In March's roundup of American Banker's favorite stories: How rising interest rates took community banks by surprise, small banks and credit unions react to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, ex-Wells Fargo executive Carrie Tolstedt faces potential jail time and more.

Since 2011, and in ever-growing volume, credit unions have been buying community banks. Some see it as the free market at work while bankers say this is another example of credit unions' unfair advantage.

James Norris, who joined the Germantown-based credit union in 2010, will retire April 21.

Oregon Community Credit Union is piloting a new schedule to address rising absenteeism and concerns about stress among its call center staff.

After experiencing deposit growth above 11% in 2021, credit unions saw that figure drop to 3% last year. But some CEOs say funds are flowing in again in the wake of recent bank failures.

Companies like U.S. Bancorp have found ways to apply the information they use to serve thin-file applicants to small-business owners and other borrowers.

Fred Eisel will succeed David Brehmer, who plans to retire from the $6 billion-asset Vizo Financial on Jan. 5, 2024.

A few years ago, banks and credit unions were veering away from drive-up service in their new branches. And then the pandemic hit.

Consumers are worried that the banking crisis could spread to their own accounts. To address these fears, some credit unions are getting more focused on liquidity — and making their top executives available to address any member's concerns.

Credit unions' provision for loan and lease losses rose by 337% in 2022. Industry observers cite forecasted economic weakness and current expected credit loss implementation as the primary reasons.

Wally Murray, who has spent 35 years at the $1.8 billion asset credit union and the last 22 as its president and CEO, retired March 14.

The National Credit Union Administration unanimously approved modifications to its 2020 rule that raise maturity ceilings on offerings and simplifies redundant language.

Crossing the $500 million-asset mark helps credit unions improve membership numbers and loans, but regulatory data shows that many are choosing to stay small. The reason may be more emotional than practical.

The West Palm Beach credit union named Steve Bosack as its new chief executive. He has worked for the National Credit Union Administration and Pentagon Federal Credit Union among other stops.

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.

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.