Metallicus a leader in blockchain technology for financial institutions, and core developer of Metal Blockchain has today announced that One Nevada Credit Union has joined its Stablecoin Pilot Program.

The Metallicus Stablecoin Pilot is a controlled, zero-risk sandbox that allows credit unions and other financial institutions to explore, test, and deploy custom-branded stablecoins in a secure, compliance-forward environment. Designed for institutions evaluating digital asset strategies, the pilot offers a crypto-free test environment with simulated reserves and production-grade controls, no member funds or live crypto assets are used during the pilot.

"Money movement isn't just a service, it's how our members live, work, and thrive. Our members deserve financial tools that move as fast as their lives do. Partnering with Metallicus through their Innovation Program and Stablecoin Pilot positions us for next-generation digital payment solutions that ensure our members have access to the most innovative, secure, and convenient financial tools…giving them more choice, speed, and control over their money," said Steve O’Donnell President & CEO of One Nevada Credit Union.

“Credit unions are helping shape the future of digital finance,” said Frank Mazza, Director of Blockchain for Institutions & Fintechs at Metallicus. “With this pilot, we’re collaborating with credit unions like One Nevada Credit Union to explore stablecoin technology in a secure and compliant environment, creating new opportunities to serve their members in innovative ways.”

The Stablecoin Pilot Program Includes:

• Zero-risk sandbox: Fully simulated environment, no custody of digital assets or use of real money
• Test payment flows: Run internal transfers and institution-to-institution simulations on a shared test network
• Custom-branded stablecoin issuance: Secure deployment tailored to institutional policies and operational controls

The Stablecoin Pilot is part of the Metal Blockchain Banking Innovation Program, a broader initiative enabling credit unions to safely evaluate and adopt blockchain technology. In addition to stablecoin infrastructure, the program includes tools for fraud prevention, digital identity, operational efficiency, and private blockchains, alongside a compliant Crypto-as-a-Service platform.

Participation in the Stablecoin Pilot Program is currently available at no cost for eligible institutions.

To request access, visit: metallicus.com/stablecoin-pilot

The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) successfully concluded its 95th Annual Convention in Chicago. As the largest and most anticipated gathering for Illinois credit union professionals, the event brought together hundreds of credit union leaders and industry partners for three days of crucial economic forecasting, strategic advocacy discussions, and vibrant community celebration.

This year’s Convention, the first fully helmed by President and CEO Libby Calderone, focused on equipping Illinois credit unions to navigate evolving financial landscapes and maximize their impact.

“This Convention was an overwhelming success, confirming its role as the premier annual platform for Illinois credit union professionals,” said Libby Calderone. “The strong attendance, coupled with the commitment shown by our leaders, proves that the movement is unified, adaptable, and strongly positioned for future growth and positive change.”

The convention kicked off with advocacy as a central theme, featuring a dynamic fireside chat that brought together key industry leaders to tackle today’s biggest challenges and spotlight collective initiatives. The influential panel included Libby Calderone (President/CEO, ICUS), Scott Simpson (new CEO, America’s Credit Unions), Becky Reed (COO, BankSocial), Gordon Holzberg (Legislative Advocacy Director for America’s Credit Unions), and Richard Gose (Principal, Hunter Station Strategies, LLC). The discussion focused on critical topics such as the regulatory outlook, new challenges facing the movement, and the vision for national unity.

The panel was followed by the highly anticipated keynote by Steven Rick, Chief Economist at TruStage, who presented a deep dive into the “U.S. Economic Outlook & its Impact on CUs.” His analysis provided attendees with actionable intelligence on interest rate trends and market conditions. The first day ended with a lively Exhibit Hall Grand Opening, offering premier networking with industry partners.

The second day was dedicated to educational opportunities and peer recognition. Attendees benefited from various breakout sessions that focused on compliance, technology, and operational best practices, including a special focus on digital transformation.

The Celebration Lunch honored outstanding service by recognizing both the 2025 state-level America’s Credit Unions Awards winners and the esteemed ICUL Award winners for their exemplary work in the movement. The Illinois Credit Union Foundation proudly presented its 2025 Commemorative Awards, honoring individuals whose lives embodied the “people helping people” spirit of the credit union movement. This year included one returning award—1st MidAmerica Credit Union’s memorial to George G. Burnett—and several new recognitions. Two new Perpetual Memorial Awards were established in honor of industry leaders Billy Cerwin and Kellie Jurick, whose lifelong dedication, service, and community impact will now be remembered annually. The Foundation also introduced two new memorial awards recognizing longtime contributors Louis “Lou” McMurray and Cornielius “Con” O’Mahoney for their decades of leadership and service. Finally, a Tribute Award was created in honor of Keith Sias, following his receipt of the national Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award for his outstanding advocacy on behalf of Illinois credit unions.

Attendees were also introduced to ICUL’s new storytelling initiative, Credit Unions in Action, that will measure and share the many ways Illinois credit unions give back. This project will help legislators, media, and the public see the full scope of what credit unions do for their communities, fuel awareness and advocacy, and shine a light on projects that make a difference. The day concluded with the prestigious Chairperson’s Reception, allowing leaders to connect and reflect on the day’s learning.

A major feature of the event was the future of the movement, which was highlighted by the success of the CU Reach CRASH program. This initiative brought dozens of young professionals to the convention for specialized networking and learning opportunities, fostering the next generation of credit union leadership.

The 95th Annual Convention reinforced the essential role credit unions play in the Illinois economy and community, ensuring the movement remains strong, adaptable, and focused on its "people helping people" mission.

As 2025 winds down, many families are carrying financial stress that has been building for months. Persistent inflation, higher grocery and energy costs, rising healthcare expenses, and new tariff-driven price increases have stretched budgets thin all year. Now, as households face added pressure in the holiday season, financial stress is reaching a high point. Recent data shows that 66% of Americans report feeling pressure to spend during this time of year.

Across the country, credit unions are stepping in to help members navigate this heavier spending season with more clarity and confidence. As not-for-profit cooperatives owned by their members, they’re built to listen first, understand the roots behind the stress, and offer solutions that make financial well-being more attainable.

From Pressure to Planning
Financial stress is rarely just about dollars: it’s the emotional toll of trying to make ends meet while juggling work, family, and rising costs, or worrying that one unexpected bill could unravel months of budgeting. Credit unions recognize this and respond with tools rooted in empathy, not judgment.

Nationwide, credit unions help members turn anxiety into action by pairing them with financial coaches who can break down debt, map out savings plans, and create sustainable budgets on a personalized level. Many, like Tarrant County’s Credit Union and Verity Credit Union, offer flexible relief options like skip-a-payment programs, giving members breathing room when costs shift unexpectedly. 

Each effort reflects the shared understanding that financial and personal peace starts by feeling supported. Credit unions meet members where they are and walk with them toward steadier ground.

Simple Steps for a Less Stressful Season
Small changes can reduce stress before it starts this holiday season. Here are a few simple ways to stay grounded through the end of the year.

• Plan early, spend mindfully. Create a holiday budget before shopping and track it regularly. Many credit unions, like PenFed Credit Union, offer templates and mobile tools that make budgeting easier to maintain.
• Avoid high-cost debt traps. Lean on your credit union for lower-interest options or short-term loans that avoid payday or high-fee lenders.
• Build an emergency cushion. Small, consistent deposits can soften financial shocks. Credit union financial wellness centers help members start where they are.
• Give yourself grace. Financial well-being is built through steady progress, not perfect decisions.

A Season of Support
As Americans prepare for an expensive end of the year, credit unions are offering reassurance. They combine financial tools, from budgeting workshops to local giving efforts. FourLeaf Federal Credit Union’s Turkey Drive and WEOKIE Federal Credit Union’s skip-a-pay program are just two examples of how credit unions strengthen connections in their communities while supporting members’ needs. Through these efforts, credit unions continue to offer the clarity and care that help people stay grounded through financial uncertainty.

Want to Learn More?
Backbone is a national coalition of credit unions committed to ensuring no community gets left behind in a financial desert. We can connect you with credit union leaders, members, and advocates who are working every day to bring access, stability, and opportunity back into the communities that need it most.

Reach out to [email protected] or visit backbone.us to learn more.

World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) International Advocacy today released a whitepaper entitled Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Artificial Intelligence in Credit Unions [click here to download the paper] that is designed to equip credit union executives, boards, compliance leaders and IT teams with a step-by-step approach to deploying AI in ways that advance ethical considerations while ensuring member value, fairness, privacy and trust.

“AI can help credit unions deliver faster service, enhance risk management and provide more personalized experiences. But realizing those benefits responsibly requires clear guardrails grounded in our cooperative mission of people helping people,” said Paul Andrews, WOCCU Vice President of International Advocacy.

Andrews authored the 60-page paper with important contributions from Erin O’Hern, WOCCU International Advocacy and Regulatory Counsel. It distills a fast-moving body of research into an actionable roadmap tailored to the credit union model. Anchored in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) AI Principles, the paper translates high-level ideals into practical policies and controls credit unions can implement now.
​
Key highlights include:

• A concise executive summary of opportunities for member services, lending accuracy, fraud protection, personalization and operational efficiency, paired with the ethical risks that can erode trust if left unmanaged.
• An overview of the promise and peril of AI, with plain-language explanations of bias and fairness, transparency and explainability, accountability, member autonomy and privacy and security.
• A model implementation plan outlining specific phases, deliverables and roles.
• Five real-world scenarios from fraud detection and chatbots to underwriting, cybersecurity and financial wellness to show what “good” looks like in day-to-day operations.

“Ethical use of AI can’t be assumed. It must be designed,” said O’Hern. “Our recommendations help credit unions demonstrate fairness, explain decisions, secure member data and keep humans meaningfully in the loop.”

The paper also offers seven headline recommendations, including:

• adopting an enterprise Ethical AI framework.
• strengthening data governance.
• investing in explainability tools.
• defining clear accountability.
• establishing continuous monitoring and member feedback channels.

Click here to read Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Artificial Intelligence in Credit Unions in its entirety.

Members of CrossPoint Federal Credit Union (CrossPoint) have overwhelmingly approved the proposed merger with Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union (Nutmeg), moving the partnership another step closer to completion. With all required regulatory and membership approvals now in place, the merger will be effective December 1, 2025, with operational integration planned for April 2026, forming a stronger, more connected financial cooperative serving members across Connecticut.

The combined credit union will operate under the Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union name and brand, with John Holt, Nutmeg’s current President and CEO, continuing as CEO of the combined organization. Darlene White, CrossPoint’s CEO, will serve as Strategic Advisor/CrossPoint Market President through the transition. Together, the two credit unions will form an organization with more than $850 million in assets, 63,000 members, and an expanded branch network spanning multiple counties.

“This member vote represents an exciting milestone in our shared journey,” said Holt. “Our members and employees can look forward to all the benefits this partnership brings – greater access to services, enhanced technology, and continued investment in the communities we serve. We’re thrilled to welcome CrossPoint members and staff into the Nutmeg family.”

Through the merger, CrossPoint members will gain access to Nutmeg’s full suite of digital banking tools, expanded products and services, and a broader network of branches and ATMs. The partnership will also accelerate Nutmeg’s community-focused initiatives and “Products with a Purpose” programs that bring financial access and education to underserved areas.

White added, “This is a wonderful next chapter for CrossPoint. Our members have always been at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership allows us to continue that mission with even greater reach and resources. We’re proud of our legacy and confident that, together with Nutmeg, we’ll continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members and the communities we serve.”

Until system integration is complete in April 2026, CrossPoint will operate as a division of Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union. Members can expect to continue banking as usual, with more updates to come as the credit unions move through the transition process.

Cotribute, a leading digital growth platform for credit unions, announced today Heritage South Community Credit Union (Heritage South) has launched its consumer account opening and consumer loan application platforms. The credit union partnered with Cotribute to streamline the deposit onboarding experience, accelerate growth into newly expanded markets, enhance the overall member experience and strengthen fraud prevention capabilities. Heritage South, headquartered in Shelbyville, Tenn., has more than $351 million assets, 34,000 members and operates six branches across five counties and five cities in Middle Tennessee.

Following a strategic geographical expansion from three to five counties and five cities across Middle Tennessee, Heritage South needed a robust digital solution to reach new members. Cotribute's modular platform provided the credit union the flexibility to add the capabilities it currently needs with the option to easily add more modules in the future. Additionally, the modules reduce operational costs through automation and seamless out-of-the-box integrations with the credit union's existing business applications.

"Heritage South's story has always been about serving our community with our brand and promise of 'We Help When Others Won't,'" said Laura Parham, President & CEO of Heritage South Community Credit Union. "As the number of communities we serve has grown, we've had to explore new ways to deliver our products and services. Cotribute is an innovative platform that has enabled us to reach these new communities through multiple channels, supporting both our strategy and our execution. Their partnership has helped us scale our growth while simultaneously combating ever-increasing fraud."

Heritage South's legacy account opening solution presented significant challenges that hindered growth. The system was difficult for members to navigate with too many questions across multiple screens. On the back-end, the platform experienced frequent technical issues, particularly with ID verification, sometimes causing weekend applications to fail entirely and requiring staff to manually contact prospective members. The system also lacked modern marketing capabilities such as abandoned cart campaigns and seamless integration with Heritage South's mobile banking app.

With Cotribute's consumer digital account opening and loan origination modules, Heritage South can now provide members with an intuitive, frictionless experience that enables them to open a new deposit account or apply for a loan in just minutes with a few clicks. By serving a wider consumer audience across digital channels in its expanded geographical footprint, the credit union can more efficiently grow deposits at scale, expand its brand presence, and provide members a more engaging experience that competes with larger financial institutions and fintechs.

"Heritage South Credit Union has evolved from its origins in 1957 into a thriving community institution serving multiple counties in Middle Tennessee," said Wes Trundle, Vice President of Marketing, Heritage South Community Credit Union. "It has always strived to provide innovative solutions comparable to larger institutions while staying true to its roots. Their partnership with Cotribute underscores their commitment to offering modern, fast, and member-centric financial services."

These modules simplify the entire account opening process, providing easy, instant funding options, automated Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, sophisticated fraud detection, as well as automated anti-money laundering (AML), identity verification, OFAC checks and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements. Additionally, Cotribute's Consumer Loan Origination module streamlines the previously manual lending process, enabling members to quickly and efficiently access loans.
​
"We are proud to partner with such a forward-looking institution like Heritage South that shares our commitment to accelerating digital transformation to provide members a superior experience," said Philip Paul, CEO of Cotribute. "Cotribute enables Heritage South to provide its members with instant, digital account opening, seamless deposit origination process and simplified loan origination processes from the very first touchpoint. The credit union will now be able to further streamline operations, automating manual tasks and eliminating back-office inefficiencies, allowing its staff to focus on providing an exceptional member experience across their expanded service area."

​October marked the return of Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger’s annual $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge. Throughout the month, credit unions across Maine united with one shared goal: to raise $100,000 to help fight food insecurity.
 
This year’s Challenge came during a period of heightened need, with many Mainers affected by the government shutdown and its impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Recognizing the increased demand for food assistance, participating credit unions organized a variety of fundraisers throughout the month. The result was a record-breaking success, with credit unions raising $238,217—more than doubling the original goal and amplifying their statewide impact.
 
“The philosophy of People Helping People is core to the credit union movement, and I’m honestly not surprised that Maine’s credit unions knocked their fundraising goal out of the park,” shared Elise Baldacci, President of the Maine Credit Union League. “We know many people in our local communities are struggling financially and our hunger relief partners need our help to keep up with the growing demand for food assistance. I am so proud of what we accomplished in just a short period of time. The Campaign, now in its 35th year, raises funds year-round, but this effort gives our fundraising an incredible boost as we head into the holiday season.”
 
As part of the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge, 25% of online proceeds generated during the month of October will be directed to Good Shepherd Food Bank to maximize the meal impact. Due to the success of the effort, Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger donated nearly $36,000 to Good Shepherd Food Bank.
 
“We are incredibly grateful for Maine Credit Unions’ long-time commitment to fighting hunger in our state,” said Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “The success of this year’s $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge is particularly heart-warming given the challenges so many neighbors across the state have been facing with sustained higher prices and changes to programs like SNAP. Thank you to everyone who supported this important campaign; we are proud to have you standing with us as we work toward a future where everyone in Maine is food secure.”
 
A full list of Challenge contributors is available on the Campaign’s website, which also accepts online donations year-round in support of its mission to end hunger in Maine. You do not need to be a credit union member to contribute, and donations are tax-deductible.

By Christine Goth and Emma Pierce

Black Friday has long signaled the official start of the holiday shopping rush, a day once synonymous with long lines, doorbuster deals, and the thrill of scoring steep discounts. But as the shopping landscape has shifted increasingly online, so has consumer behavior. In 2024, U.S. shoppers spent more than $10 billion during Black Friday alone, marking more than a 10% increase over previous years. With retailers promoting “can’t-miss deals” earlier and more aggressively than ever, consumers face a tougher challenge: deciding what’s truly a bargain and what’s just clever marketing.

This year, Evergreen Credit Union is stepping in to help. The Maine-based financial institution is offering community members expert guidance from certified financial counselors on how to navigate holiday shopping without wrecking their budgets or credit scores.

The Evergreen Financial Counseling team wants to empower shoppers during what has become the most financially overwhelming time of year. “People are spending more than ever because shopping has become so effortless, but convenience can make it harder to tell whether you're actually saving money. We want to give Mainers the tools to shop with confidence, not stress,” Explains Christine Goth, Member Experience Manager. 

The financial coaching team focuses on three main strategies to help consumers distinguish real savings from seasonal gimmicks:

Spotting Price Manipulation Before the “Sale”
One of the biggest traps during Black Friday season, Goth says, is the illusion of a deal. Retailers often raise prices in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, only to “slash” them later and present the discount as more dramatic than it really is.

“People assume the advertised discount is based on the normal price,” Goth says. “But legally, the ‘original’ price only has to have been offered for a very limited time. It may not reflect the item’s typical market value.”

To counter this, Evergreen’s coaches encourage shoppers to check historical pricing. Tools such as price-tracking websites and browser extensions show the ups and downs of an item’s cost over weeks or months, revealing whether the current discount is genuine.

“It’s simple once you know how to check,” Goth says. “It can save you from wasting money on fake deals designed to create urgency.”

Weighing the Risks: Buy Now, Pay Later and Store Credit Cards
Another major topic is the surge in financing options at checkout. From Buy Now, Pay Later options to retail store credit cards promising one-time discounts, consumers are routinely encouraged to open new accounts or delay payments, all during the busiest spending season of the year.

“These options are presented as conveniences,” Goth says. “Each comes with risks that are often downplayed or not disclosed clearly.”

Buy Now, Pay Later plans can lead to multiple overlapping payment schedules, late fees, or debt accumulation if shoppers aren’t tracking each installment. Store credit cards may offer a tempting 20–30% discount on a purchase, but many shoppers aren’t told that applying typically triggers a hard credit pull, something that can temporarily lower a credit score.

“A lot of people don’t realize that,” Goth adds. “You may save money at the register, but lose points on your credit score that could cost you much more down the road. We want people to ask themselves whether that short-term discount is really worth the long-term impact. We also want people to consider how many credit cards they really need open. Choose one that works for you that offers cash back rewards or travel points, and use that card to eliminate racking up too much debt that you may not be able to pay back.”

Building a Personalized Holiday Budget
The goal of shopping on the major discount day is to spend less, which often gets lost in the adrenaline rush of a “once in a lifetime” deal. Evergreen is helping the communities they serve build realistic, personalized spending plans that will help them prioritize purchases that will work for them and their bank accounts in the long run. 

“Budgets aren’t one-size-fits-all,” Goth says. “A good plan helps you enjoy what matters most. The holidays bring excitement and extra costs, so planning ahead lets you focus on the joy, not the stress.”
 
Some of the top tips for success include determining gift limits, anticipating hidden expenses, and building in buffers for last-minute purchases or emergencies. The goal isn’t to restrict joy, Goth emphasizes, but to empower it.

“When people shop with a plan, they don’t feel guilty or panicked in January when the bills come,” she says. “They enjoy the season more because they’re in control.”

For more details, check out Evergreen Credit Union Financial Education.