 Kian Sarreshteh First Commerce Credit Union has partnered with InvestiFi, the award-winning digital investing solutions provider for financial institutions, to integrate digital investing capabilities into its existing banking platform. The collaboration will enable members to access investing tools within the trusted environment of their everyday banking experience.
Through the partnership, InvestiFi’s investing capabilities will be integrated directly into First Commerce Credit Union’s digital banking platform, enabling members to access stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrency, and Guided Investing tools. For 85 years, First Commerce Credit Union has been dedicated to empowering generations and transforming communities through relationship-focused financial services, innovative technology, and financial education. The partnership reflects the credit union’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to modern financial tools that help members build confidence and make progress at every stage of life. First Commerce members will be able to engage with investing directly through the financial institution they already know and trust while also benefiting from a seamless digital experience that keeps investing connected to their primary checking account. Kian Sarreshteh, CEO of InvestiFi, commented on the partnership: “We are proud to partner with First Commerce Credit Union as they continue to enhance their digital banking experience. By integrating investing capabilities directly into online and mobile banking, First Commerce is creating a more comprehensive financial experience that meets members where they are. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, convenience, and long-term member engagement.” Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce Credit Union, said the partnership reflects the credit union’s continued focus on supporting members through every stage of their financial journey: “As our members move through life, their financial needs evolve and so does how they want to build confidence and make progress. For some, that means buying a first home, building savings, or preparing for retirement. For others, it’s about having more control over how they invest. Our partnership with InvestiFi expands what’s possible, giving members the ability to explore investing and manage it within their relationship with First Commerce. It’s another way we’re expanding access to tools that support progress at every stage.” The partnership further strengthens First Commerce Credit Union’s commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions while maintaining the community-first, member-focused approach that has defined the institution for more than eight decades.
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ALM First Acquires Financial Management Services, Inc. (FMSI), Expanding Its Community Bank Presence9/29/2026  Emily Hollis ALM First, a strategic partner to hundreds of depositories nationwide, today announced it has acquired Financial Management Services, Inc. (FMSI), a financial consulting and advisory firm based in Overland Park, Kansas. FMSI’s team members will join ALM First as part of the transition, so clients will keep the relationship they rely on while gaining access to ALM First’s broader resources.
FMSI has built a strong track record of helping community banks, credit unions, savings and loans, and non-depository financial institutions improve net interest margins and strengthen interest rate risk management while protecting capital. Its approach of using asset liability management as a strategic tool and competitive advantage aligns closely with ALM First's philosophy. "This acquisition is a natural fit," said Emily Hollis, CFA, CEO of ALM First. "FMSI's clients already see ALM as a strategic advantage, and that's exactly how we approach it. We've built an exceptionally strong team of experts, and we're excited to bring expanded solutions to former FMSI clients while honoring the relationships FMSI has worked hard to build." "I'm thrilled to join forces with such a well-respected, forward-looking industry partner," said Chuck Crouch, CFA, partner of FMSI. "ALM First's depth and breadth of expertise is truly unlike any other, and our clients will benefit immensely. On behalf of the entire FMSI team, we're excited to join ALM First. Our clients will continue working with the same people they know and trust, now with the added strength of ALM First's depth and breadth of expertise behind them. We're here for the long term, and we look forward to serving them for years to come.” More information about ALM First’s expansive solutions may be found at www.almfirst.com. Your Credit Union Partner Releases Strategic Playbook for Small and Mid-Sized Credit Unions9/29/2026  Scott Butterfield Your Credit Union Partner (YCUP) today announced the release of the 2026–2027 Credit Union Strategic Playbook, a new resource created to help small and mid-sized credit unions navigate the increasingly interconnected challenges of growth, lending, technology, talent, community development, governance and long-term relevance.
Rather than presenting another traditional strategic planning model or collection of industry trends, the playbook brings together practical observations, case studies, professional perspectives and strategic questions drawn from YCUP’s work alongside credit union boards, CEOs and leadership teams. “We’ve spent 15 years working alongside credit unions that refuse to accept that being small means thinking small,” said Scott Butterfield, CUDE, Founder and Principal of Your Credit Union Partner. “What we’ve learned is that the future of these institutions isn’t simply about getting bigger. It’s about becoming more relevant, more intentional and more valuable to the people and communities they serve. That’s why we created this playbook.” Throughout the publication, YCUP examines credit unions that have taken intentional approaches to growth, community development, lending, technology, leadership and multicultural engagement. The featured organizations demonstrate that meaningful progress is not limited to the largest or best-funded institutions. It often begins with a clearer understanding of whom a credit union is uniquely positioned to serve and the willingness to make focused strategic choices. The case studies include credit unions that have achieved significant membership and loan growth, secured substantial grant funding, expanded access to homeownership, invested in emerging leaders and translated organizational values into measurable expectations. The playbook also incorporates insights from professionals working in asset-liability management, technology, marketing, leadership development and organizational culture. Among its central themes:
So Much Good (formerly Your Marketing Co.) collaborated with YCUP in shaping and bringing the playbook to life, contributing its perspective on member relevance, differentiation and the role marketing plays in sustainable credit union growth. “Scott and the YCUP team understand that small and mid-sized credit unions do not need more generic advice. They need honest questions, practical examples and strategies grounded in how their organizations and communities actually work,” said Bo McDonald, Founder of So Much Good. “This collaboration brought together YCUP’s deep experience in strategy and community development with our belief that marketing must begin with relevance. The result is a resource designed to challenge assumptions and help credit union leaders turn purpose into meaningful, measurable action.” The 2026–2027 Credit Union Strategic Playbook is available at yourcupartner.org/playbook. The Credit Union Data Exchange (CUDX) today announced the next phase of its mission to transform how the credit union industry collaborates around data: building Cooperative Intelligence through AI-ready data products created from the collective strength of credit union data.
The idea behind Cooperative Intelligence is simple: every credit union generates valuable data. When that data is securely brought together, standardized and transformed into trusted products, it can create a broader intelligence foundation than any single institution could build independently. Cooperative Intelligence will power CUDX’s growing portfolio of standardized, governed, privacy-protected and AI-ready data products. These products are designed to help credit unions, fintechs, researchers, solution providers and other organizations develop new analytics, machine-learning models, AI agents and financial services solutions. Turning Cooperative Data Into AI-Ready Data Products Data across the credit union industry comes from different core systems and technology environments. CUDX transforms this fragmented data into curated, standardized and privacy-protected products designed for specific financial services use cases. CUDX's portfolio includes:
From Data Products to Cooperative Intelligence CUDX's vision creates a cooperative data flywheel: More Participation → Broader Data → AI-Ready Data Products → Cooperative Intelligence → New AI & Industry Use Cases As the breadth and diversity of the underlying data grows, CUDX can create richer and more representative data products, enabling new research, models, applications and industry use cases. "Credit unions have always understood the power of cooperation. We believe the next evolution of that principle is Cooperative Intelligence," said Ganesh Morla, Executive Director of CUDX. "CUDX is transforming the collective strength of credit union data into trusted, AI-ready data products that can provide the foundation for the next generation of intelligence and innovation across the credit union ecosystem." Building the Data Foundation for the AI Era AI models and agents are becoming increasingly accessible, but their effectiveness depends heavily on the quality, relevance and context of the data behind them. Rather than requiring every credit union, fintech, researcher or solution provider to independently source and prepare fragmented credit union data, CUDX aims to provide purpose-built, AI-ready products that can accelerate innovation. CUDX provides the trusted data foundation. The ecosystem builds intelligence on top of it. Privacy and trust remain fundamental to this model. CUDX incorporates security, governance, aggregation and de-identification capabilities designed to protect sensitive member information while enabling collective data to create broader industry value. "The AI era will not be defined by models alone," Morla added. "As AI becomes more accessible, trusted and differentiated data becomes increasingly valuable. CUDX is building that AI-ready data foundation for the credit union ecosystem." CUDX will continue expanding its portfolio of AI-ready data products and developing the technology, governance, partnerships and marketplace capabilities required to advance Cooperative Intelligence. Organizations interested in exploring CUDX data products can visit dataproducts.cudx.com. CUES is proud to announce its 2026 award recipients and Hall of Fame inductee, recognizing two accomplished leaders, one exceptional credit union, and a lifetime of service that have strengthened organizations, communities, and the credit union movement. Congratulations to:
CUES Outstanding Chief Executive: Chris Harlan, CEO, University of Illinois Community Credit Union This award recognizes leaders at the CEO level who display professional achievement, support employee motivation, and are dedicated to their community. From 2019 to 2026, Harlan helped University of Illinois Community Credit Union double its assets and grow its membership by more than 35%. His focus on empowering employees helped the credit union earn the Top 25 Best Credit Unions to Work For in America designation for five consecutive years. Harlan also established a partnership program with organizations in the community to bring financial education to employees and families. CUES Distinguished Director: Kenneth Ampy, CCD, Immediate Past Chairman, Virginia Credit Union The CUES Distinguished Director Award honors a volunteer whose achievements have strengthened their credit union. Ampy provided steady, strategic leadership through periods of significant change, including the challenges following the pandemic and Virginia Credit Union’s recent merger process. Known for sound judgment, integrity, and a collaborative approach, Ampy helped the board remain focused on members, employees, and long-term organizational strength. A graduate of CUES Strategic Growth Institute and CUES Governance Leadership Institute, Ampy has also demonstrated a sustained commitment to learning and effective governance. John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award: LAFCU The John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award recognizes credit unions advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in meaningful, lasting ways. LAFCU has built an inclusive culture grounded in empathy, action, and accountability. Under the leadership of Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, DEI has become an organizational priority reflected in day-to-day interactions, a representative employee committee, thoughtful learning experiences, and multicultural celebrations that have grown from an internal initiative into a community event. CUES Hall of Fame Inductee: Gerry Agnes, Retired CEO of Elevations Credit Union The CUES Hall of Fame honors lifetime achievement and significant contributions to the credit union movement, including service to one’s organization and industry, community involvement, continuing education, and contributions to CUES. Agnes reflects that standard through a sustained commitment to learning, leadership, and service. Before retiring in February 2026, Agnes served as CEO of Elevations Credit Union for 17 years and was a CUES member for 25 years. His CUES involvement included eight years on the CUES Arizona/Southern California Council Board and six years on the CUES Board. “These honorees exemplify the leadership, courage, and commitment that move the credit union industry forward,” said Brian Cacic, CUES VP/Member Experience. “From delivering meaningful growth and strong governance to creating cultures of belonging and modeling a lifetime of service, their impact reaches far beyond their own organizations. CUES is proud to celebrate their achievements and the example they have set for leaders across the movement.” The CUES Distinguished Director Award and John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award will be presented at CUES Directors Conference, December 6-9, 2026, San Antonio, Texas. The CUES Outstanding Chief Executive Award and CUES Hall of Fame induction will be honored at CUES Symposium, January 31-February 4, 2027, in Marco Island, Florida, during a newly added Awards & Recognition Luncheon presented by Visa. Visa's sponsorship underscores a shared commitment to recognizing visionary leadership and the individuals shaping the future of the credit union industry. Learn more about CUES Awards at cues.org/Awards. Learn more about CUES at cues.org.  "Passage of the Common Cents Act brings much-needed federal certainty to an issue that Main Street financial institutions and local businesses have been managing on their own for months. Credit unions stepped up during this gap to protect consumers, often absorbing operational costs directly so that everyday families, seniors, and cash-reliant households never lost a cent. A single, nationwide standard for cash rounding gives credit union members clear, consistent rules. We thank lawmakers for taking decisive, bipartisan action to end the guesswork, and we urge the President to sign this legislation into law without delay."
- Scott Simpson, America's Credit Unions President/CEO Evergreen CU Raises Over $25,000 With 2026 Evergreen Disc Golf Scramble for Ending Hunger in Maine9/28/2026  Evergreen Credit Union raised over $25,000 at their annual Disc Golf Scramble at Bittersweet Ridge Disc Golf Course in North Yarmouth. The event was held on September 25, hosting over 70 disc golfers competing across the 18-hole course. All event proceeds benefit the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, which supports local food banks across the state.
18 four-person teams played on the disc golf course in North Yarmouth, home to the annual Maine States Disc Golf Tournament. Chick-Fil-A Rock Row provided breakfast, lunch was catered by Paper City Barbeque of Westbrook, and the day wrapped up with raffles for disc golf memorabilia and gift cards to southern Maine businesses. “Our annual disc golf scramble is such a great event to put on,” said Cole Rowland, Creative Specialist at Evergreen Credit Union. “It brings together an up-and-coming sport, being outside, and coming together to raise money for a good cause. At the end of the day, what more could you ask for?” Maine Credit Unions Campaign for Ending Hunger allows Maine’s credit unions to collectively give back to their communities by giving monetary donations to food shelters, closets, and cupboards across the state. All funds raised for this campaign directly support organizations that fight food insecurity. “Supporting the Campaign for Ending Hunger is one of our biggest community efforts,” said Jason Lindstrom, Evergreen Credit Union’s President and CEO. “The Campaign is such a worthy cause and brings real change to the communities we serve.” The Campaign for Ending Hunger in Maine has contributed over $16.3 million since 1990 to end hunger in the state, with nearly $1.5 million contributed in 2025 alone. Evergreen Credit Union is the 4th largest credit union in Maine, with over $663 million in assets serving over 33,000 members in its 5 branches across Southern Maine. Explore Evergreen’s community impact at https://www.egcu.org/community Synergent® has entered into a seven-year renewal agreement with Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union for hosted Jack Henry™ Symitar® core processing. The credit union also signed five-year agreements with Synergent for integrated managed solutions including debit card services, statement processing, check processing, check printing, and mobile deposit capture.
The renewal continues Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union’s relationship with Synergent while keeping its core processing and several key services with one provider. The credit union also works with Synergent across additional areas, including credit card services, marketing services, and core consulting. “Continuing our partnership with Synergent gives us the technology and support we need while allowing our team to stay focused on our members,” said Jim Lemieux, President and CEO of Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union. “We value having a partner that understands credit unions, knows our organization, and is committed to supporting us for the long term.” Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union’s roots date back to 1953, when employees of Northeast Shoe Company in Pittsfield formed a financial cooperative inside the factory, giving workers a place to save, cash checks, and access loans around their work schedules. More than 70 years later, the credit union serves members and communities across six Maine counties. That commitment includes its long-standing support of the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, through which the credit union has contributed more than $480,000 to hunger relief. “Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union’s history reflects the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, from its beginnings serving local factory employees to its work in communities today,” said Brad Lane, Chief Operations Officer of Synergent. “We value the trust Jim and his team continue to place in Synergent and look forward to supporting them as they serve their members for years to come.” Headquartered in Pittsfield, Maine, Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union has 12,023 members and holds more than $186 million in assets. Its field of membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, or go to school in Franklin, Kennebec, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, or Waldo County, as well as immediate family members of current members. LoanPro, the modern lending and credit platform, today announced a partnership with Spring Labs Holdings, Inc. (“Spring Labs”), the AI-native operational risk and compliance platform. Through the partnership, LoanPro customers gain access to Spring Labs’s agentic solutions for complaint management, disputes and quality management (QA+QC), embedded in the LoanPro platform rather than a separate system.
“We believe the future of finance is highly personalized, and that means every customer interaction matters, including the complaints, disputes, and quality reviews that follow,” said Rhett Roberts, CEO and co-founder of LoanPro. “By incorporating Spring Labs' AI to our modern lending platform, we're giving our customers additional options to handle those interactions while keeping full control, all inside LoanPro.” Spring Labs uses AI to analyze customer interactions across supported channels, including calls, emails and chats, and help automate related complaint, dispute and quality management workflows, while LoanPro remains the system of record. Lenders, card issuers and fintechs get the same end-to-end automation Spring Labs delivers to its direct customers, inside the platform they already run, covering every interaction and without adding headcount. "LoanPro modernized the lending core with an API-first platform that gives lenders the flexibility to launch and service multiple credit products at the speed today's market demands," said Kevin Lewis, co-founder and chief revenue officer of Spring Labs. "The compliance work that follows customer interactions, like complaints, disputes and QA+QC, can still involve spreadsheets, sampling and manual review. Because LoanPro is built to be configurable, its customers can bring AI-powered automation to these workflows through the platform they already know and trust." The initial integration, available to LoanPro customers beginning in Q4 2026, will support quality management and complaint workflows with credit, transaction, and fraud disputes to follow in 2027. LoanPro customers interested in adding Spring Labs’s capabilities can contact their LoanPro account manager or visit springlabs.com to learn more.  Trey Hawkins America’s Credit Unions and its PAC today announced five political advertising campaigns for House candidates ahead of November’s general election. The bipartisan spend includes new advertisements that will begin running over the next two weeks for the following members:
“America’s Credit Unions’ political engagement is rooted in a balanced, bipartisan approach,” said Trey Hawkins, Head of Political Affairs at America’s Credit Unions. “These lawmakers have consistently championed credit union priorities that protect the financial choices of everyday Americans in their districts. In a divided Congress, America’s Credit Unions has an obligation to back candidates who understand the financial needs of Americans and will stand up for lenders back home.” America’s Credit Unions serves as the unified advocacy voice for the nation’s credit union movement, representing more than 4,000 institutions and the 146 million everyday Americans who rely on member-owned cooperative finance. Powered by grassroots contributions, America’s Credit Unions PAC ranks among the top trade association political action committees in the United States, maintaining a strictly balanced bipartisan profile. The new advertising campaigns consist of both independent expenditures and coordinated member communications targeting registered voters in credit union member households. America’s Credit Unions and its PAC previously announced a total $10 million spend in support of over 340 total candidates on the general election ballot, including advertising for Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH-SEN) for U.S. Senate, and U.S. House candidates Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Susie Lee (D-NV-3), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-3), David Valadao (R-CA-22), and North Carolina state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom (R-NC-11). Through the 2026 primaries, 96% of backed candidates won and advanced to the November general election. Please visit https://www.americascreditunions.org/advocacy/pac/elections-hub/election to see all the candidates that America’s Credit Unions is supporting. |
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