SECU Marks Back-to-School Season with Youth Saving Challenge, More Than 500 iPads® to be Awarded8/27/2026  Leigh Brady As students across North Carolina return to the classroom, State Employees’ Credit Union is encouraging young members to make saving part of what they learn this school year through its annual Youth Saving Challenge. And this year, the chance to win one of more than 500 iPads is helping make the lesson a little more exciting.
The statewide challenge, which runs through Sept. 4, is designed to introduce children and teens to the importance of saving early while giving families an opportunity to talk about healthy financial habits together. “Back-to-school season is a natural time for families to think about learning, setting goals, and preparing for the year ahead,” said SECU President and CEO Leigh Brady. “Teaching young people the value of saving is one of the most important lessons for the future. We hope this year’s Youth Saving Challenge inspires families to start conversations about financial responsibility while giving kids and teens an exciting incentive to jumpstart their savings journey.” The challenge is open to members of SECU’s FAT CAT® and Zard® youth programs. FAT CAT introduces children ages 12 and younger to early saving and money management, while Zard helps teens ages 13 through 19 build financial skills as they gain greater independence. Members can participate in the challenge by making a deposit into their FAT CAT or Zard savings account during the challenge period. Both existing youth members and those who open a new youth savings account during the challenge period and make a deposit are eligible to win. Winners will be selected through random drawings from eligible entries associated with SECU’s 275 branches, extending the challenge to communities across all 100 North Carolina counties. The Youth Saving Challenge is one of the many ways SECU helps young members build financial confidence from an early age. Last year, SECU helped equip more than 100,000 North Carolina youth with financial knowledge and skills through more than 1,550 financial education sessions provided at no cost to schools, colleges, and local organizations. The 2026 Youth Saving Challenge began Aug. 3 and runs through Sept. 4. For complete eligibility requirements and official rules, and to learn more about SECU’s youth accounts and benefits, visit ncsecu.org/accounts/kids-teens.
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 Today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced a joint rescission of the Interagency Statement on Special Purpose Credit Programs Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B.
The original interagency statement (“Interagency Statement”), issued in February 2022 by the Biden administration, encouraged creditors to develop special purpose credit programs (SPCPs) under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and its implementing regulation, Regulation B, in a manner designed to favor one class of Americans over another. Creditors were never permitted to discriminate against borrowers based on protected characteristics, but this rescission makes clear that creditors should not rely upon the Interagency Statement, previous guidance, or other related issuances going forward. This joint statement captures President Trump’s vision of restoring a merit-based system, due process, and equal treatment under the law for all Americans. This approach addresses the harmful effects of promoting unlawful preferences based on protected characteristics as outlined in Executive Order 14173, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” and Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” “No regulation or interagency statement fixated on the Biden administration’s DEI commitments can defeat the Fair Housing Act’s categorical prohibition against discriminating on the basis of race and color in any residential real estate-related transaction,” said HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Craig Trainor. “Credit decisions must be made on economically relevant criteria and never on race or other protected characteristics. Under Secretary Turner’s leadership, HUD will never again be in the sordid business of divvying up Americans by race.” “It is illegal to favor individuals for housing benefits, mortgage loans, or any credit programs based on protected characteristics like race,” said DOJ Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon. “This DOJ will defend the civil rights of all Americans and enforce the law to ensure widespread discrimination caused by ‘equity’ efforts is relegated to the history books alongside Jim Crow and other historical systems of discrimination.”  Collegiate, AlumniFi, and Northern Michigan University celebrated the official opening of the Collegiate + AlumniFi Financial Commons in the Northern Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on campus. The event brought together Collegiate/AlumniFi and NMU leadership, alumni, community partners, board members, and team members to commemorate this milestone partnership and celebrate a shared investment in student financial wellness and lifelong alumni engagement.
Powered by MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), Collegiate and AlumniFi were created to deliver tailored financial experiences that meet people where they are in life. The new Financial Commons at NMU bridges digital innovation with physical space, offering Wildcats a hybrid model featuring high-tech digital platforms alongside personalized, in-person financial guidance. Complementing this on-campus presence, the university will also introduce three fee-free ATMs across campus, along with access to a network of more than 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. “We are committed to helping students, faculty, and staff navigate life’s most important financial decisions with trusted guidance and personalized support,” said April Clobes, President and CEO of Collegiate, AlumniFi, and MSUFCU. “The Collegiate + AlumniFi Financial Commons at Northern Michigan University will provide a welcoming space where students can build strong financial foundations, and alumni can access the resources and tools they need to achieve their goals while staying connected to their alma mater.” The Financial Commons serves as an interactive center for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader university community to access specialized financial wellness resources, modern banking features, and targeted educational programming.
“At NMU, we are dedicated to providing our students with comprehensive resources that prepare them for long-term success both inside and outside the classroom,” said Chris Olsen, President of NMU. “This partnership with Collegiate and AlumniFi introduces a valuable asset to our campus. The Financial Commons equips our students with essential money management tools for their college years and gives our alumni a lasting connection to the university community.” The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured formal remarks from NMU and Collegiate/AlumniFi leadership, followed by attendees moving over to Fall Fest, to welcome students, faculty, and staff to campus. Collegiate and AlumniFi are available now to the NMU community. Visit collegiatecu.org/nmu or alumnifi.org/nmu to learn more and open an account in just a few minutes.  Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) today announced its continued participation in a coalition of Tucson- and Phoenix-area credit union leaders working together to champion Local First Arizona, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Arizona's economy by supporting locally owned, independent businesses.
The collaboration took shape roughly two years ago, when CEOs from local credit unions across Tucson and Phoenix convened to establish a shared community strategy. Out of those conversations grew a joint commitment to raise awareness of the extensive resources credit union funding makes available to local small businesses. Founded in 2003 by business owner Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona has grown into one of the largest coalitions of locally owned businesses in the country, working to keep wealth, jobs and decision-making power within Arizona. The organization’s programming spans small business education and mentorship, access to capital and micro-loans, environmental and green-business certification, local food and farm systems, and consumer campaigns encouraging Arizonans to bank locally. Among the initiatives the coalition supports are the Fuerza Local Business Accelerator, which serves Spanish-preferred entrepreneurs, targeted programs for Black and Indigenous business owners, loan-readiness bootcamps for under-resourced and rural entrepreneurs, and the Arizona Green Business Certification program. On August 24, TFCU President & CEO Matthew Gaspari and Shaima Namazifard, VP of Business Services, will be featured in a podcast episode highlighting the coalition's work, with a Local First Arizona team member traveling to Tucson to film the session. TFCU and its partner credit unions plan to coordinate photography during filming and to develop a joint press release around the collaboration. Namazifard, who has spent more than eight years specializing in commercial lending and guides members through SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs, works directly with small business owners and entrepreneurs across Southern Arizona — making her a natural voice for the coalition's small-business mission. "At Tucson Federal Credit Union, our partnership with Local First Arizona is a natural extension of the cooperative credit union philosophy. Collaboration is one of the single greatest strengths of our movement and we are inherently stronger together.” said Matthew Gaspari, MBA, President and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union. “By working collectively, credit unions prove every day that we can offer our communities access to world-class financial products and services without extracting exorbitant fees to pay back shareholders. Supporting local businesses is a vital initiative in which TFCU has become a major contributor across Southern Arizona. As our credit union has grown, so too has our need to collaborate, our opportunity to serve as a powerful advocate, and our capacity to help Pima County thrive. We know that a strong, vibrant small business environment leads directly to a healthy community for all of us.” “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy, but too often entrepreneurs don’t know where to turn for the resources, education and capital they need to grow.” said Shaima Namazifard, MBA, Vice President of Business Services. “Our partnership with Local First Arizona allows us to meet business owners where they are and connect them with opportunities that can make a meaningful difference. What makes this collaboration especially powerful is that credit unions aren’t competing over who gets to strengthen our communities – we’re working together to expand access and create more opportunities for Arizona entrepreneurs. When our local businesses succeed, they create jobs, reinvest in our communities and help build a stronger economy for all of us.” The coalition's work builds on a broader effort already underway: Local First Arizona and Arizona's Credit Unions, the state's credit union trade association, have separately announced a statewide partnership expanding financial education, small business support and access to financial services, including a free Loan Readiness Boot Camp for entrepreneurs preparing to seek financing. Currently, only 7% of Arizona's total deposits sit in Arizona-owned banks and credit unions, according to Local First Arizona. TFCU and its partner institutions will continue to share updates on the coalition's work, including forthcoming coverage of the August 24 podcast filming and joint press materials developed with Local First Arizona. The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) is continuing its commitment to expanding financial opportunity across Iowa by awarding $50,000 through its 2026 Financial Inclusion Grant Program. In the last of a three-year, $150,000 commitment, the program provides funding to nonprofit organizations working to improve access to resources and opportunities that can strengthen financial well-being.
The Financial Inclusion Grant Program was created to support initiatives addressing key areas that impact financial stability, including affordable housing, business ownership, childcare, education, employment and health access. Through nominations from credit unions, the program connects funding with organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. The 2026 grant recipients include:
"Financial inclusion is about more than access. It’s about creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive,” said Ena Babic Barnes, Executive Director of the Iowa Credit Union Foundation. “These grants support organizations that are removing barriers, strengthening financial well-being, and expanding pathways to economic opportunity across Iowa. We are proud to partner with credit unions to invest in solutions that create lasting impact.” The Financial Inclusion Grant Program is one way ICUF and Iowa credit unions are working together to support organizations that create greater access to opportunities across the state. The program was launched in response to the findings of ICUF’s 2023 report, Economic Realities of Communities of Color. By investing in key policy areas identified in the report, the program helps organizations address barriers to financial stability. For more than 30 years, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation has worked to champion financial well-being for all Iowans. Since its founding in 1995 to aid in flood recovery efforts, ICUF has dedicated more than $5 million in programs, initiatives and grants throughout Iowa communities.  Alkami Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKT) ("Alkami"), a digital sales and service platform provider for financial institutions in the U.S., today announced that FI Navigator data reflects Alkami as the top digital banking solution for credit unions based on the number of retail mobile banking enrolled users. The data from FI Navigator, a leading U.S. banking vertical data and analytics company, also ranks Alkami as the fastest-growing digital banking solution for banks based on net market growth for retail mobile banking client count and deposit accounts.
"Digital banking has become foundational to a financial institution's growth strategy," said Alex Shootman, chief executive officer at Alkami. "The FI Navigator data reflects the confidence our clients place in Alkami as a strategic technology partner and reinforces that both banks and credit unions partnering with Alkami are positioning themselves to compete more effectively. We are committed to helping financial institutions turn digital capabilities into a sustainable competitive advantage." FI Navigator data also shows that credit unions that have been on Alkami Digital Banking for five or more years outperform national peer groups across key growth metrics. These credit unions achieved 1.3x asset growth, 1.9x deposit account growth, 2x member growth, 1.7x deposit balance growth, 1.4x revenue growth, and 1.4x loan growth compared to peer groups. "At FI Navigator, our mission is to provide financial institutions and their partners with business insights that inform strategic decisions, from profitability and franchise growth to risk management and product development," said Curry Pelot, chief information officer and founder at FI Navigator. "Alkami's continued leadership in credit union market share and momentum in the bank market highlight the value of a digital banking platform that helps financial institutions grow, compete, and better serve their account holders." Through its Platform, Alkami brings together onboarding and account opening, digital banking, data and marketing, business banking, payment security, and an ecosystem of integrated partner capabilities to help institutions act on data, improve the account holder experience, and drive measurable growth. To learn more about Anticipatory Banking and the Alkami Digital Sales & Service Platform, visit here.  Abigail Fowler Abigail Fowler, Abound’s Director of Data Analytics, won the Richard Zimmerman Outstanding Young Credit Union Leader Memorial Award for making a profound and measurable impact through innovation, operational excellence, and strategic leadership.
Fowler initially joined Abound as an intern in 2020 to assist the credit union’s Accounting and Finance teams, where she was integral in helping the credit union prepare for a major project. In the years following her internship, she has advanced rapidly; first to Manager of Data Analytics and most recently to her current role of Director. Kentucky’s Credit Unions officially announced the Richard Zimmerman award, along with the results of its additional 2026 recognition programs, earlier this month. “Abigail’s journey from intern to director in just a few years reflects not only her talent and work ethic but also her passion for advancing Abound’s mission to make more possible for our Members,” says Ray Springsteen, President & CEO of Abound Credit Union. “Her impact will continue to shape both Abound and the broader credit union industry for years to come.” Beyond her professional role, which has included leading Abound’s enterprise-wide data analytics program and fostering a strategic partnership between WKU and the credit union, Fowler’s contributions outside of the office resulted in recognition in 2026 as the Recent Alumni of the year from Western Kentucky University’s Gordon Ford College of Business. “Working for a mission-driven organization like Abound is such a privilege,” says Fowler. “I’m honored to receive this award and look forward to continuing to enhance collaboration both internally and externally as I connect with other data analytics leaders in the community and the broader credit union industry.” Learn more about Abound and its mission at AboundCU.com. Member Driven Technologies (MDT), a CUSO that helps credit unions navigate complex financial technology ecosystems, today announced a partnership with OnTrac AI, an AI development and consulting firm, to extend MDT’s Transformational Consulting capabilities with deeper AI readiness, strategy and implementation expertise.
Through the partnership, MDT will offer OnTrac AI’s Ignite program as an extension of its consulting offering, helping credit unions identify where AI can create the greatest value, assess organizational readiness and establish a practical path from exploration to measurable outcomes. The collaboration builds on MDT’s role as a trusted strategic partner, combining its deep credit union expertise, client-centric consulting approach and technology foundation with OnTrac AI’s proven methodology for turning AI uncertainty into clear priorities and actionable plans. “AI has the potential to transform how credit unions operate, but for many institutions, the biggest challenge is knowing where to begin,” said Dan Schneider, Chief Project Officer at MDT. “By partnering with OnTrac AI, we are giving credit unions access to a structured, responsible and scalable approach to AI adoption. This insight will help our clients move beyond curiosity or confusion around AI and take deliberate steps toward improved operations, stronger employee adoption and better member service in a way that supports compliance, security and the credit union mission of people helping people.” MDT’s Transformational Consulting helps credit unions align people, processes and technology to eliminate inefficiencies, redesign workflows, optimize resources and prepare for thoughtful automation. The OnTrac AI partnership adds a specialized AI framework for evaluating AI opportunities based on organizational impact, implementation effort and likelihood of adoption, while also addressing governance, security, literacy, employee readiness and responsible implementation. “The goal isn’t to encourage credit unions to adopt AI for the sake of adopting AI,” said Bob Marsh, Chief Growth Officer from OnTrac AI. “Ignite helps organizations step back, identify where AI can have meaningful operational impact and prioritize opportunities based on their needs, readiness, and ability to execute. Partnering with MDT allows us to provide credit unions with experienced AI experts, stronger AI literacy and readiness across teams, enabling them to take a scaled approach that is practical, economical and aligned with their unique needs. Together we are helping credit unions reduce fear and take intentional steps toward operational efficiency and enhanced member service.”  Cybercrime continues to increase across the country, costing Americans billions of dollars annually and impacting individuals of all ages. In 2024 alone, Americans reported over 850,000 internet crime complaints, with reported losses exceeding $16 billion. Adults over age 60 experienced nearly $5 billion in losses, the highest of any age group. Credit unions are uniquely positioned to help members recognize online threats before they become victims through trusted guidance, education, and practical resources.
To support that effort, the League System today announced the release of its Cybersecurity Awareness Toolkit, a complimentary, fully customizable communications resource designed to help credit unions promote safe online habits, fraud awareness, and digital security. The toolkit is the latest release in the League System's 2026 toolkit series, providing ready-to-use resources that credit unions can align with their unique brand and tailor for their specific communities and member needs. “The League System is committed to providing practical resources that help credit unions address the issues that matter most to their members,” said Brad Miller, President of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues. “As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, education remains one of the most effective tools we have.” Miller continued, “By working together to underwrite and develop these resources, Leagues are able to provide customizable, no-cost materials that help credit unions strengthen member awareness and promote safer digital behaviors. In the true spirit of collaboration, this particular toolkit is available to all credit unions through their respective League and AACUL, thanks to the generosity of Envisant, the CUSO of the Illinois Credit Union League.” The Cybersecurity Awareness Toolkit includes a comprehensive collection of editable resources designed for credit unions of every size. Materials can be incorporated into existing member communications, staff education efforts, community outreach campaigns, and fraud response initiatives. The toolkit is built to help credit unions quickly translate cybersecurity awareness into practical action. What's Included in the Toolkit:
Credit unions are encouraged to use the toolkit as part of October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities and throughout the year. The included campaign calendar provides four weeks of themed content focused on helping members identify scams, protect accounts, prevent identity theft, and shop safely online during the holiday season.  John Alexander Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) is pleased to announce John Alexander as its Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer. In this newly created senior leadership role, Alexander will strengthen DCUC’s advocacy efforts and advance its representation as the national voice for defense credit unions across the United States and overseas.
“I’ve spent my career serving in different ways, from the Navy to public policy to credit union advocacy. Joining DCUC brings those experiences together. I’m proud to continue serving by advocating for the credit unions that support those who serve our country,” says Alexander. “I look forward to building on DCUC’s work and making sure their voices are heard where decisions are made.” Alexander adds, “The opportunity to work alongside Jason was a meaningful part of what drew me to DCUC. I have respected his leadership in the advocacy space for years, and I’m excited to join his team.” DCUC President & CEO, Anthony Hernandez, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel, welcomes Alexander, stating, “We are thrilled to have John join the DCUC team. His experience and perspective will strengthen our ability to anticipate emerging issues, engage decision-makers, and ensure the unique needs of credit unions remain at the forefront of both state and federal conversations.” “John brings a rare combination of firsthand military experience, political expertise, and a strong understanding of the credit union industry,” says Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer. “That perspective will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our advocacy on behalf of America’s defense credit unions. I’ve known John for some time, and he brings a strong understanding of both the credit union mission and the policy environment, making him an important addition to our advocacy team.” Working closely with the Chief Advocacy Officer, the new Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer position will serve as a senior representative and delegated authority responsible for advancing advocacy priorities, coordinating engagement, and strengthening DCUC’s presence across regional congressional offices, the Department of War, the National Credit Union Administration, and Capitol Hill. A Texas native and U.S. Navy veteran, Alexander brings military, political, and credit union advocacy experience to the role. Alexander served from 2012 to 2016 as an Operations Specialist aboard the amphibious assault ship, the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), and completed two overseas deployments, including a 2013 deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and a 2015–2016 deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He also completed overseas assignments with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in support of U.S. operations throughout Europe and the Middle East. Following his military service, Alexander earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Communication from The University of Texas at Austin. He began his political career in Texas as an intern for U.S. Senator John Cornyn before joining the Republican Party of Texas, where he gained experience working on congressional campaigns involving Michael McCaul, Chip Roy, and Roger Williams. He later served as Legislative Director under Chairman James White in the Texas House of Representatives. Alexander also developed extensive coalition-building experience through his work with The Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. In 2023, Alexander joined the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) as Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, where he worked closely with lawmakers, regulators, and credit union leaders on legislative and regulatory issues affecting the credit union industry. |
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