Credit unions are hoping for a return to normal credit card spending patterns sometime during the second half, but the pandemic has created a domino effect of complicating factors.

Any business loan growth the industry sees this year will be closely tied to mass vaccination efforts and a broader economic recovery, meaning it may take until at least the third quarter for pent-up demand to translate into new opportunities.

Some in the industry are planning in-person events, but the largest meetings are still unlikely to reconvene for a while.

The credit union expects to open at least eight branches across the country in the months ahead, about half of what it normally adds to its brick-and-mortar network in an average year.

Todd Harper, a Democrat, says he will continue his efforts to increase the agency's consumer advocacy role, despite opposition from the industry and two Republican board members.

Intensifying competition from banks could persuade large credit unions — particularly those with more than $1 billion of assets — to join forces in 2021.

Under a proposed rule change, credit unions would no longer need to seek pre-approval from the regulator before entering into interest rate swaps, speeding up transactions for some of the industry’s biggest institutions that already hold over 80% of total assets.

After a slowdown in 2020, inventory shortages and other factors could make the months ahead a grind for many lenders.

In a party-line vote, the agency issued a proposal that would redefine a "complex" credit union.

A Democratic majority in Washington may help advance a number of key legislative issues for the industry, such as passage of a national data security standard. However, it could also lead to a renewed focus on consumer protection laws.

Industry groups say the coronavirus has highlighted additional risks faced by institutions without a diverse member base.

Despite limiting on-site visits and adding more self-service channels, the industry is forging ahead with plans for hundreds of new or expanded brick-and-mortar locations.

Police directed the institution to shut down four branches Wednesday as armed Trump supporters forced their way into the Capitol, and two facilities were on lockdown for several hours during the day.

Several members of Congress challenging the result of the 2020 presidential contest received financial support from trade groups that could find themselves in hot water with some constituents.

Stimulus payments and deferrals have helped borrowers stay current, but lenders must brace for a capital hit when those benefits eventually run out.

The National Credit Union Administration may get a new leader, several institutions could seek to expand their fields of membership, and a pot banking fight may reemerge.

From dealing with a flood of deposits to working with examiners virtually, credit unions were forced to quickly adapt to a new normal after the pandemic hit. Here's a look at some of the biggest changes and challenges they faced.

The National Credit Union Administration juggled several challenges this year beyond the pandemic recession, including an inspector general's report about alleged misconduct by two former employees and criticism that board members had lost their old spirit of comity.

Fallout from the coronavirus pandemic consumed the industry this year, but other events, including a scandal at the National Credit Union Administration and a credit union under fire for lack of board diversity, also made waves.

A look back at a year in which little went according to plan for credit unions.