Michael Bartlett

How can credit unions increase their auto lending? Neil Goldman, senior partner at Goldman Consulting & Strategy, Del Aire, Calif., offered these tips during the CU Direct Lending Conference.

New research by Goldman Consulting & Strategy has drilled down into how consumers ages 23 to 45 finance vehicles. Among the findings, according to Neil Goldman, senior partner at the Del Aire, Calif.-based firm, is that two-thirds of those in the market for new or used vehicles do nothing-they simply accept what the dealers offer.

One person believes the CFPB is a "work in progress" and CUs need to be prepared for ongoing changes to rules from the agency.

Moving into 2013's second, half David Colby sees credit unions with a variety of options available to spur growth.

The metaphorical canary has left the coal mine, which Scott Hansen is a sign CUs are in good position for growth in the next six months.

The next few months will see significant changes in the mortgage loan market and those changes will impact the credit unions that write those loans, according to Jeff Chesky.

Consumer misconceptions regarding auto financing are costing credit unions opportunities to book loans.

As two major accounting standards group attempt to improve the quality of financial instrument reporting, one expert sees new problems being created.

It's not so much about "Big Data" as it is about "CU Data," and it's the latter that has credit unions better positioned than many to win when it comes to mobile. The problem: many CUs don't know what they have.

Employee financial wellness improved in the first quarter of 2013, extending a long-term trend that began in the first quarter of 2010, according to financial wellness program provider Financial Finesse.

Investment and insurance brokerages have two significant advantages over other income streams for credit unions, according to Hendrix Niemann, managing director of practice and wealth management services for CUNA Mutual Group's CUNA Brokerage Services.

Credit unions are already armed with the data they need to improve their bottom lines, but Theresa Benavidez, president of Corelation, says too few recognize what they have.

Credit unions can boost their bottom lines by transforming their websites from "brochure-ware" into "e-commerce ecosystems," says Jeff Chesky, chairman and CEO of Insuritas, a provider of outsourced insurance agencies.

Given the dearth of non-interest income sources, and with investment income at all-time lows, Jim Merrill noted credit unions' primary bottom line booster remains lending.

Mortgage origination provides credit unions with important fee income, brings interest-earning potential, and ultimately builds membership loyalty, reminded Linda Clampitt.

Credit unions need to converge delivery channels and better leverage data they already have on their members to improve their bottom lines, says David Cerwinski, VP sales & client services for Wescom Resources Group.

Credit unions are being urged to implement a four-step process that will help avoid conflicts with examiners when it comes to allowance for loan and lease losses.

A "smart" branch of $805-million Financial Partners Credit Union that features no cash but is heavy on technology has been so successful the CU plans an immediate sequel.

ORANGE, Calif.-Count Ryan Ashton is a fan of a new "smart" branch of Financial Partners Credit Union.

A quintet of companies and CUSOs competed to be the "Next Big Idea" in credit union land at NACUSO's Annual Conference here, with the title going to a company that converts accounts receivable into cash.