Ray Birch

Scott Simpson sees the CU business model and philosophy meshing well with the new health insurance exchanges that are being created.

More credit unions need to use data analytics-and get better at using the tools-to drive payments strategies, according to several experts who say the big banks have a huge leg up in this area with credit cards.

Credit unions are being encouarged to move full-speed ahead to comply with new health care reform mandates and those going into effect later in 2013.

The predicted "race to the bottom" in PIN network debit interchange rates may have begun, according to one new analysis of debit cards.

The business model for many small credit unions appears to be changing-by necessity-with at least one CEO saying it's now fee income supporting the loan process.

With credit unions moving quickly to mobile, CUNA Mutual Group last week unveiled smartphone technology to help CUs make more auto loans-even allowing the CU to talk to members while they are on the dealer's lot.

A number of credit unions here were told that if they want to recertify their Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designation, they better get moving now.

Saying it's time credit unions take even greater advantage of a cultural shift among American consumers away from big banks, CUNA President Bill Cheney last week unveiled a new strategic vision and slogan: "Unite For Good."

Congressional representatives showed up in numbers at CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference, delivering messages of support to CUs, addressing threats facing the industry, with nearly all making sure to stress how they support legislation to raise the MBL cap.

There was widespread support among attendees at CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference last week for passage of the latest Member Business Lending legislation, even as many of those same CU leaders said the cap on MBLs is not an issue for their own credit unions.

The pressure on margins and multiple threats to non-interest income require that credit unions get better at understanding what each member brings to and takes away from the cooperative, according to one expert on data analysis.

Rich Weissman, president CEO of DMA, outlined five funds transfer pricing models, from simple to complex.

As numerous CUs have learned over the years, letting members tell the credit union's story can be some of the strongest marketing the organization undertakes.

For $14,000 in member incentives, Ohio Healthcare FCU increased loan growth by 20.3% last year, and that's after a 2011 during which it grew loans 8% year over year.

One expert sees 2013 as the year of the digital wallet, and believes credit unions need to get on board with this growing technology.

Amid the complexities of a financial institution, Hubert Hoosman, Jr., has held to a simple philosophy that has helped his CU succeed and grow in his 31 years with the organization.

For credit unions to improve non-interest income this year, or just keep to keep that line item flat, they will need to focus on several key areas-including overdraft fees and new fees charged for the CU's service and expertise, according to one person.

Expect the auto auction lanes to be fuller this year, but that won't mean used car values will take a nosedive.

For small to medium-size credit unions, whether to pursue a merger is an ongoing discussion. One person with a lot of experience in that arena reports that mergers have certainly made easier the job of driving growth.

With three bogeys on the horizon threatening non-spread revenue, Dave Colby thinks the best ways to attack those potential problems are to increase the volume of activity on transaction accounts and simply grow loans.