Interest rates, liquidity and credit are among the National Credit Union Administration's top concerns.

The $1.4 billion-asset credit union said John Roemer officially became its new leader Jan. 23.

Caren Gabriel, who joined the credit union in 1985 as a staff attorney and became president and chief executive in 2004, will be succeeded by executive vice president and chief operating officer Matt Jernigan on April 8.

In a state where two-thirds of residents use a credit union, a growing populace translates to even more membership, employment and loan growth with those institutions, according to data from the National Credit Union Administration.

The National Credit Union Administration put Valwood Park Federal Credit Union into its care this month, citing concerns of unsafe and unsound business practices.

Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, the 18th-largest credit union in the country by assets, said the new name better reflects its worldwide member base.

COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of more digital options for helping members. Now more credit unions are hoping that artificial intelligence can help reduce stress on frontline staff.

The $104 million-asset Finex Credit Union in East Hartford plans to partner with the $52 million-asset First Connecticut Credit Union in Wallingford.

The state of Colorado has reached a $4 million settlement with Canvas Credit Union and Bellco Credit Union after the companies were accused of failing to pay refunds of guaranteed automobile protection fees due to borrowers.

Rising deposit costs and the likelihood of a slowdown in loan growth could stifle earnings, credit union executives say.