Credit unions

Jim Harris, who has been president and CEO of University & State Employees Credit Union since 2006, is stepping down from those roles but will remain with the credit union to facilitate succession planning.

The Edwardsville, Illinois, credit union has agreed to merge with South Division Credit Union in Illinois. The deal comes shortly after Scott agreed to buy Tempo Bank.

The creators hope CU Offers, which lists discounts at local and national businesses, will attract new members and strengthen ties with existing ones. But observers are skeptical that it will drive real growth or inspire frequent use.

Massages, a "bring your dog to work" policy, telemedicine and Zoom happy hours help these credit unions strike the right balance between work and personal needs.

These credit unions range offer perks such as higher starting wages, on-site training and annual bonuses. They also foster a sense of community with game nights, holiday parties and birthday celebrations.

Employees of these credit unions, the largest of this year's Best Credit Unions to Work For, get perks such as one-on-one meetings with the CEO, time off to volunteer, and better loan rates.

Hoping to slow the pace of deals, the Independent Community Bankers of America is urging lawmakers to impose a tax on credit unions that acquire small banks. One credit union CEO called the proposal a "gimmick."

The National Credit Union Administration issued four prohibition orders and two notices of prohibition against individuals accused of theft, misappropriation of member funds and making fraudulent loans, among other allegations.

LOC Federal Credit Union and MemberFocus Community Credit Union aim to utilize the flexibility of the latter’s state charter to enlarge membership.

As more banks and fintechs offer installment loans at the point of sale, CO-OP Financial Services and PSCU are designing products to allow credit unions to compete in this market as well.

Some credit unions are leaning heavily on tech partners to speed payments and loan decisions, offer online financial planning sessions and deploy virtual assistant technology developed at MIT.

Regulators are calling for creative alternatives to the arduous de novo process. Pairing groups that want to open credit unions with lagging institutions would be quicker and could help preserve the sector, one credit union service organization says.

Increased access to telehealth visits. Cash incentives to get vaccinated. Bring your dog to work — every day. These credit unions, though still providing traditional team-building fun and games, have taken extra steps this year to cater to the needs of employees.

Scott Credit Union of Edwardsville said it is acquiring Tempo Bank in Trenton, Illinois. It is the fifth such transaction announced since Aug. 5 and the 10th of the year.

It would be the second bank acquisition for Fairwinds, which bought Friends Bank in Florida in 2019.

After the state’s mask mandate was lifted, Michigan First Credit Union said it would no longer allow masks in its stand-alone branches, citing security concerns. Following an outcry from some members, the credit union updated its rule to allow clear face coverings.

The central bank wants financial institutions to enable additional routing options for online purchases, a change industry advocates say would strain the resources of smaller card issuers.

The choice of Greg Young as the next president and chief executive comes nearly a year after Karl Yoneshige announced his plans to retire from the role.

Many credit unions with less than $100 million of assets struggle with marketing and technology. Larger ones are willing to lend support, and the Credit Union National Association is working to dispel fears that prospective mentors are simply looking for takeover targets.

The nation’s second-largest credit union hired Jim Hayes to succeed Mike Lord as president and CEO. Hayes was most recently president and CEO of the $2.2 billion-asset Andrews Federal Credit Union in Suitland, Maryland.