Ray Birch

A new attack scheme is hitting banks and credit unions that takes advantage of the live chat feature in the FIs' online banking platform, Guardian Analytics reports.

Attendees at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas had more than a look at a new ATM that syncs with smartphones; they likely glimpsed the next wave of ATM technology, experts are saying.

How big a game-changer is new technology that syncs a smartphone with an ATM? As big a breakthrough as iTunes and Apple PCs, according to several people.

A number of credit union CEOs said that looking into 2013 they are looking for controlled growth, even greater efficiencies, and to mobile banking to drive more business.

Efforts to streamline checking and develop both credit and debit portfolios are essential for CU growth in 2013, according to PSCU.

The Maine CU League has launched a two-year statewide awareness campaign that touts the CU difference and hopes to change a long-held consumer perception: credit unions are not as tech savvy as banks nor do they offer the same reach and convenience.

Upon further review, it appears efforts to form a credit union for professional athletes and their families is actually moving forward.

A new 22-page report authored by consultant Marvin Umholtz closely profiles Oregon CUs, comparing them to community banks and saying there is little difference, and in the process raises the issue of CU taxation.

Florida Central CU said that in the new year it plans to stick with the same growth strategies that have helped it to prosper over the past year, but will make one adjustment-slightly lower deposit rates.

Estimating again that $400 billion in checking deposits could be on the move this year, one economist recommends CUs exercise excellent expense control to not only protect their portion of these funds, but to grow share from banks.

Include FAA Credit Union among the growing number of CUs offering free credit reports to not only help the member but the credit union, as well.

CU nimbleness and the ability to turn bank converts into profitable relationships are keys to growth this year.

One credit union sees no need in 2013 to alter a business model that led to 24% loan growth last year, boosted earnings 59% year over year, and has ROA above 2%.

This year Shreveport FCU will focus on making more micro-loans to help small businesses in the Mississippi Delta and Shreveport areas.

To proceed with growth strategies to reach the Hispanic market, the CU must first understand the unique characteristics of the local Hispanic population.

Dollars invested into marketing this year should produce solid growth returns, observed one person who believes a great deal of the member growth CUs enjoyed last year can be credited to bank errors.

At a time when a majority of credit unions are not growing at all, Glendale Area Schools FCU has had to put its emphasis on controlling growth.

Not much has changed regarding healthcare reform since the Supreme Court's decision to uphold President Obama's healthcare law-except that a number of important compliance deadlines are now bearing down on employers.

While more healthcare reform requirements kick in in 2014, the one to pay close attention to, according to one expert, is the "pay or play" mandate.

There remains more concern than celebration among CU economists following last week's passing of a bill that backs the United States away from the so-called fiscal cliff.