State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) has signed with credit union core processor Corelation, Inc., announcing plans to convert to the KeyStone core. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with over $59 billion in assets, serving more than 2.9 million members.

The decision to partner with Corelation and implement KeyStone is a key piece of SECU’s multi-year transformation plan aimed at enhancing its member service experience. The new core will enable them to be more responsive to evolving member needs and implement new products and improvements faster, all while continuing to deliver its high level of personalized service.

KeyStone’s modern architecture and flexible design will also support SECU’s more than 8,000 dedicated employees by providing an intuitive, member-centric core platform that will increase automation and service efficiency. KeyStone’s approach provides a holistic view of member relationships and real-time account information. The time saved will contribute to a more customized service experience and the opportunity for employees to further deepen member relationships.

“As a member-owned financial cooperative, the Credit Union has a longstanding commitment to providing exceptional service, value, and support for our membership,” said SECU President and CEO Leigh Brady. “By actively investing in new technologies, SECU is working to enhance the service experience for members and employees. After a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of core solutions, we selected Corelation, who specializes in the credit union space, has an exceptional reputation, and comes highly recommended. We are confident we have selected the right partner to carry us into the future – not only from a technology standpoint, but as a trusted business partner.”

Through a shared focus on service excellence and innovation, SECU and Corelation are laying the foundation for continued evolution, bringing together modern technology and a shared commitment to best-in-class service. With enhanced speed-to-market, real-time insights, and intuitive tools, the partnership with Corelation will position SECU to better serve its growing membership and further empower its workforce.

“Our partnership with SECU represents a landmark milestone that is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to our clients. From its inception, KeyStone’s architecture was designed for scalability to support credit unions of any size,” said Corelation CEO Rob Landis. “As SECU continues to evolve to best serve the needs of its nearly 3 million members, we are proud to provide a platform that enables innovation, agility, and long-term transformation. Together, we share a deep commitment to the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People ® ,’ and we look forward to supporting SECU as they continue to deliver exceptional experiences for their members and employees well into the future.”

The announcement that PNC Financial Services will lay off nearly 1,000 employees tied to its acquisition of FirstBank is raising renewed concerns about the long-term impact of Wall Street banks buying out local lenders.
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In response to the layoffs, Colorado credit unions have launched a virtual job resource center and resume bank aimed at connecting displaced FirstBank employees with career opportunities across the credit union system. With credit unions operating throughout Colorado and the broader region, many are actively hiring for roles that align closely with the experience and expertise of affected workers.

“These are experienced financial professionals who have spent their careers serving Colorado communities. Credit unions value the talent and dedication of those professionals,” said Jennifer Wagner, EVP & Chief Advocacy Officer at GoWest Credit Union Association. “If you’re looking for a place where you matter, consider a career at a credit union, where the work is people-focused, community-driven, and built around making a real difference in members’ lives every day.”

When the acquisition was first announced last fall, leaders across the credit union industry cautioned that job losses and reduced local investment were likely outcomes. Recent news confirms what many feared, and what history continues to show.

“Time and again, we see the same pattern: when some of the largest financial institutions in the country acquire local banks, communities lose,” said Wagner. “This is what happens when growth is driven by profits instead of people. Big banks answer to shareholders. Credit unions answer to their members. And right now, Colorado workers are feeling that difference in a very real way.”

National trends reinforce this reality. Since 2012, 67% of bank assets sold have gone to out-of-state banks. With this latest acquisition by PNC, Colorado is now seeing a similar shift, where 60% of bank deposits in Colorado are now held by six out-of-state banks.

“As control shifts to Wall Street and away from the people, so do decisions about jobs, branches, and community impact,” said Wagner. “The result is fewer local voices, fewer local jobs, and less accountability to the people who live and work there. Colorado is the latest unfortunate example of that.”

Wagner continued, “There’s nothing consumer-centric about eliminating nearly a thousand local jobs. These are real people and families being impacted at a time when job loss and unemployment are already too high.”

Credit unions offer skip-a-payment, short-term loans, and other assistance for people experiencing financial difficulty. Laid-off employees in need of support are encouraged to reach out to local credit unions for special short-term financial assistance offers.

Additional details on jobs and support resources can be found here.

equipifi, the fintech platform enabling banks and credit unions to offer flexible payment solutions natively within their digital banking experience, today announced the close of its $34-million Series B. The round was led by Left Lane Capital, with continued participation from all existing investors, including Curql and PHX Ventures. The raise brings equipifi’s total funding to $49 million.
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Meeting a Critical Gap in Consumer Finance
Flexible payments have become a preferred option for over 82 million American consumers, yet most of these products are delivered by third-party fintechs operating entirely outside the banking relationship. equipifi closes that gap. The company’s platform enables consumers to split purchases into affordable payments through an institution that already knows them, holds their deposits, and has earned their trust. 

The results reflect real demand: consumer adoption of bank-embedded flexible payments has more than tripled in the past year. Research consistently shows that consumers prefer accessing flexible payment options through their primary bank or credit union and report higher satisfaction when they can.  

Defining the Next Era of Payments
“BNPL has become the third pillar of how consumers pay alongside debit and credit, and that shift is permanent. Financial institutions are best positioned to own this space, and equipifi is building the network that will power them. With Left Lane’s support, we’re proud to help the industry meet this moment and define the next era of payments.” – Bryce Deeney, Founder and CEO, equipifi

"We believe equipifi is building the defining network for flexible consumer payments across financial institutions. The team combines deep industry expertise with a clear vision for where installment lending is headed, and Left Lane is proud to partner with them."  – Dan Ahrens, Managing Partner, Left Lane Capital

Built for the Industry, by the Industry
equipifi’s founding team came from financial institutions, where they experienced firsthand the widening gap between consumer expectations and what banks and credit unions could deliver. That background is core to how the company builds, prioritizing deep integration, institutional-grade reliability and an experience that feels genuinely native to the consumer’s banking relationship.  

The Series B will fund two priorities: expanding equipifi’s reach to a broader base of financial institution partners and deepening product capabilities to further extend its leadership in the market. The company expects to double its headcount over the next year, with hiring focused on product and engineering roles.  ​

Alloya is pleased to announce that it will return to Nashville, Tennessee for its 12th annual Credit Union Leadership Symposium, which will take place September 9-11, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The event brings together credit union leaders from across the country for timely insights, peer connection and strategic discussions focused on the future of the credit union movement. In addition, Alloya will be celebrating its 15-year anniversary with its members at the event.

“Alloya’s annual Symposium is a time to prepare for the future and reflect on the Power of Cooperation with our member credit unions, whose collaboration, commitment to their communities and innovative spirit are at the heart of the credit union movement,” said Tim Bruculere, Alloya’s Senior Vice President of Membership. “We are stronger together, and we look forward to celebrating our accomplishments over the last 15 years and learning from the best in the industry in Music City this September. We’re also excited to share a sneak peek at what’s coming for Alloya members during the annual update and showcase how we continue to be the best partner for credit unions of all sizes.”
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This year’s Symposium will feature a compelling lineup of speakers, including:

• Globally recognized innovation expert Josh Linkner, who will deliver an inspiring keynote on how to de-risk the creative process, build the capacity to unlock breakthrough transformations and gain the creative confidence to take responsible risks.
• Expert in the psychology of human behavior and leadership Connie Podesta, whose unforgettable talk on standout leadership will inspire and equip you to take your credit union to the next level.
• Internationally acclaimed economist Elliot Eisenberg, who will provide insight on navigating today’s economic environment.
• Former U.S. Navy Commander Mike Abrashoff, who will offer guidance on achieving breakthrough performance through revolutionizing your leadership style, gleaned from his experience transforming one of the lowest ranking ships into the number one ship in the Pacific Fleet.
• Generational leadership expert Phil Gwoke, who will share practical strategies for leading and engaging a multigenerational workforce.
• National Anthem Girl and motivational speaker Janine Stange, whose high-energy breakout session will empower you to make decisions that ignite momentum.
• Artificial intelligence expert Byron Reese, who will share a timely and empowering message on artificial intelligence and explain what it means for the future of credit unions.

As always, attendees will have multiple avenues for connecting with fellow credit union peers from across the country, exchanging ideas and building valuable relationships. This year, attendees will enjoy a memorable evening of networking and dinner at the Foundry Fieldhouse followed by a live show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Alloya’s Football Night, a longstanding Symposium tradition, will take place on Nashville’s Skydeck on Broadway and promises to be a night of fun, networking and camaraderie.

Alloya’s Board of Directors Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Symposium on September 10, 2026, at 11:00 am CT. Credit union professionals are invited to attend. No additional registration separate from the Leadership Symposium is required.

For more information and to register for this year’s Symposium, visit www.alloyacorp.org/symposium2026.

This week, National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Chairman Kyle Hauptman participated in a financial literacy roundtable hosted by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The discussion brought together federal prudential regulators and financial institutions to share best practices, highlight successful programs, and identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration in support of financial education.

​“Practically every major decision we make in life has a financial component. Yet many Americans never receive formal education on how to budget, save, invest, and plan for their futures” said Chairman Hauptman. “President Trump understands the importance of early financial education and early access to financial opportunity, which is reflected…through his Trump Account program”. Chairman Hauptman went on to say that credit unions can help their members learn more about Trump Accounts to help young people as they begin their financial journeys.

The Chairman was joined by two credit unions that shared innovative approaches to advancing financial literacy and promoting Trump Accounts. Atomic Credit Union President and CEO Thomas Griffiths highlighted the credit union’s Student Run Credit Union Program, which operates in more than 100 schools across southern Ohio, providing students with hands-on instruction in budgeting, saving, credit, and fraud prevention. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union CEO Bill Cheney discussed the credit union’s broad financial education efforts, including more than 1,000 school presentations in the past year, “Bite of Reality” simulations, and workshops and online resources that have reached more than 36,000 students and adults.
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Banks and credit unions discussed curriculum development, digital tools, gaming, and experiential learning programs, as well as strategies to broaden access to trusted financial guidance at critical stages of life. Participants also highlighted the important role financial institutions can play in promoting Trump Accounts and helping young Americans build a strong financial foundation.

The title might make you pause. Chief capacity officer. It’s not a role you’ve seen at most credit unions. At orsa, that's usually a sign you're onto something.

On May 11, 2026, Ben Metzger stepped into that role and into a credit union at an inflection point. orsa has spent 75 years building trust with members across Michigan. The next 75 requires something different: an organization that can scale its impact without losing what makes it orsa. That takes capacity—operational, strategic, and human. And it takes someone who knows how to build it.

“This title is purposeful,” said Tansley Stearns, president & ceo. “Ben will help us become even more operationally sound, grow capacity for us to create impact, shape our operations for the next 75 years, and expand our capacity: how we think, how we learn, and how we execute with intention. Ben brings a depth of experience and perspective that will help us do exactly that.”

As chief capacity officer, Metzger will lead the design, execution, and evolution of orsa’s operational capabilities—connecting strategy to execution and moving with the pace demanded by orsa’s purpose. His charge spans lending and deposit operations, facilities, compliance, risk, and internal service excellence. The through line: build the operational foundation that gives every orsa team member more capacity to deliver for members.

Metzger arrives at orsa from Canvas Credit Union in Colorado, a $5 billion institution where he served as vice president of strategy and close advisor to the CEO. He expanded Canvas’ advocacy program, led year-round strategy sessions with the leadership team and board, and drove alignment on the priorities that mattered most. Before moving into strategy, he spent years as legal and compliance counsel at the same institution, then known as Public Service Credit Union, and before that, as an examiner with the Colorado Division of Banking specializing in fintech and digital assets.

His path has given him a range of perspective that few leaders can claim. He is an attorney by trade and a strategist by practice. In 2023, he graduated from Western Credit Union Management School with highest honors—only the 10th person in the school’s history to earn that distinction.

"I love that the title might make some people scratch their heads — because that reaction is the opportunity to have real conversations about where orsa is going. Having recently led credit union strategy, I've seen how critical a bold, shared vision is and how rare it is to align and execute well. I see orsa not only doing that, but becoming a leading credit union of the future. The opportunity to lean into that is thrilling to me. I've had the privilege of working in many places — from Pizza Hut to the White House — and one thing has always held true: my teammates are the clearest measure of a job's quality. That principle led me straight to this team. I'm honored to serve alongside them."

The feeling is mutual, even in Colorado. “Ben Metzger has been a big part of our legal, strategic, and advocacy efforts and his talents have created incredible outcomes,” said Chad Shane, President & CEO of Canvas Credit Union. “We celebrate when a leader moves on to grow their career. It’s even more exciting when that person is going to continue to help the credit union industry thrive. We’ll be cheering Ben on!”

Beyond his credit union work, Metzger has served on the America's Credit Unions Advocacy Policy Committee and the Colorado Attorney General's Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit, and currently serves on the board of the Colorado Affiliate of Future Problem Solving Program International. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law

Financial Center First Credit Union (Financial Center), a tech-forward Indiana credit union, today announced the launch of its new Buy Now, Pay Later solution – becoming the first credit union in Indiana to offer this flexible, in-house payment option directly to members.

Designed to provide greater control over everyday spending, the solution allows members to split eligible purchases into clear, predictable installment payments – all within Financial Center’s secure Digital Banking experience.

At a time when many consumers rely on third-party Buy Now, Pay Later providers that can lead to stacked payments and unexpected financial strain, Financial Center is taking an approach rooted in transparency and long-term financial wellness.

“We’re seeing more and more people turn to quick-fix payment options that don’t always have their best interests in mind,” said Kyle Endres, Vice President of Communications. “As a credit union, we have a responsibility to offer something better. This is about giving our members flexibility without the trade-offs that often come with outside lenders.”

Powered by Arizona-based equipifi, a leading Buy Now, Pay Later fintech founded in 2021, the solution enables members to access personalized, pre-qualified offers in seconds and even plan ahead by receiving funds before making a purchase.

“Financial Center is setting the standard for responsible Buy Now, Pay Later and putting members in control of their spending with the transparency and guidance they deserve," said Bryce Deeney, Founder and CEO of equipifi. "By offering Buy Now, Pay Later in-house with trusted services and personalized support, Financial Center ensures members always know where they stand financially, helping them meet present needs while building toward a stronger future."

Unlike third-party providers, Financial Center’s Buy Now, Pay Later solution keeps the entire experience within the credit union – ensuring members benefit from transparent terms, no prepayment penalties, and no hard credit pulls. This approach helps members avoid common pitfalls of external Buy Now, Pay Later products, including managing multiple accounts, unclear repayment structures, and the risk of overextending their budget.

The program launched to approximately 11,000 members in May 2026, expanding access to flexible, responsible payment options designed to support members’ financial well-being.

​Business Alliance Financial Services (BAFS), a leading provider of commercial lending technology and services, today highlighted the ongoing success of its partnership with Orlando Credit Union (‘Orlando CU’) to modernize its commercial lending program. BAFS offers Orlando CU full-service lending support to optimize loan workflows and bolster operational efficiency.
 
Since partnering with BAFS, Orlando CU has built a strong commercial lending program that supports its business members, demonstrating the tangible benefits of combining expert guidance with scalable technology solutions. BAFS delivers end-to-end support across the lending lifecycle, from loan analysis and documentation to post-closing oversight and portfolio reviews. This comprehensive foundation enables Orlando CU to accelerate loan processing, maintain regulatory compliance, and improve portfolio management without overextending internal resources.
 
“Partnering with BAFS has been instrumental in the growth of our commercial lending program,” said Melvin Ramen, Chief Lending Officer of Orlando CU. “Their guidance and solutions help us serve our members more efficiently while extending greater financial support to local businesses..”
 
BAFS equips financial institutions with hands-on expertise, proven systems, and technology to unlock growth and boost portfolio performance. Its BLAST® platform simplifies loan management with intuitive dashboards, compliance-informed workflows, as well as real-time portfolio insights. BAFS helps institutions scale efficiently by providing modular service options, offering support in loan processing, credit administration, loan reviews, and audit readiness.
 
“Commercial lending is a key growth driver for credit unions, and our partnership with Orlando CU demonstrates how the right combination of technology and expertise can deliver measurable results,” said Richard Guillot, CEO of BAFS. “We’re proud to continue supporting Orlando CU as they expand their portfolio, strengthen operations, and deepen relationships within their community.”