​Origence, the leading lending technology solutions provider for credit unions, is hosting a free webcast entitled, “Indirect Lending: Trends, Challenges and Beyond” with special guest speakers Billy McDaniel, senior vice president of lending and chief lending officer at Communication Federal Credit Union, Emily Gibson, vice president of consumer lending at Y-12 Federal Credit Union, and Chad Wilcox, senior vice president of lending at Credit Union of Colorado on November 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. PDT.

Credit unions will gain valuable insights into effective best practices to streamline indirect lending. As the market continues to change, we’ll explore strategies and tools that credit union lenders can leverage to position their teams and members for long-term success.
 
Discussion topics include:

• Setting pricing and programs in a competitive market
• Increasing automated decisioning
• Managing ongoing liquidity challenges in relation to auto lending
• Building processes to improve funding speed
• Managing dealer relationships in the current environment

​“In our rapidly evolving market facing unprecedented challenges, this webcast is an invaluable resource for credit unions looking to optimize their lending strategies,” said David Adams, senior vice president at Origence. “We will delve into topics crucial for long-term success, from competitive pricing and automated decisioning to liquidity management and streamlined funding processes. Attendees will learn from the panel of credit union leaders how to navigate market shifts and optimize member experiences for lasting growth and resilience.”
 
Credit unions can join us for this free webcast by registering here.

​OneAZ Credit Union, Arizona Financial Credit Union, TruWest Credit Union and Landings Credit Union are thrilled to celebrate the local credit union movement with the first annual Arizona Credit Union Week (#AZCUWeek).
 
This inaugural celebration will spotlight the multitude of ways credit unions empower financial independence, strengthen local economies, and serve as a force for good in neighborhoods and communities across Arizona. The week of October 16, OneAZ, Arizona Financial, TruWest and Landings Credit Unions will team up for several days of activities that culminate with International Credit Union Day on October 19. Fans can tell their favorite credit union story and follow the fun all week long with the hashtag #AZCUWeek.
 
Oct. 16th: Myths & Memes (Overcoming misconceptions about credit unions)
Oct. 17th: Local Battle (CU’s go head to head to promote “localness”)
Oct. 18th: Over the Top Impact (How CUs have gone “over the top” to help members and communities)
Oct. 19th: International Credit Union Day (All CUs celebrate 75 years)
Oct. 20th: CU Cash Crew teams head out in the community to member-owned businesses to cover the costs of goods/services of its patrons (Surprise stops announced throughout the day)
 
“Arizona’s credit unions are a mighty force for empowering members’ dreams, driving economic development, and inspiring community action,” said Brandon Michaels, OneAZ Credit Union President & CEO. “Arizona Credit Union Week is a chance for us to celebrate our members and the ways in which we elevate their financial well-being and improve lives in their communities.”
 
“With deep roots in our local community, we are pleased to join members in celebration of Arizona Credit Union Week,” said Brian Lee, Landings Credit Union President & CEO “With a commitment to financial education, tools and resources for wealth management and a members first approach, we spotlight how credit unions continue to create a lasting impact within the communities they serve.”
 
Arizona’s credit unions play a critical role in stimulating the Arizona economy. In 2022 alone, credit unions created $3.7 billion in economic contributions. Here are some of the ways credit unions have impacted Arizona’s economy:
$3.7 billion spending and compensation supported by credit unions
$191 million in economic activity supported by member benefits
$1.2 billion total income supported by credit unions
19,000 total jobs supported by credit unions
 
“Arizona Credit Union Week is an incredible opportunity for Arizona credit unions to showcase their core value of ‘people helping people’ through an impactful week of education, service, and surprises,” said Alan Althouse, TruWest Credit Union President & CEO.
 
“We aim to create positive financial outcomes for individuals and families through financial literacy education, loans for small businesses, sponsoring community events and funding charitable causes,” said Amy Hysell, Arizona Financial Credit Union President & CEO. “We look forward to celebrating Arizona Credit Union Week with members of our local community.”

Black Dragon Capital℠, a multi-phased investment firm focused on advanced technologies in high growth segments that strengthen economic stability within communities, has expanded their subsidiary One Dragon Services™ team to focus on addressing the needs of the Credit Union Movement.
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Known for its unique operations-led approach to investment that's led by a team with deep domain expertise as both operators and investors within the industries they focus on, Black Dragon Capital℠ is experienced in creating market-leading companies from the ground up.

One Dragon Services™ is part of the Dragon Performance Group, a subsidiary of the firm which represent a team and set of partnerships aimed at helping early-stage companies launch, manage, and grow faster at a lower cost. It provides Black Dragon Capital℠ with the unique capability to grow their portfolio companies or form new companies when warranted by the investment environment.

By expanding One Dragon Services™, Black Dragon Capital℠ once again confirms their commitment to supporting the credit union movement by making technology investments with the goal of creating positive impact on the operations of these businesses and generate direct positive impact on the communities that they serve.

The expansion includes partnerships with cloud partners, payroll providers, a development team, marketing, new client acquisition and new team members covering accounting, finance, marketing, sales, technology, partnerships and more. 

This coincides with the firm's recent efforts to work with prominent industry names and figures who understand the unique issues that FinTechs face when serving the credit union market: former CEO of BECU and First Tech Credit Union Benson Porter has been appointed as Chair of the newly-launched BDC FinTech CUSO Fund, award-winning credit union veteran and former CEO of Bethpage FCU, Kirk Kordeleski has joined as an Industry Advisor, and the partnership with CU 2.0 that was recently announced.

All these efforts are a clear indication of Black Dragon's dedication to making a significant investment in building FinTechs that service the unique needs of the credit union market.

"Black Dragon is about deep domain expertise in driving higher returns for our investments in FinTech. The expansion of the One Dragon Services™ group is designed to accentuate our focus on the credit union space, said Benson Porter, Chair of the BDC FinTech Fund.  "I'm excited about being able to directly support the credit union and technology that we invest in to make them better."

​NET Credit Union has partnered with leading digital banking provider, Bankjoy to empower its members with a seamless online and mobile onboarding experience. The credit union will leverage Bankjoy’s newly enhanced, standalone Online Account Opening solution to drive new member acquisition and deposit growth.
 
Based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, NET Credit Union is an award-winning, full-service credit union that is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere that builds trust and allows its members to be more engaged and financially successful. By partnering with Bankjoy, NET Credit Union will enroll new members using the company’s standalone Online Account Opening solution, which facilitates a fully automated, secure and streamlined onboarding experience.
 
Bankjoy’s Online Account Opening features an ultra-fast, 90-second onboarding process that verifies user identity through ID upload and selfie matching for secure and efficient account opening. Bankjoy’s onboarding process is thoughtfully designed for mobile, online and in-branch channels, which gives members the option to enroll via their preferred device or channel. NET Credit Union can also easily configure Bankjoy’s onboarding workflow to include account funding, types of accounts, and more, giving the credit union more flexibility to customize the account opening experience.
 
Additionally, Bankjoy’s Online Account Opening solution will seamlessly integrate with NET Credit Union’s current digital banking platform, Alkami, which enables existing members to open additional accounts quickly and easily. Bankjoy currently supports more than 120 integrations with various third-party vendors, along with other core and digital banking platforms. As a result, financial institutions, including NET Credit Union, have greater flexibility and control when enhancing the onboarding and digital banking experience for their account holders and members.
 
“Our vision is to be our region's primary, full-service financial institution and to continue helping our members succeed financially,” said Clarence Baltrusaitis, CEO of NET Credit Union. “We recognize that today’s consumers expect a modern, intuitive digital experience from any brand they engage with. To continue building relationships within our community, and to attract and convert new members, we needed to deliver a superior onboarding experience from day one and Bankjoy’s Online Account Opening solution will enable us to do that. We look forward to our partnership.”
 
“More than one-third of Americans state that access to digital banking is nearly as important as having access to a car, according to a recent survey from BMO Financial Group” said Michael Duncan, CEO of Bankjoy. “Stats like these prove that the importance of digital banking and a truly frictionless digital account opening experience cannot be understated. NET Credit Union recognizes the growing reliance on digital channels. We are proud to partner with them and support a world-class digital onboarding experience that moves the needle on new member acquisition and deposit growth.”

​One Nevada Credit Union is now accepting applications for the 2024 One Nevada Community Leadership Scholarship Program at onenevada.org/about/scholarships. One Nevada will award $1,000 each to four eligible, graduating high school students that demonstrate community leadership. The funds must be applied toward tuition, fees and other appropriate educational expenses and the deadline to apply is January 31, 2024.

The One Nevada Community Leadership Scholarships are awarded annually to four eligible, graduating high school seniors that have contributed to the success of their community through their volunteer and leadership efforts. 

"One Nevada is proud to give back to our community and recognize local student leaders through this annual scholarship program," says Paul Parrish, President and CEO. “Our member-owners make it all possible by choosing One Nevada for their financial needs and keeping their money local."

Applications are judged on academic achievement, leadership, career goals, quality of answers to the leadership essay questions and the scope of the student’s community activities.

Learn more and apply today at onenevada.org/about/scholarships.

​EarnUp, Inc., a financial wellness fintech company, announced today the availability of its EarnUp Engagement Platform, exclusively for credit unions to help drive member engagement through actionable solutions that automate savings, increase loan eligibility and improve overall financial health.
 
An ecosystem approach to member value, EarnUp’s Engagement Platform features three key pillars of financial wellness automation: AI and automation tools, guidance and ongoing engagement. Credit unions can go beyond static financial literacy tools and offer members a way to automate better financial habits.
 
Through a conversational, dynamic personal financial advisor, credit unions can make reliable financial guidance accessible to their members. Credit unions can better assess members’ financial goals through interaction and the collection of relevant information, and then guide users to the appropriate actionable applications, such as a debt management solution, automated savings, or a loan officer to refinance existing loans.
 
Additionally, EarnUp empowers users to make flexible, incremental payments by taking a single monthly loan payment and dividing it into two, three, or four debits throughout the month, many choosing to sync with their payday. The platform also provides the option for automated savings. Users can direct their money towards a down payment on a home, emergency savings, or any other financial goal. Members can also opt to round up debit or credit card transactions to the nearest whole dollar. This helps members increase savings while also serving as a way for credit unions to boost deposits.
 
“High levels of debt impacts members in numerous ways and hinders homeownership,” said EarnUp co-founder and CEO Nadim Homsany, who points out that consumers owe trillions of dollars on credit cards, vehicles and student loans. “Solutions like EarnUp and our Engagement Platform automate a member’s ability to save, manage monthly cash flow, and build their credit score through timely bill payments. As a result, they can improve their financial health and performance, providing value for both the member and the credit union.” 
 
Matthew Cooper, Co-Founder and President at EarnUp, adds, “Credit unions are facing greater competition, including national banks, fintechs and online brands who make it easy to switch providers for deposit accounts and loans. In fact, in March -- the height of the bank closure scare -- an estimated $550 billion in deposits moved from smaller institutions to big banks and money market funds. With EarnUp, credit unions have a way to differentiate and provide members with a meaningful service that drives financial stability while offering a proven deposit growth strategy.”
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EarnUp can be offered as a suite, individual components, or special programs. With a fast, easy onboarding process, the platform requires little to no technology resources. Credit unions can see an immediate, measurable impact that results in high satisfaction rates. Furthermore, it is appropriate for all ages, levels of financial literacy and life stage.

​For more than 90 years, the California Credit Union League has undergone a remarkable transformation. What initially began as a modest volunteer organization in 1933 with a specific political agenda has evolved into a well-established, highly skilled, and professional association.
 
That’s why the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues are celebrating the California League’s 90th Anniversary this week during REACH 2023! The League’s story from 1933 to 2023 is its member credit unions’ story. It’s one of commitment, dedication, exhilaration — and at times, despair. It’s a journey through the eyes of individuals who fell in love with ideals and spent their lives helping others discover the great credit union story.
 
Click here to view our 90th Anniversary site, spotlighting an interactive timeline and a special decade-by-decade journey through the past, including:
 

• 1920 – 1939: The ‘Father’ of Our Movement
• 1940 – 1949: Helping Others Help Themselves
• 1950 – 1959: Finding Our Cooperative Spirit
• 1960 – 1969: Enigmatic Spirit, Growth, and Drama
• 1970 – 1979: Communication, Technology, and Corporates
• 1980 – 1989: Growing Complexity and Greater Coordination
• 1990 – 1999: Political Advocacy Takes Center Stage
• 2000 – 2023: We are Honored to Continue Serving YOU

 
Today, the Leagues’ dedicated leaders offer a wide range of educational, informative, and advocacy services, working to secure significant victories in Sacramento, CA, Carson City, NV, and Washington, D.C. that empower credit unions to make meaningful differences in people’s lives. As the Leagues look to the future, we do so through the lens of the past. Legacy and leadership aren’t just about envisioning tomorrow — it’s important to applaud the dedication and persistence of those preceding us.
 
During REACH 2023 — the industry’s premier annual conference for credit union leaders and guests from October 22-26 in Las Vegas, NV — credit union leaders from California, Nevada, and elsewhere will recognize and honor the Leagues’ heritage as they look at where we’ve come from to appreciate where we are going. It’s a labor of love as we remain committed to credit unions, for all the years and decades past and all the decades to come.

Black Dragon Capital℠ ("BDC," "Black Dragon"), a multi-phased investment firm focused on advanced technologies in high growth segments that strengthen economic stability within communities, has announced its new strategic partnership with recognized credit union strategic advisory firm CU 2.0 aimed at empowering Credit Unions as they navigate digital transformation.

CU 2.0 have partnered with Black Dragon Capital℠ to identify, invest in, and foster the next generation of advanced Financial Technology that will help the Credit Union movement compete and win in the digital age.

Black Dragon Capital℠ has a long history of creating and investing in market leading FinTech companies. It's unique, operationally led approach with deep domain expertise, combined with a diverse team of professionals who have extensive industry, operational, and investment success have been instrumental to the firm's consistent track record of delivering consistent well-above market returns.

Following the addition of well-known industry veterans Benson Porter, former CEO of BECU, and Kirk Kordeleski, former CEO of Bethpage FCU, to its team of experts and the formation of the BDC Fintech CUSO Fund, the firm continues connecting with market leaders in the credit union movement through its new strategic partnership with CU 2.0.

Committed to growing credit unions, CU 2.0 thrives at the intersection of technology, strategy, and success. CU 2.0 partners with FinTechs, enhancing their fit with credit unions, and offers credit unions the tools and opportunities they need to excel. Kirk Drake and Chirs Otey, Founders of CU 2.0 have partnered with Black Dragon Capital to identify, invest in, and foster the next generation of advanced Financial Technology that will help the Credit Union movement compete and win in the digital age.

With Benson Porter as the Chair of the BDC FinTech CUSO Fund and the firm's solid history of credit union and technology investment success, Black Dragon Capital℠ is the perfect partner with CU 2.0 who are experts on the challenges and opportunities that the digital landscapes offers for credit unions. This partnership will allow both sides to sharpen their insights into the needs of credit unions and the types of technology that will help them serve their members better.

"Our collaboration with Black Dragon Capital isn't just about investments; it's about transforming the credit union landscape with pioneering technology. With BDC's proven track record and our in-depth understanding of the credit union movement, we look forward to building a better digital horizon together," said Chris Otey of CU 2.0. 
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"CU 2.0 have established themselves as credible thought leaders on the digital transition for credit unions and the technology they'll need to succeed.  It's an honor to partner with them and we look forward to working together to find the next technology market leaders to help the credit union movement stay relevant for the next phase," said Benson Porter, Chair of Black Dragon Capital FinTech CUSO Fund. 

Greenlight® Financial Technology, Inc. ("Greenlight"), the fintech company on a mission to help parents raise financially smart kids, today announced that it has formed a Credit Union Service Organization, Greenlight Financial CUSO, to better serve and support credit unions, their members, and families nationwide. Through the Greenlight Financial CUSO, credit unions can now sign up for Greenlight for Credit Unions, a family banking solution designed for credit unions to help the next generation of members build healthy financial futures. 

Greenlight for Credit Unions enables credit union partners to offer Greenlight’s award-winning family banking app, loved by more than 6 million parents and kids, for free to their members. With Greenlight for Credit Unions, credit unions can better serve families in their community and engage the next generation of members with a full suite of best-in-class financial education and banking products. 

Greenlight offers a debit card and app that teaches kids and teens how to earn, save, give, and spend wisely. Parents can send money instantly, automate allowance payments, manage chores, set flexible spending controls, get real-time notifications of all transactions, and more. Kids and teens get hands-on money management experience, along with access to Greenlight Level Up™, an in-app financial literacy game with an industry-leading curriculum, educational challenges, and rewards.  

To date, Greenlight has already partnered with top credit unions across the country like South Bay Credit Union. “Our partnership with Greenlight has allowed us to better serve families in our community,” said Paris Chevalier, President and CEO at South Bay Credit Union. “With the Greenlight for Credit Unions solution, we can engage the next generation of SBCU members, empowering them with the financial knowledge and skills they need for a healthy future.”

The establishment of the Greenlight Financial CUSO comes on the heels of a new investment from Curql, a strategic investor made up of more than 100 credit unions and industry partners dedicated to bringing innovative fintech solutions to credit unions. The investment will be used to accelerate Greenlight’s expansion in the credit union market and advance product innovation to better serve the credit union community. 

“Since the launch of our Greenlight for Credit Unions program, we’ve seen tremendous demand from leading credit unions across the country looking to better serve families,” said Matt Wolf, SVP of Business Development at Greenlight. “Establishing a CUSO with the investment from Curql allows us to deepen partnerships with the credit union community and help them engage the next generation of members with innovative banking products and best-in-class financial education.”

To learn more about Greenlight for Credit Unions, visit: greenlight.com/credit-unions. ​

Credit union core processor Corelation, Inc. successfully convened its third annual CEO & CTO Forum on October 18-19, 2023, bringing together 160 attendees in San Diego, CA. The event was crafted to leverage in-person interactions and cooperative endeavors, featuring engaging presentations and extensive opportunities for meaningful dialogues.

Throughout the two-day forum, a diverse range of captivating sessions led by industry experts delved into various subjects such as cyber-security, macro trends, payment card security, lessons from the cable industry, and much more.

“I really enjoy being a part of this special group at Corelation's CEO & CTO Forum. The attendees are forward-thinking and aspire to do more for their members, with a profound interest in discovering what's possible,” said Chief Executive Officer of CPM Federal Credit Union, James Gergen. “Spending time with this group of innovative, creative people is such an incredible use of my time.”

The schedule for the first day featured general sessions that kicked off with a keynote presentation by Mike Kelly, Founder & CEO of TeamOnUP, who shared insights on enhancing the effectiveness of credit unions. Later, participants gained valuable knowledge regarding the most recent cyber threats and risk reduction strategies from Jon Sternstein, CEO of Stern Security.

On the second day, participants were divided into distinct tracks customized for both CEOs and CTOs. The CEO track encompassed a variety of subjects, including an exploration of macro trends influencing financial services, spearheaded by Sarah Howell, Head of Partnerships at Infinant, Inc., and Dan Kramer, Executive Vice President of SHAZAM Network. There was also an in-depth exploration of the capabilities of Generative AI, led by Henry Iverson, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of Boost.ai; as well as a CEO workshop on elevating the performance of financial institutions facilitated by Mike Kelly.

The sessions tailored for CTOs delved into more comprehensive discussions with a particular focus on data and security-related themes. These included a presentation examining the advantages and disadvantages of instant payments and open banking, guided by Jorge Jimenez, President of Juniper Payments. Additionally, Corelation's Chief Technology Officer Dawn Sirras, Chief Innovation Officer Jeff Dent, and Director of Software Development Eben Maat engaged in a conversation on data warehousing and analytics. Lastly, Director of Security, Privacy and Risk Services at RSM, Brian Frey delivered an overview on payment card security as well as the current compliance requirements for organizations using KeyStone.

“The CEO & CTO Forum aims to unite our industry, and it's truly gratifying to witness our community coming together, igniting an avalanche effect of engagement," expressed Corelation President Rob Landis. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our credit union partners for their commitment and for fostering a collaborative environment.”