Ray Birch

Consumers have high expectations for the future of mobile payments, but many aren't exactly sure what their own involvement will be.

The improving economy, a debit advantage virtually all CUs have, and the opportunity to attract younger members are three key factors that, when combined, should lead to a solid second half for credit unions, according to CSCU.

Many CUs have been working hard during the first half of the year to set themselves up for a strong second half, according to Mansel Guerry.

Credit unions are enjoying a slow, but steady, improvement in the bottom line thanks to an improving economy, and the second half of the year holds similar promise-that is, unless the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau mucks things up, an expert suggested.

The positive signs the economy is showing as the second half of 2013 approaches are now being reflected in CU performance, observed CO-OP Financial Services.

Ted Bilke sees CUs continuing to leverage mobile banking in the second half of the year to keep a leg up on community banks.

The "omni-channel" experience, avoiding complacency and taking some risk will be the keys to growth in the second half of this year, according to Shazia Manus.

At Credit Union Journal's Grow Show last week, industry experts on payments and mobile laid it on the line to CU execs, telling attendees to get moving in the mobile space if their CUs have not already, and to base their plans on analysis of their members.

While auto lending is showing positive signs for credit unions-new car sales are up as are CU loans-credit unions are having to scrap harder for each deal, dig deeper into credit tiers, drop rates and even extend terms.

The $1.7-billion UWCU is finding it can take on manufacturer deals this year, with new car loans showing a marked increase.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.-The person who was first to make the call that the used car price bubble could burst, now says the downward slide in used values is starting, as well.

Despite industry-wide numbers showing lending up at credit unions overall and auto playing a big role, a number of credit unions in this state say it is tough to make car loans this year-even with one priced at .99%.

CU Direct's CUDL brand has expanded operations into Canada with the launch of Auto Premier, which leverages CUDL products and technology to provide automotive web strategies and solutions to the Canadian credit union marketplace.

Jim McCormack, the outgoing president of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association, knows how nice it is to get down to business now at the annual PCUA meetings, because many years ago the CU focus was always on dues.

Credit unions often make a big mistake when hiring talented front-line staff-they train them well only to have them scooped up a few years later by local competitors.

CUs have been offered some advice from a former member of the Doobie Brothers when it comes to managing an institution in an increasingly complex financial services market.

Bigger isn't always better and can lead to problems for a credit union, analysts and credit union CEOs are cautioning.

A credit union can be the most efficient organization in the industry, but if it is not effective, it won't grow. That is the stance of Randy Karnes, CEO of CU*Answers.

Mark Shobe, the CEO of $3.5-billion DFCU Financial, takes pride in running an efficient credit union, and knows that as it grows it must keep a tight focus on its strengths while avoiding the bureaucracy and red tape that can take root.

IOWA CITY, Iowa-Jeff Disterhoft, the CEO of the $2-billion University of Iowa Community CU, believes the industry is paying attention to efficient growth.