PayThink

For those credit unions moving forward with a charter conversion, their strategy is simple and compelling: Escape while you can.

ANTI-CONVERSION CONVERSION REALITY The slowdown in conversions in the past few years implies that conversion to a bank is no longer a strategic option being considered. The reasons to convert to a bank charter are still valid. What's more, they are amplified by current economic conditions and the problems plaguing the credit union industry. The economic meltdown of 2007-09 slowed all financial transactions such as mergers, IPOs, private equity capital issuance, and new bank organizations. During 2010, deals started to happen again. Conversions to the bank charter will also resume.

Continually educating customers on the benefits of electronic billing solutions and increasing the adoption of online payment plays a large role in improving cash flow, ROI, and is a source for adding value.

If it is true that the NCUA regulators were on sight during the investment-buying binge at Wescorp in 2005 and 2006, why aren't they being held accountable as well?

The recession, it seems, has created at least one growth industry — People Helping Themselves. Reports of embezzlements and employee theft seem like almost weekly events.

A member of CURE answers the question: What top future trends and changes do credit unions need to be aware of to ensure that we can continue to stay competitive and offer our members the best in financial services?

Jonesing for the Obama administration’s official proposal to overhaul Fannie and Freddie? Here are some housing reform prescriptions to tide you over until tomorrow morning.

Lenders, these days, are overwhelmed. While striving to remain compliant, lenders may be forgetting to ask their appraisal management companies these crucial questions.

Factors such as residential racial segregation present more fundamental challenges to the nation's economy than whether we figure out how to resolve the too-big-to-fail problem.

If CUs don't embrace change now, quite frankly, [disaster awaits/disaster is imminent/the light at the end of the tunnel really is an oncoming train]. Blockbuster Entertainment: need I say more?