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Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) is proud to announce that it received a 2025 State-Level Desjardins Financial Education award from America’s Credit Unions for its financial and housing counseling program. GLCU will be recognized at the Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) Annual Convention Celebration Lunch on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Hilton Chicago.
The Desjardins Financial Education Award recognizes credit unions that demonstrate leadership in financial literacy programs for both youth and adults. The philanthropic arm of GLCU – the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment – supports the community by offering free housing and financial counseling to members and non-members. The GLCU Foundation’s National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-certified counselors teach clients proven techniques that can help them increase their credit score, manage income and expenses, qualify for down payment and rental assistance, and more. So far in 2025, The GLCU Foundation has impacted more than 200 people through one-on-one counseling and has hosted over 350 people for housing and financial workshops. This year, the GLCU Foundation has helped save over $8 million in community assets through its financial education efforts. “We’re incredibly proud to receive the State-Level Desjardins Financial Education Award from America’s Credit Unions,” said Matthew Rizzie, Executive Director of the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment. “The GLCU Foundation believes that education is the key to financial empowerment, and this award reflects our commitment to expanding access to financial education to everyone in our communities.” Jasmine Taylor-Newton, ICUL Community and Program Coordinator, added, "These awards give us a chance to share the powerful stories behind the work of our credit unions. From financial literacy programs that change lives to community projects that create lasting impact, these awards are a true reflection of the service mindset within our movement."
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 Denny Howell Corry Federal Credit Union (‘Corry FCU’) has selected Mahalo Banking to implement its next-generation digital banking platform, coinciding with the credit union’s core transition to Corelation KeyStone. The partnership reflects Corry FCU’s commitment to delivering a modern, secure, and seamless digital experience while maximizing the value of its KeyStone core.
Corry FCU sought a digital banking provider that could tightly integrate with KeyStone, enabling a smooth conversion and ensuring that members have access to a unified platform. Mahalo’s solution stood out for its ability to deliver native digital functionality across online and mobile channels, reducing reliance on multiple third-party vendors and streamlining both operational workflows and the member experience. “Selecting Mahalo was a strategic decision for Corry FCU as we prepare for our core transition and digital banking conversion,” said Stacey Heiser, CEO of Corry FCU. “Mahalo’s deep integration with KeyStone, intuitive understanding of the credit union movement, and collaborative partnership approach give us the confidence that we will deliver an exceptional experience to our members that directly supports their financial needs. Our team was especially impressed with the solution’s user-friendly design and robust functionality.” Mahalo’s digital banking platform will provide members with seamless platform accessibility, enhanced self-service tools, and advanced fraud prevention, including Credential Assurance Technology (CAT) that safeguards against credential-stuffing attacks and other emerging cyber threats. Members will also be able to view all accounts within and outside of Corry FCU in a centralized dashboard that enables simplified financial management. In addition, Corry FCU will be leveraging Mahalo’s Business Banking module, delivering robust digital banking capabilities tailored to meet the needs of business members. “We are proud to partner with Corry FCU at this pivotal moment in its digital transformation,” said Denny Howell, COO of Mahalo. “By combining a full core conversion with a next-generation digital banking upgrade, Corry FCU is reimagining the member experience from the ground up. Our native Keystone integration empowers the credit union to deliver a streamlined, secure platform that engages members while streamlining operations.”  Credit unions across Maine are recommitting to the fight against food insecurity with the launch of their annual $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge this October. As federal cuts continue to undermine food access for families statewide, this year’s effort is especially critical.
Throughout the month of October, Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger aims to raise $100,000 to provide nourishing meals through Good Shepherd Food Bank, local food pantries, and meal sites statewide. “Fighting hunger is a priority for Maine credit unions and has been for over 35 years,” said Elise Baldacci, President of the Maine Credit Union League. “Too many families in Maine face barriers to accessing nutritious food, and this Challenge is one way we can work together to ensure our neighbors have the meals they need.” According to Good Shepherd Food Bank, the federal budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 includes the largest-ever cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. With more than 172,000 Mainers currently relying on SNAP, the urgency of fundraising efforts like these has never been clearer. This year’s fundraiser also aligns with International Credit Union Day on October 16, highlighting the values of community support and solidarity that credit unions proudly uphold. “Credit unions believe in the philosophy of People Helping People, and the Campaign and fundraising initiatives it facilitates put this belief in action,” added Jen Burke, Vice President of Outreach & Strategic Initiatives at the Maine Credit Union League. “The Campaign, now in its 35th year in combatting food insecurity, is hoping for a strong response from the public in helping us reach our goal. Everyone is welcome to donate! You do not need to be a credit union member to pay it forward in this important way.” The Challenge welcomes contributions from all—individuals, businesses, and financial institutions. Supporters will be recognized on the Campaign’s website —if they choose—with our heartfelt thanks. Donations can be made online through Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger and in select credit union branches. A portion of online proceeds (25%) will be directed to Good Shepherd Food Bank to maximize the meal impact.  Alex Shootman Alkami Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKT) (“Alkami”), a digital sales and service platform provider for financial institutions in the U.S., today announced it was categorized as a 2025 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 50 solution provider. The elite list features the technology companies from around the globe that are focused on providing solutions to the financial services and FinTech industries. To view the list in its entirety, please visit here.
The Fortune 500-style ranking categorizes and evaluates the top global providers of financial technology based on calendar year revenues from financial institutions for hardware, software, and/or services. These providers supply the technological backbone of the financial services industry, an industry in which IDC forecasts worldwide spending on information technology (IT) to reach $775 billion (USD) by 2028. “We are honored to be named to the IDC FinTech Rankings Top 50. Alkami is positioned to deliver the industry’s leading digital sales and service platform for our customers, all built on the vision of Anticipatory Banking,” said Alex Shootman, chief executive officer at Alkami. “Together, we will shape the future of financial services, surpassing personalization to anticipate the needs of account holders before they are expressed.” To thrive in a digital economy, financial services organizations must embrace and integrate innovative technology effectively to enhance the account holder experience and achieve operational excellence. Alkami, and the enterprises featured on the IDC FinTech Rankings Enterprise Top 50, represent those organizations committed to helping financial services companies successfully execute their digital transformation initiatives for the betterment of their account holders. “At IDC, we continue to recognize the importance technology providers have in helping the global financial services industry meet their clients’ needs,” said Marc DeCastro, research director at IDC. “The IDC FinTech Rankings program continues to provide financial service technology buyers a go-to list of the largest FinTechs in the world.” IDC Financial Insights publishes a comprehensive report about the year’s findings. For more information, visit here. For more information on Anticipatory Banking, visit here. For more information on the Alkami Digital Sales & Service Platform, visit here. Alkami has been certified by J.D. Power in 2024 and 2025 for providing “An Outstanding Mobile Banking Platform Experience.”  Ashish Garg Eltropy, the leading digital conversations platform for community financial institutions (CFIs), today announced exclusive early access to Rich Communication Services (RCS), giving credit unions and community banks the same branded messaging capabilities that major banks reserve for their premium communications.
"Every day CFIs wait, major banks are capturing more consumer attention with branded messaging that makes community financial institutions look outdated by comparison," said Ashish Garg, Co-Founder and CEO of Eltropy. "Our CFI clients were asking why their messages looked generic next to major bank communications. This beta program changes that dynamic by giving our customers first access to enterprise-grade messaging technology that delivers 32% higher engagement than traditional SMS." While major banks have been quietly rolling out these branded messaging experiences to millions of consumers, credit unions and community banks have been stuck sending generic texts that lack institutional branding. Eltropy RCS changes that dynamic instantly, transforming every message into a branded, verified experience that rivals anything big banks can deliver. Consumers see the institution’s logo, trust the verified checkmark, and interact with content just like they do with the biggest financial brands in the country. RCS addresses critical use cases across the institution. For sensitive use cases like collections and lending, RCS builds instant trust by delivering messages from a verified sender profile featuring the institution’s logo and brand, eliminating the risk of spoofing and smishing attacks. Members can immediately identify legitimate payment reminders and loan notifications, reducing friction in collections processes. For marketing and promotions, RCS turns static messages into dynamic experiences with rich media, carousel cards, and one-tap replies, creating an app-like experience inside the consumer’s native messaging app. Whether sending payment reminders or promotional offers, CFIs can deliver branded, secure, and action-driven conversations that drive real engagement. "The three biggest advantages of RCS for community financial institutions are security, authenticity, and engagement," said Abhishek Tiwari, Chief Product Officer at Eltropy. "RCS provides much higher trust than SMS, verified branding that immediately identifies legitimate communications, and interactive capabilities that completely change how consumers perceive and respond to institutional messaging." This limited beta launch addresses the critical timing window as major carriers prioritize RCS approvals for select financial institutions. With full carrier infrastructure expansion expected by early 2026, participating credit unions and community banks will secure priority positioning and help shape the platform's development based on real-world community finance applications. The participants gain immediate access to branded messaging with institution logos, interactive elements including call-to-action buttons, smart fallback systems that automatically use SMS when RCS isn't supported, and real-time engagement tracking on read receipts and click rate. For existing Eltropy clients, RCS integrates seamlessly as a platform upgrade with dedicated implementation support, fitting effortlessly into current workflows without the need for staff retraining or system changes. Credit unions and community banks that apply by October 31 will be evaluated for beta spots. The beta program runs through Q4 2025, with broader deployment beginning in early 2026. This launch reinforces Eltropy's commitment to delivering enterprise-grade communication technology specifically designed for community financial institutions. By providing early access to RCS capabilities, Eltropy ensures CFIs can compete with major banks’ messaging experiences while maintaining the personalized service that defines the community finance industry. Applications for the RCS beta program are being accepted immediately, with priority given to existing Eltropy platform users. For more information about participating in the exclusive early access program, visit https://eltropy.com/rich-communication-services/.  (L-R) Greg Hanshaw, Ena Babic Barnes, Heather Waffle-Terrance, Tom Blanford As it celebrates 30 years of impact, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) continues to be a driving force for credit union philanthropy in Iowa. At the recent Iowa Credit Union Convention, ICUF’s annual Benefit Night Fundraiser brought in a record-breaking amount of $118,000 to support its mission of advancing financial well-being for all Iowans.
More than 280 attendees from the credit union industry and broader business community came together for this year's event. “We’re grateful to all of our Benefit Night attendees and sponsors for helping us raise $118,000 to support Iowans,” said Ena Babic Barnes, ICUF Executive Director. “These funds will make a meaningful difference by removing barriers to financial well-being and providing assistance to Iowans in times of need.” During the event, Babic Barnes, along with ICUF Chair Jordan Hensley (CEO of Peoples Credit Union), and ICUF Vice Chair Julie Willse (Chief Operations Officer of Greater Iowa Credit Union), highlighted the Foundation’s achievements over the past year and honored the recipients of the 2025 ICUF Community Impact Award. This award recognizes leaders who dedicate their time, talent and resources to strengthening communities. From advancing charitable causes, to creating space for those in need, to raising funds that transform lives these individuals embody the true spirit of credit unions. This year's Community Impact award receipts were:
“Being part of ICUF’s leadership has allowed me to witness the powerful ways credit unions are strengthening communities across Iowa,” said Hensley, ICUF Board Chair. “The individuals we recognized this year reflect that mission in action, showing through their work and service what it truly means to put people first.” The event also celebrated ICUF’s 30th anniversary by highlighting its achievements and impact over the past three decades. Highlights include, but are not limited to:
Established in 1995 as the philanthropic branch of the ICUL, ICUF is dedicated to advancing the financial well-being of Iowans through credit unions. Embracing the credit union principle of "people helping people," ICUF promotes financial well-being for everyone through its diverse programs, grants, and scholarships. For more details, visit www.IowaCreditUnionFoundation.org. Apiture Recognized as Market Leader in Javelin 2025 Small Business Digital Banking Vendor Scorecard9/26/2025  Apiture, a leading provider of digital banking solutions, today announced it has been named a market leader in the Javelin Strategy & Research 2025 Small Business Digital Banking Vendor Scorecard. Among the vendors evaluated, Apiture earned the highest score in the Administration and Portfolio Management category and leading scores in Functionality and User Experience as well as Strategic Direction and Delivery.
“Apiture delivers one of the most forward-looking digital banking platforms in the market,” said Ian Benton, senior analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research. “It pairs one of the most refined small business banking experiences with a market-leading back-end environment that gives bankers unmatched control over onboarding, AI-powered campaign targeting, and customer engagement.” Part of the Apiture Digital Banking Platform, Apiture’s Business Banking solution was recognized for its cutting-edge AI-powered tools and payments user experience as well as cash-flow insights embedded throughout its solution. The report also highlighted Apiture’s Data Intelligence solution, which includes intuitive tools to help financial institutions elevate their marketing efforts, drive digital engagement, and deliver a tailored banking experience. “We are honored to be recognized as a leader by Javelin in its small business banking vendor scorecard,” said Chris Babcock, CEO of Apiture. “This distinction reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering community financial institutions with a digital banking platform designed for innovation, growth, and real impact. We’re excited to keep pushing boundaries while helping our clients deliver the personalized digital experiences today’s small businesses demand.” The 2025 Javelin Small Business Digital Banking Scorecard is based on an evaluation of seven leading U.S. digital banking providers across 358 customer-facing features, banker-facing administrative tools, and strategic delivery capabilities. Vendors underwent a rigorous review process that included detailed requests for information, live demonstrations, and validation of roadmap commitments. The report helps financial institutions identify technology partners that can deliver a holistic, personalized small business banking experience and execute consistently on future innovation. To download the Apiture excerpt of the Javelin Advisory Services 2025 Small Business Digital Banking Vendor Scorecard report, click here.  Taylor Adkins Alkami Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKT) ("Alkami"), a digital sales and service platform provider for financial institutions in the U.S., today announced that Red Rocks Credit Union (Red Rocks) has expanded its relationship with Alkami, adding the company's Digital Banking Solution and Data & Marketing Solution to its existing Onboarding & Account Opening Solution.
Serving Colorado communities for more than four decades, Red Rocks has built a reputation for pairing trusted, people-first service with modern digital tools. Today, it supports thousands of members across the state. This approach made Alkami a natural partner in advancing Red Rocks' mission to enrich lives through effortless, personalized banking. "At Red Rocks, we believe purposeful living starts with strong financial support," said Darius Wise, president and chief executive officer of Red Rocks. "Our members are asking for digital experiences that feel personal and trustworthy, and expanding our partnership with Alkami helps us deliver just that. By pairing trusted support with modern digital tools, we can serve members more personally and anticipate their needs with confidence at every stage of life." With these solutions additions, Red Rocks will soon activate the Alkami Digital Sales & Service Platform—a tightly integrated technology suite combining industry-leading digital onboarding and account opening, modern online and mobile banking, and data-driven marketing tools. This full-circle approach will empower Red Rocks to intelligently onboard, engage, and grow member relationships throughout the entire account holder lifecycle, while executing on an Anticipatory Banking vision. The Alkami Digital Banking Solution will enhance Red Rocks' online and mobile banking experience for both retail and business members, delivering intuitive navigation, consistent functionality across devices, and expanded business banking capabilities. The Alkami Data & Marketing Solution will equip the credit union with real-time insights into member behavior, enabling smarter segmentation, automated campaigns, and timely, personalized offers. From recognizing key financial moments—like buying a home or paying down debt—to delivering relevant messaging at just the right time, Red Rocks will be positioned to deepen relationships and drive sustainable growth. "Red Rocks Credit Union understands that a unified digital experience is key to building lasting member relationships," said Taylor Adkins, vice president, product management at Alkami. "With the Alkami Digital Sales & Service Platform in place, they can deliver connected, personalized experiences from the very first interaction to every day after. We're proud to be their partner on that journey." For more information on the Alkami Digital Sales & Service Platform, visit here.  Lauren MacVay True North Federal Credit Union (‘True North’) has officially launched its new digital banking platform powered by Mahalo Banking. Earlier this year, True North selected Mahalo not only for its deep Corelation Keystone integration and advanced fraud prevention, but also for the company’s reputation for expertise, responsiveness, and a team that partners closely with credit unions throughout every step of the process.
“Launching the Mahalo platform is an exciting milestone for the credit union and our members,” said Lauren MacVay, President and CEO of True North. “Our integration was 100% on time and absolutely seamless, largely due to Mahalo’s close collaboration with our team. The Thoughtful Banking® solution empowers us to deliver a modern, intuitive digital experience that is incredibly member-friendly and secure.” True North members now have access to advanced fraud prevention tools, including Mahalo’s Credential Assurance Technology (CAT), which helps defend against credential-stuffing attacks and other cybersecurity threats. “Mahalo’s dedication to security-first innovation and agility in responding to emerging risks allows us to compete with much larger institutions while maintaining the trust our members place in us,” added MacVay. “Our team is proud to help True North transform its banking experience and meet member needs in a dynamic way,” said Denny Howell, COO of Mahalo. “True North has a strong vision for what digital banking should deliver to its members, prioritizing security, convenience, and meaningful connection. Our platform empowers its team to deliver on these areas with cutting-edge banking tools while staying true to the personalized service and community focus that defines the credit union.”  Jim Nussle NCUA removes reputation risk concepts from examination & supervisory process
"America's Credit Unions appreciates the NCUA heeding our call to eliminate reputational risk as a component of its exams and supervision. As we previously shared, this component invited subjective interpretations and raised concerns about potential abuse. Credit union exams must focus on actual and measurable risks to financial condition. We thank Chairman Hauptman for listening to the industry and addressing this issue. We will continue to work with the agency to ensure exams remain focused on the safety and soundness of credit unions." - Jim Nussle, America's Credit Unions President/CEO
Government shutdown resources While government shutdowns always add financial concerns and uncertainty, this year’s threat has the added element of potential permanent layoffs. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is instructing agencies to prepare reduction in force (RIF) plans for programs that are not legally required to continue. This means that workers identified in these plans could face permanent job losses. Historically, federal government employees who are not deemed essential are furloughed without pay, and then receive back-pay once the shutdown ends. OMB has confirmed that the reduction in force will not take place should Congress successfully pass a clean short term funding bill by September 30, 2025. We have resources available online to support credit unions and will continue to provide updates as funding discussions continue. Comments on CFPB proposal A recent CFPB proposal to adopt a standard definition to designate nonbanks for CFPB supervision would create an uneven playing field for credit unions. In comments filed with the bureau Thursday, America’s Credit Unions expressed appreciation to the bureau for working to limit regulatory burdens, while also raising these concerns about the impact to credit unions. “As it stands, credit unions are extensively supervised by two regulatory agencies while non-depository institutions like fintech companies are not. Consequently, credit unions would be subject to far more compliance costs and a massive competitive disadvantage,” the letter reads. |
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