Americas

NEW YORK — Grameen America, a nonprofit microfinance organization that specializes in providing small business loans to low-income women, may seek to adopt a credit union structure.

BALTIMORE — Building brand awareness is challenging for any organization, especially if employees have trouble understanding management's brand objectives. This was the case for Securityplus Federal Credit Union until a new approach was taken.

GENEVA, N.Y. — To better compete with regional competition, Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union enhanced its digital banking and payment capabilities, which has increased online banking usage by 34% and mobile growth by 128%.

Summit Community Bank in Moorefield, W.Va., said Wednesday that it has shed an enforcement action and completed the first portion of its private placement with Castle Creek Capital Partners.

ST. LOUIS — The Missouri Credit Union Association (MCUA) has embarked on a statewide consumer awareness campaign to increase its profile with consumers after learning that most residents of the "Show Me State" weren't familiar with CUs.

The growing influence of two directors known for seeking big changes at other banks has raised questions about whether Naugatuck Valley Financial in Connecticut may be put up for sale.

HERNDON, Va. — A discovery process during a core conversion uncovered the ability of Northwest Federal Credit Union to enhance its online mortgage servicing capability, resulting in a nearly 50% increased user rate.

PALM SPRINGS and WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — It's not often that competing financial institutions agree to share, but that's not the case for two Florida credit unions.

Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker discusses why he distrusts a government-run system for unwinding banks, how community banks could thrive in the future, and why policymakers should consider better distinguishing between the biggest institutions and mid-size firms.

MADISON, Wis. — Only a third of all credit unions offer commercial loans, but they can provide a profitable business line for many small institutions, according to a white paper released by the CUNA Lending Council.