantmaking, disaster relief, and strategic initiatives, the Foundation works to strengthen the credit union movement and expand its impact nationwide.

For more information on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and their work, please visit ncuf.coop/about-impact/team.

Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) issued a statement following today’s decision by President Donald Trump to move medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. DCUC recognizes this decision as a meaningful step toward aligning federal policy with economic and legal realities across the states.
 
“For decades, credit unions have operated under a complex and often contradictory framework, serving businesses that are legal under state law while navigating significant uncertainty at the federal level. That tension has left many institutions cautious, limiting access to financial services for legitimate, state-licensed cannabis-related businesses,” remarked Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer. “Today’s action begins to ease that long-standing conflict.”
 
By recognizing accepted medical use at the federal level, rescheduling may help reduce compliance ambiguity surrounding anti-money laundering obligations and the Bank Secrecy Act. For credit unions regulated by the National Credit Union Administration, this shift signals movement toward a more workable environment for evaluating relationships with lawful, state-regulated businesses.
 
However, DCUC notes that rescheduling alone does not resolve the core challenges.
 
“The policy change does not immediately eliminate regulatory risk, examiner uncertainty, or the significant compliance burden institutions face when considering entry into the cannabis banking space,” adds Stverak. “Implementation will require additional rulemaking, guidance, and coordination across federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services.”
 
As a result, most credit unions are expected to continue a measured approach. While larger and more sophisticated institutions may explore expanded engagement, others will remain on the sidelines until clearer protections and supervisory expectations are established.
 
“That is why DCUC continues to point to the SAFE Banking Act and similar proposals as essential next steps. The legislation would provide explicit statutory protections, reduce the risk of inconsistent enforcement, and establish uniform standards across federal regulators. Without it, uncertainty will persist, even as policy at the classification level evolves,” Stverak explains.
 
DCUC recognizes the importance of ensuring that lawful businesses have access to transparent and secure financial services within a stable regulatory framework.
 
“Today’s decision represents real progress and a significant shift in federal posture. But it is not the final step,” adds Stverak. “True clarity, and full participation by credit unions in serving this emerging sector, will require Congress to act to establish durable, consistent protections that match the evolving policy landscape.”

For questions or additional comments, please reach out to Jason Stverak at [email protected]. Thank you!

​CheckAlt, a leader in integrated receivables and payment processing solutions, today announced that PECU, a Texas-based credit union serving more than 20,000 members, has selected CheckAlt’s LoanPay solution to modernize loan payment workflows, reduce manual work, and improve the payment experience for borrowers.
 
PECU sought a more efficient way to support loan payments, particularly for indirect borrowers who needed a fast, simple way to pay without having to open a checking account and log in to online banking. Prior processes required manual intervention across teams, leading to inefficiencies and limited visibility into payment activity. By implementing LoanPay, PECU has automated key workflows, reduced errors, and extended payment flexibility for borrowers.

“Many of our indirect borrowers are members by necessity, not by engagement, so they’re looking for a quick and easy way to make payments,” said Gregg Curtin, Vice President of IT at PECU. “We needed a solution that simplified the loan payment experience while reducing manual back-end work. CheckAlt provided us with a clean interface, flexible payment options, and measurable time savings across our teams.”

Since going live, PECU has already seen measurable operational improvements, including time savings across departments and fewer processing errors. The LoanPay solution has also extended payment cutoff times by three hours, giving borrowers more flexibility to complete transactions later in the day.

“Credit unions are looking for ways to modernize payment operations without adding complexity,” said Jason Schwabline, Chief Commercial Officer at CheckAlt. “LoanPay helps credit unions meet borrowers where they are, making it easier to pay while giving internal teams a cleaner, more efficient way to manage loan payment workflows.”

CheckAlt’s LoanPay solution makes it easier for lenders to accept loan payments across auto, business, mortgage, and personal loans. Borrowers can pay quickly via ACH or card, including guest payment capabilities with no login required—while built-in validation and reporting tools help reduce errors, simplify reconciliation, and improve visibility into payment activity.

NCR Atleos Corporation (NYSE: NATL) (“Atleos”), a leader in expanding self-service financial access for financial institutions, retailers and consumers, today announced that $1.4 billion-asset Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union (FCU) has expanded its relationship with Atleos to include Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) and ATM as a Service (ATMaaS) solutions, helping deliver greater convenience, efficiency, and access for members.

Palmetto Citizens FCU serves more than 86,000 members in communities across South Carolina. Building on an existing partnership for ATMs and the Allpoint Network, the credit union selected additional Atleos solutions to further modernize its self-service banking strategy.

Through the Atleos ATM as a Service model, Palmetto Citizens can streamline ATM management, reduce operational complexity and focus more resources on serving members. By adding ITMs, the credit union will enhance everyday transactions through expanded self-service functionality while also providing live teller assistance when needed.

“We know our members value convenience and the ability to bank on their terms,” said Robert Dozier, CEO and president of Palmetto Citizens FCU. “By expanding our partnership with Atleos, we are cost-effectively extending our geographic reach and strengthening our brand presence, while giving members more convenient access points and personalized service options. It’s a win-win for our members and Palmetto Citizens.”
​
“Palmetto Citizens has a long history of prioritizing member trust, service and innovation,” said Meghan Bennett, Vice President, North America for Atleos. “We’re proud to support this charge with our ITM and ATMaaS solutions, which enhance reliability, security and efficiency. This ongoing collaboration reflects how leading credit unions can modernize critical infrastructure while staying aligned with their community‑focused mission.”

​Statement from America's Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson:
“We appreciate the OCC formally clarifying federal preemption to protect financial institutions and consumers from the harmful effects of this misguided Illinois law. With the clarity that states cannot interfere with national bank powers, Americans are also protected from other efforts that would undermine the safety and stability of the payments system. Based on the Federal Credit Union Act and credit unions' status as federal instrumentalities, federal credit unions should also be preempted from the IFPA and any other state law that encroaches against these national authorities. We are confident the NCUA will continue its leadership to provide similar clarification for credit unions and their millions of members."
​
​- Scott Simpson, America's Credit Unions President/CEOJoint Statement from IFPA Litigation Co-Plaintiffs:

The Illinois Bankers Association, Illinois Credit Union League, American Bankers Association and America's Credit Unions issued the following joint statement in response to the OCC's issuance of two interim final actions affirming that federal law preempts the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA) and confirming the agency’s legal authorities:

“We welcome the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s interim final actions confirming both preemption of the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act by federal law and national banks’ federal powers. The OCC’s actions make it clear that states cannot interfere with national bank powers that President Lincoln and Congress placed firmly under federal authority more than 160 years ago and remain essential to the effective functioning of our banking system.

“These actions are consistent with the OCC’s prior amicus filings in this case and with the agency’s public commitment – both in this administration and the previous one – to defend federal preemption. They reinforce the firm legal foundation of our ongoing appeal and underscore that Illinois’ misguided law is unlawful and should not be implemented. The OCC’s actions should also send a strong signal to other states to follow the law and not repeat Illinois' mistake.

“We appreciate the OCC’s clear affirmation that federal law must govern national banking activities. We encourage the NCUA to follow the OCC's lead and similarly defend federal credit union laws to ensure that IFPA is halted for all financial institutions and that a consistent national framework is preserved going forward.”