AUSTIN — The CEO of the Texas Credit Union League said the trade association will not wilt as banks attempt to use their political power to impose regulations on CUs.
"Bankers are trying to restrict us from offering member business loans," said Dick Ensweiler. "Are we going to crawl under a rock? I think not!"
Ensweiler told attendees of the Texas CU League's annual meeting here small businesses are an "underserved field of membership" CUs should reach out to.
"As credit union leaders, we recognize entrepreneurs have an independent spirit. We will not stand still as bankers try to create a regulatory environment that will suffocate us," he declared. "We will be partners with small business owners."
TCUL has created a team to "take credit unions to the next level," he added. "Our desire to succeed continues to lead to innovative ideas."
In other remarks to the delegates, Ensweiler said consumers are "greatly concerned" about identity theft. He said CUs must exercise more caution and identify any weaknesses in their infrastructure.
"We will continue to work with state lawmakers to make card issuers more liable," he said.
The Lone Star State's CUs have had a "strong year," Ensweiler assessed. He said the key to succeeding in any business is innovation, and "innovation can be incremental or radical."
