Alaska

Data from the National Credit Union Administration shows the two states are bucking the trend of slowdowns in membership and lending.

Alaska USA Federal Credit Union will nearly double its operations in Phoenix after it buys the locations.

The Anchorage-based credit union has agreed to purchase seven Phoenix-area branches from TCF, nearly doubling its presence in that market.

Paul Simons has worked in the industry for 48 years, including more than three decades at the helm of the Illinois-based institution.

Citing insurance concerns, Anchorage-based Credit Union 1 shut down its marijuana-banking pilot program after less than one year. The move reflects lingering hesitation around banking the industry.

About 100 financial institutions are owned by or work with Native Americans, yet traditional banking services remain out of reach for many in this demographic.

Many credit unions have resumed normal operations, but some institutions locations in nearby Eagle River, closer to the epicenter, need more recovery time.

The Anchorage-based institution said its decision to enter the pot banking space was driven partly by public-safety concerns in a cash-based industry.

Most CUs in the Anchorage area were closed Friday as residents and officials evaluated damage to facilities and infrastructure.

Credit unions in Iowa and across the west were honored for their work aiding immigrants and financial education for students, respectively.