​The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF), has partnered with United Ways of Iowa and United Way of Central Iowa to support the publication of the 2026 Iowa ALICE Report which highlights new data on the financial strain many Iowans continue to face despite being employed. 

ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—represents hardworking individuals and families who earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford basic necessities. According to the report, 34% of Iowa households fell below the ALICE threshold in 2024, including 11% living in poverty. While many of these households earn above the federal poverty level, they still struggle to afford essentials such as housing, child care, food, transportation and health care.

"The ALICE Report shines a light on the reality many Iowa families face every day, and what credit unions are already seeing in their communities. Even with steady employment, many households are finding it increasingly difficult to cover essential expenses under persistent financial pressures,” said Ena Babic Barnes, Executive Director of ICUF. “These findings can help drive important, solution-oriented conversations about strengthening financial well-being and expanding opportunities for working families.”

The report found that a family of four needed nearly $75,000 in 2024 to meet basic household expenses, underscoring the growing gap between traditional poverty measures and the actual cost of living.

By supporting the ALICE report, ICUF provides critical data to help inform community conversations, local decision-making, and future solutions. ICUF hopes this research will foster greater understanding for credit unions and communities of the economic pressures affecting working households. 

To learn more about the report and explore local data, visit https://unitedforalice.org/introducing-
ALICE/iowa. 

As credit unions continue looking for ways to improve efficiency and support growing business lending portfolios, new results from a USDA Business & Industry (B&I) lending feasibility engagement demonstrate how AI-powered workflow automation can significantly reduce the time required to complete complex lending-related projects.

The engagement utilized VoyagerAI, an AI-powered workflow platform designed to support commercial and business lending processes. The platform helps automate document collection, borrower intake, market research, feasibility analysis preparation, data organization, and other preparation-intensive activities that often delay lending workflows. By completing much of this work before formal analysis begins, lending teams can spend more time evaluating opportunities, validating assumptions, and serving borrowers.

In this engagement workflow automation reduced project timelines by more than 60 percent while allowing analysts to begin projects with reports already more than 35 percent complete. The results enabled experienced professionals to focus less on gathering and organizing information and more on evaluation, validation, and recommendations.

What makes these results noteworthy is that the process being automated was already highly refined. The consulting team involved had developed an efficient workflow over several years and routinely completed projects in approximately five weeks—well below the six-to-eleven-week timelines commonly associated with similar projects. Even within that optimized environment, workflow automation delivered substantial gains by accelerating the preparation work that occurs before meaningful analysis can begin.

The findings reflect a growing trend across financial services as organizations evaluate how artificial intelligence can improve operational efficiency while maintaining compliance, transparency, and human oversight.

"Credit unions are looking for practical applications of AI that deliver measurable outcomes," said Julie Esser, CEO and Founder of IgniteFI. "Business lending presents a significant opportunity because so much time is spent gathering information, preparing analyses, and coordinating documentation before meaningful evaluation can begin. Results like these demonstrate how workflow automation can help experienced professionals focus more of their time on borrower relationships, risk assessment, and decision-making."

Business lending teams often manage extensive documentation requirements, third- party research, financial analysis, and compliance-related processes before a loan package can move forward. These activities are critical, but they can create bottlenecks that delay decisions and consume valuable staff resources.

"Business lending teams spend a considerable amount of time collecting documents, researching markets, organizing information, and preparing analysis before meaningful lending decisions can be made," said Aaron Colcord, CEO and Founder of Voyager AI. "Voyager AI was built to automate those preparation-intensive workflows while maintaining transparency, accountability, and human oversight. The goal isn’t to replace expertise—it’s to help lenders apply that expertise sooner and more effectively."

Built on a deterministic workflow engine, VoyagerAI creates structured, traceable processes that help organizations standardize information gathering, document management, research preparation, and workflow execution. Rather than making lending decisions or replacing experienced professionals, the platform prepares and organizes information so lending teams can focus on evaluation, risk assessment, and borrower relationships.

As AI adoption continues to expand across financial services, many credit unions are exploring where workflow automation can provide immediate value. Business lending has emerged as one area where reducing administrative workloads may allow credit unions to improve efficiency without compromising the expertise and judgment required for lending decisions.

The results from this engagement offer one example of how AI-powered workflow automation can support lending teams by accelerating information gathering, organizing research, and preparing documentation while keeping experienced professionals at the center of the process.

United Nations Federal Credit Union, UNFCU, announced the release of its 2025 Impact Report. Results spotlighted the completion of all 12 organizational, leadership, and innovation goals the Credit Union established in 2020. Chief among these was maintaining climate neutrality even as UNFCU grew to exceed $10 billion in assets and more than 800 employees.
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“UNFCU’s commitment to sustainability reflects our responsibility to serve both current and future generations," said Pamela Agnone, President & CEO of UNFCU. "Over the past five years, our Board, leadership team, and employees have demonstrated that environmental stewardship, financial resilience, and member service can advance together. Reaching these goals while continuing to grow and strengthen our organization is a testament to the dedication of our people and the power of our cooperative values.”

UNFCU’s annual reporting on sustainability also highlights a decade of impact by the UNFCU Foundation, the Credit Union’s Business Resources Groups that furthered staff engagement, well-being, and inclusivity, and its Global Sustainability Program. Each pillar advanced local impact on a global scale. The more than 11,000 staff volunteer hours recorded last year in the communities where UNFCU has a presence represent a reporting highlight and a milestone in the organization’s longstanding practice of social responsibility.

“Inspired by our members’ tireless work to build a better world, sustainability is woven into our strategy, from operations, service delivery, member outreach and education,” said Yma Gordon, Senior Vice President, Global Impact & Inclusion at UNFCU, and Executive Director of UNFCU Foundation. “It’s who we are as a credit union. Our cooperative values guide how we serve members, strengthen communities, build resilience, and create opportunities for those who need them most.”

Among the highlights of UNFCU’s 2025 Impact Report:

• 9 consecutive years of climate neutrality
• 33% decrease in paper use since 2023
• 32% increase in staff volunteerism from 2024
• 32+ organizations supported that strengthen our local communities
• 16,000 women and youth positively impacted across six continents
• $1.3 million contributed to UNFCU Foundation grant partners and humanitarian relief efforts

The UNFCU 2025 Impact Report aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and Greenhouse Gas Protocol industry standards. UNFCU's sustainability efforts directly support 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing the Credit Union's commitment to advancing global prosperity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Its 15th annual communication on environmental, social, and governance progress demonstrates UNFCU’s active participation in the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest sustainability initiative.

Arizona K-12 teachers are invited to apply for funding to support their classrooms through Desert Financial Credit Union’s annual Adopt-A-Teacher program.
 
Applications will be open from July 7-24, offering educators across the state the opportunity to receive financial support for classroom projects, supplies and initiatives that enhance learning. This year, 100 teachers will be selected to receive $1,000 each, helping bring essential resources directly to their students.
 
“Desert Financial was founded by teachers, and that connection continues to guide how we support educators today,” said Desert Financial President & CEO Jeff Meshey. “Through Adopt-A-Teacher, we’re proud to invest in the people who are shaping the next generation and creating opportunities for students to succeed.”
 
Teachers at Title I schools will be given priority consideration, though all K-12 educators across Arizona are encouraged to apply. The application asks for basic information about the teacher, their school and a brief description of how the funds would be used to benefit students.
 
Selected recipients will be notified on Aug. 18 and will have until Aug. 28 to accept the award.
 
Since launching the Adopt-A-Teacher program 6 years ago, Desert Financial has supported 186 selected  teachers purchase science kits, technology, flexible seating, robotics equipment, STEM materials and other tools totaling $328,700.
 
Teachers throughout Arizona are eligible to apply. Being a member at Desert Financial Credit Union is not necessary.
 
Educators interested in applying can visit DesertFinancial.com/AdoptATeacher to learn more and submit an application.

CrossState Credit Union Association and Metallicus today announced the launch of its Innovation Program 2.0 designed to help credit unions better evaluate stablecoins, digital identity, blockchain infrastructure, and faster payments through executive education, sandbox testing, and strategic collaboration.

The initiative launches with an initial cohort of 50 participating credit unions across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, creating one of the largest coordinated stablecoin and blockchain initiatives among regional credit union associations.

As credit unions continue evaluating ways to modernize payments, strengthen fraud prevention, and prepare for emerging digital financial infrastructure, initiatives focused on blockchain, stablecoins, and digital identity are gaining increased attention across the industry.

Through this partnership, CrossState member credit unions will gain direct access to tools and resources designed to help them evaluate emerging technologies without operational disruption, core integration requirements, or member-facing risk.  

“Credit unions are looking for practical ways to better understand how emerging technologies may impact payments, operations, fraud prevention, and member experience,” said Patrick Conway, President & CEO of CrossState Credit Union Association. “This initiative gives our member credit unions access to education, collaboration, and hands-on evaluation opportunities that support informed decision-making while maintaining the governance and trust that credit unions are known for."

The Stablecoin Sandbox Program allows participating credit unions to test a personalized, credit union-branded stablecoin within a simulated environment. The sandbox helps leadership teams better understand issuance models, permissions, transaction flows, governance, and operational considerations without using real funds, reserves, or member accounts.

“Launching this initiative with CrossState and an initial 50-credit-union commitment creates immediate momentum for collaborative learning,” said Frank Mazza, Director of Blockchain and Digital Assets for Credit Unions at Metallicus. Our goal is to help credit unions better understand how stablecoins, digital identity, and faster payments may support future operational and member service strategies.”

Participating credit unions will be able to explore strategic areas including:

• Faster Payments and Digital Wallet Infrastructure
• Credit Union-Branded Stablecoins
• Digital Identity and Fraud Prevention
• Compliance Automation and Auditability
• Treasury Management Workflows
• Cross-Border Payments

The Innovation Program reflects growing interest across the credit union movement in exploring blockchain and digital asset technologies through collaborative education, strategic evaluation, and innovation-focused partnerships.

As affordability challenges continue to impact households across the country, credit unions are reaffirming the mission they were built for: helping everyday people access safe, fair, and affordable financial services during uncertain economic times.
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Credit unions were born for and from moments like this. The modern U.S. credit union movement was created during the Great Depression, when many working families lacked access to affordable credit and traditional financial institutions failed to meet community needs. The Federal Credit Union Act of 1934 was established specifically to “make more credit available through a national system of cooperative credit.”

“The credit union mission is more important than ever. Affordability is one of the defining issues facing Americans today, and credit unions were created to help people weather exactly these kinds of economic pressures,” Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association. “At a time when many families are looking for stability, predictability, and trusted financial guidance, credit unions remain deeply committed to being a financial success partner.”

Across the country, credit unions are helping members navigate rising costs tied to housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and everyday essentials by offering lower fees, competitive loan rates, financial counseling, emergency lending options, and community-focused financial support.

Credit unions are member-owned cooperatives focused on returning value to the people and communities they serve. Many were founded by teachers, postal workers, military families, manufacturing employees, farmers, and local community groups seeking access to fair financial services when traditional banking options were limited or unavailable.

Credit unions continue to over-proportionately serve Main Street households, underserved communities, and working families. According to the National Credit Union Administration, credit unions:

• serve a higher share of households living paycheck to paycheck than banks do,
• 89 percent of credit union loans are made to consumers versus 37 percent of bank loans, and
• a higher share of credit union branches are located in low-income areas than bank branches.
• Recent federal data also shows credit unions maintain a stronger focus on household lending and consumer financial well-being compared to banks.

Credit unions show up for everyday Americans.

“Just the presence of credit unions helps keep the entire financial marketplace competitive. If credit unions disappeared, consumers wouldn’t just lose an option; they’d likely see higher fees, worse rates, and less service from for-profit banks almost immediately,” said Stang. “Their very existence serves to hold predatory institutions accountable, and the data backs that up.”

As financial pressure continues across communities nationwide, credit unions are emphasizing practical solutions that help members build resilience, manage day-to-day expenses, access responsible credit, and create long-term financial stability.

​TruWest Credit Union is partnering with local credit unions to offer an app-based financial experience for students across the state.  Named “Bite of Reality”, the app uses an interactive approach to give participants a real-world look at managing finances.
 
Participants receive a career, income, credit score, debt scenario and budget to help guide their financial decisions. Throughout the simulation, students make decisions about housing, transportation, food, childcare, and other expenses while managing unexpected costs.
 
“Bite of Reality gives students a ‘day-in-the-life’ look at adult financial responsibilities, helping them build practical money skills before entering the workforce full time,” said TruWest Credit Union representative Rachel Caballero. “We’re proud to join other participating credit unions in providing financial education that helps prepare the next generation for a strong financial future.”
 
This spring, the Arizona credit union collaboration hosted several Bite of Reality simulations, reaching more than 500 participants through organizations including Phoenix College Preparatory Academy, McKemy Academy, and Poston Butte High School.
 
Through the simulation, participants learn basic money management skills in a safe, engaging setting while gaining a better understanding of budgeting, wants vs. needs, and the benefits of credit unions. Participating credit unions are planning fall simulations as students return to school.
 
Teachers and community leaders interested in hosting a free workshop can complete the form at www.azcreditunions.com/financial-education-workshops.

​California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions are proud to announce Lisa Quaranta will be promoted to Senior Vice President of Regulatory Advocacy and Robert Wilson will be promoted to Executive Vice President — effective July 1.
 
Quaranta has been an invaluable resource to credit unions, helping league members navigate complex regulatory and compliance issues while serving as a trusted advocate before state and federal regulators. Her expertise, dedication, and commitment to member service have made a meaningful impact on credit unions throughout California and Nevada.
 
Wilson has played a critical role in advancing legislative priorities, strengthening relationships with policymakers, managing the Sacramento office, and leading advocacy efforts that protect and advance the credit union movement. Under his leadership, the California and Nevada leagues’ state advocacy programs have continued to grow in influence and effectiveness, delivering meaningful results for credit unions and their members.
 
Advocacy is at the core of how the California and Nevada leagues support credit unions across both states. Every day, the leagues’ team works to advance policies, protect the interests of credit unions, and ensure the voices of credit unions and their members are represented before lawmakers, regulators, and key decision-makers. As the leagues continue this work at the state and federal levels, they are pleased to share two well-earned leadership promotions within the advocacy team.
 
These promotions reflect not only the individual contributions of Quaranta and Wilson, but also the leagues’ ongoing commitment to building a strong advocacy team that can meet the evolving needs of credit unions across California and Nevada.
 
The leagues look forward to the continuing their impact on behalf of credit unions and their members across California and Nevada.

In a true merger of peers, two Northern Virginia-based credit unions - CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union and Arlington Community Federal Credit Union - are coming together as their proposed union received regulatory consent and overwhelming approval in a majority vote by CommonWealth One members.

The partnership forms a single institution with more than $1.1 billion in assets, 10 branches and more than 61,000 members.

The effective legal date is scheduled for July 1, 2026. Merger operations are expected to be completed in August 2027. ACFCU will operate as CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union, formerly Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, during the transition period. The combined credit union will be led by Karen Rosales, current president/CEO of ACFCU. CommonWealth One’s president/CEO Frank Wasson will remain in a consultant role during the merger process before retiring at the end of the year.

“This partnership is built on the idea that we are better together,” Rosales said. “While members continue to enjoy the trusted local service, familiar faces, and experiences they value today, we’re building on a solid foundation and unlocking enhanced benefits for every member and their communities.”

Wasson added, “Once integration is complete, all branches will operate as one organization, and ACFCU members will have access to all CommonWealth One branch locations – while continuing to receive the same personalized service, local care, and trusted relationships they know today.”

Rosales further added “We are deeply appreciative of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our team members, who have played an integral role in the success of both credit unions and throughout the merger integration process.

The combined Board of Directors and Leadership Teams look forward to the added value and access points the combined credit union will bring to our collective membership and communities. Thank you for your support and trust as we take this exciting next step. Here’s to growing better together!”