Credit unions

The Las Vegas-based institution has joined a small group of credit unions whose assets top $1 billion, which make up less than 10% of the total industry.

Bankers say the federal tax exemption for credit unions costs U.S. taxpayers $2 billion each year. But eliminating it would prevent the not-for-profit financial institutions from channeling their savings into higher rates and lower fees that stimulate commerce — and generate additional tax income.

The popular annual program is back and it has never been easier to participate, but the deadline to register is coming up quickly.

Regulators recently eased field-of-membership rules to promote growth of federal credit unions. A handful of institutions are taking advantage of the changes to recruit more members, but some may find the process too cumbersome.

The agency will hold an exercise this summer related to emerging fraud risks and one board member suggested Congress should once again consider allowing the NCUA to oversee third-party vendors — a measure that would cost the regulator roughly $2 million a year.

Now known as Alltrust Credit Union, the Fairhaven, Mass.-based institution serves more than 14,000 members across New England.

Cal Poly Federal Credit Union's recent merger into SchoolsFirst highlights the difficult choice many small institutions face: diversify your field of membership or risk going out of business.

Burns & McDonnell Credit Union holds just $27 million of assets and is seeking approval to merge into CommunityAmerica, which serves the KC metro region and is the largest credit union in Kansas and Missouri.

Rhonda Diefenderfer, who has led the Billings, Mont., credit unon for 20 years, will retire in May and be succeeded by the credit unions busines vice president of business lending.

The Methuen, Mass.-based institution's newest CEO was born in the same town and has more than a decade of experience in the credit union industry.