Credit Unions and Farming: What We Can Learn About Business Sustainability
Contrary to the cliché that size is equal to success, Chip Filson argues that various credit union sizes serve to make the industry stronger. Relating credit unions to the co-op method of community supported agriculture, he reminds us that scale is no substitute for community.
Learning at the Speed of the Crisis: A Cooperative Advantage
In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, everything around us is closing and canceling. During this time, Chip Filson conveys how essential it is for credit unions to keep learning and working thorough the crisis to continue serving their members until the world around us returns to normal.
The Cost of Not Learning from Our Brethren’s Mistakes
Covering three recent examples of various losses and corruptions within the credit union industry, Chip Filson argues that while the NCUA is focusing on “correcting” mistakes, there is a distinct lack of needed discussion and learning taking place.
Strategy: How Important is Scale?
Are credit unions losing focus on what really matters in the never-ending pursuit of scale? Chip Filson considers where credit unions may be going astray as they prioritize growth over members.
An Example for Today’s Credit Union Pioneers
A 95-year-old lesson on pioneering new credit unions is still applicable today. Chip Filson shares the lesson of fifteen women with $4.50, the difference that can make, and wonders who will be the pioneer of credit unions today.
Peter Pan and Captain Hook in Credit Union Land
The credit union community seems divided by Peter Pans, who believe in a future for the cooperative model, and Captain Hooks, who see the end around every corner. Chip Filson sees this and asks, “Which one are you?”
What Credit Unions Can Learn from Bank Purchases
Why do bank shareholders get a better deal during an acquisition by a credit union than member-owners in a credit union merger? Chip Filson breaks down the financial details of the two, and wonders why merged credit union owners get a raw deal.
A FinTech Prospecting Tool: Product Hunt
Can credit unions learn from Product Hunt’s democratized approach to user feedback? Chip Filson thinks so. Read why innovation in Silicon Valley can be a model for credit union opportunities.
The New Capital: Member Data
Chip Filson covers member data as the “new capital” and why credit unions should be teaching members to protect and value their own data.
Why Financial Disruption is an Attractive Fintech Opportunity
Chip Filson details why high barriers to entry are forcing new innovation to take less traditional forms in the financial industry.
