Michael Bartlett

Three bills targeting credit unions have been introduced in the Oregon state legislature, including one that seeks to impose the corporate excise tax on credit unions, an opening salvo on the CU tax exemption.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau amended its latest rules to exempt small credit unions and banks that originate and service fewer than 5,000 mortgage loans, and while both CUNA and NAFCU are pleased with the amendment, CUs are still concerned about the new rule.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's new rules for mortgage lenders reflect a belief that an overly restrictive rule would have been more harmful to consumers than no regulations.

Credit unions should increase their electronic deposit capabilities in 2013, according to Curtis Hallowell, VP of product management for Cummins Allison.

The credit unions that grow this year will be those that have built "responsive cultures," according to Sam Kilmer, VP of market development for Harland Financial Solutions.

Dr. Brandi Stankovic, partner at Las Vegas-based credit union consultancy Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates, suggests credit unions allow members to voice how they would like to see the relationship with their credit union.

San Diego County Credit Union has been targeted in a blog allegedly posted by bankers who make a number of allegations against the $5.7-billion CU and which features SDCCU's CEO "talking" if she had taken "a dose of truth serum."

Credit unions looking to continue growing in 2013 should look no further than the humble checking account, according to Dennis Dollar.

Credit unions can drive product growth in 2013 by going back and taking a fresh approach to an old standby: their websites.

With many credit union CEOs seeking ways to make better use of the technology they already have in place, Todd Nuttall says the answer is staring them in the face: the ATM.

On Sept. 20, 2012 members of $1.6-billion Technology Credit Union resoundingly defeated a proposed charter change to a mutual savings bank-with 77% of those voting opposed to the conversion.

After months of declining to comment, Technology Credit Union is offering some answers to questions related to its failed attempt to convert to a mutual savings bank charter in September of 2012.

With all due respect to the focus on mobile banking, Todd Nuttall says an old warhorse holds the possibility of new profitability in 2013: the ATM.

With one legal battle seemingly won, the California Credit Union League is turning its attention in 2013 to patent infringement lawsuits some litigants are filing against its member CUs.

Mobile banking services are a top trend to watch in 2013, according to Kathy Garner.

Credit unions will improve operational efficiency and member satisfaction in 2013 with ICL deposits, according to Matthew Gniech.

Credit unions making plans for 2013 might want to pay attention to some trend data released during late 2012.

Credit unions in 2013 will do a better job of tapping the income opportunities that come with connecting lending and insurance, according to Jeff Chesky.

Too many credit unions focus on the rick and compliance pieces of enterprise risk management (ERM), and not on the opportunities the process can present.

America's Christian Credit Union still has not had a taker for grant program it introduced earlier this year that awards $5,000 to any employee adopting a child to help defray the many expenses involved in the adoption process.