Credit unions

Community lenders do not share the problems that led to the downfall of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank — but their customers and members don't always know that.

Co-Op Solutions, which represents more than 1,800 credit unions, used its scale to negotiate a favorable deal with the STAR Network.

This week in banking news: Discover EVP Diane Offereins is retiring, Worldline enters the metaverse, SNAP pilots mobile payments and more.

The credit union promoted Shelly Mellenberger, a senior vice president, to be its new president and CEO. She replaces Dan Wollin, who will retire on April 2.

Despite growing up as digital natives, this age group now has more complex financial needs than they can typically handle online.

In February's roundup of American Banker's favorite stories: An international African American sorority enters the credit union market; a deep dive into the ideology behind banks giving out free pens; and a rising number of financial institutions are facing a tightening of liquidity and more.

Car loans are among the bread-and-butter products for credit unions, but slowing demand and growing delinquencies are putting some pressure on the category.

Executives have ramped up initiatives for educating members, staffers and directors on how to gain support from legislators.

SeaComm Federal Credit Union of Massena, New York, and St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union of Ogdensburg, New York, are planning to merge by the end of the year.

The National Credit Union Administration would give tentative OKs to organizers of startups so they can secure enough capital for a final approval, Vice Chairman Kyle Hauptman says. Some industry observers describe the plan as a step in the right direction, while others complain more has to be done to foster new credit unions.