NCUA’s Financial Fairy Tales
Following the reduction in staff by nearly a quarter, the NCUA claimed it was delivering millions in cost savings to credit unions. However, the numbers show a different outcome: an increase in total spending even with fewer staff members, says Chip Filson.
A Chance for NCUA Chairman Hauptman to Make His Mark
Currently operating as a one-member board, NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman has the opportunity to make changes without any opposition from other board members. With this opportunity, Chip Filson suggests Hauptman reassess the NCUSIF’s Normal Operating Level.
When the Song Fades: Leadership Turnover and the Loss of Cooperative Identity
Chip Filson shares the insight gained from his conversation with former CEO, Randy Karnes, on the topics of leadership, succession, and ensuring the mission of the credit union is passed down through leaders.
Washington Post Opinion on Taxing Credit Unions
Chip Filson discusses the history of credit unions’ tax exemption, why it was created in the first place, if we are still the same industry that was granted it to begin with, and what we would do without it.
Can Credit Unions Buy Their Way to Success?
In an effort to increase their membership, credit unions have been offering cash rewards for new account openings, loans, and more. Chip Filson wonders at the long-term effects of such a strategy and what it might mean for the relationship between financial institution and member.
A Post Every Credit Union Employee Should Read
As an industry that prizes itself on putting people before profit, should we not also priotitize creating opportunites for future generations within the credit union? Thanks to mergers, credit union leaders are pulling the ladder up behind them, preventing future generations from taking on roles that should have been theirs, Chip Filson argues.
The Power of a Single Person
In a world where member voting is treated like a simple box to check on the road to merging, Chip Filson asks if one person still has the power to make a difference.
Two Contradictory Approaches to Credit Union Growth Capabilities
Chip Filson lays out two paths for credit union growth: forced growth through mergers that often leads to a loss of local ties and has a cap on how far it can go, or organic growth, which maintains its local roots and has no limit.
Balancing the Old With the New in 2026
As we head into 2026, Chip Filson shares the wisdom from Jeff Farver, a longtime credit union CEO famous for his ability to bring struggling credit unions back up to par, and the lessons he learned along the way that we can carry with us into the new year.
‘Tis the Season for Sharing Success with Members
As credit unions contemplate potential year-end dividends for members, Chip Filson reminds them not to hoard their earnings, especially when non-cooperatives are catching on to the idea.
