Ken McCarthy

Amid concerns that the combination of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions and the Credit Union National Association could amplify the voices of only the biggest institutions, the heads of smaller ones see two clear advantages: cost and consistency.

As the Latino population in the U.S. expands, so does the business case for banks and credit unions that want to tailor services for this audience.

Five Star Credit Union and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union announced a combined four bank acquisitions within a few days. They're among 10 credit union agreements to buy banks this year.

Financial institutions in several Southeastern states had braced for impact of the Category 3 hurricane. Bank and credit union executives in Florida and Georgia say their facilities generally weathered the storm but that some communities they serve face substantial recovery efforts.

Southwest Financial Credit Union, which led American Banker's Best Credit Unions to Work For, says employees are taking up to 400 hours more off than before its unlimited PTO policy took effect — but they are happier, and so are the members of the branchless credit union.

Innovations Financial Credit Union is purchasing First National Bank Northwest Florida, taking the place of Harvesters Credit Union, which terminated its 2022 deal to acquire the bank.

The Alabama-based credit union has agreed to purchase the $215 million-asset OneSouth Bank in Macon; it also purchased Georgia banks in 2014 and 2015.

The National Credit Union Administration approved Dade County Federal Credit Union's application to add almost 2 million potential members — giving it a total field of membership of 4.6 million. It's the largest-ever community charter expansion in terms of total resulting potential members.

Empeople Credit Union will stop dealing with coins at its five Maine branches beginning this September. It's unclear whether there will be copycats, but there are reasons it might be tempting for others to follow suit.

Expansions in the state by giants such as JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America could accelerate credit union consolidation, as evidenced by two recent deals.