Cooperative Design’s Two Unmatchable Advantages
In the financial forest, Chip Filson discusses the two elements that have led to the successful growth of the credit union system: ownership and relationship.
What Can We Learn from the Oldest FCUs?
22 of the 100 original charters the NCUA granted after the passage of the Federal Credit Union Act are still in business—a rate almost double that of all FCUs. Chip Filson ponders the reason behind this and what lessons we can take from history.
How Are Credit Unions Different from Banks? Three Powerful Words
Chip Filson sums up the credit union difference in three words and remarks on how living up to those three words should be the mission of each credit union.
Can Elections Indicate an Organization’s Relevance for its Members?
Chip Filson analyzes the overwhelming and enthusiastic response to cooperative Inclusiv’s board member election and calls on credit unions to reflect on their own elections and how they might create more interest.
Why Latino Community Credit Union Matters Today
Chip Filson discusses the chartering of Latino Community Credit Union back in 2000 and the way in which it has since exemplified the foundation on which cooperatives are built.
Asset Bubbles and Credit Unions
Chip Filson tells the tale of former FDIC Vice Chair Thomas Hoenig, the lone dissenting vote in a 2010 decision by the Fed to continue “quantitative easing.” As Americans brace for the impending consequences, Chip wonders whether credit unions are playing into a potential disaster.
Are App Platforms the Future of Financial Services?
Chip Filson debates the self-service trend sweeping the financial industry and whether or not FinTech apps will take the place of brick and mortar in the future.
What is the Value of a Strategic Plan?
Chip Filson contemplates what value, if any, credit unions can find in strategic planning. And if there is value to be found, what’s the easiest way to get it out?
Has the Credit Union System Lost its Entrepreneurial Edge?
Chip Filson discusses the student-run credit union boom of the 1980s and the excitement, inspiration, and drive that went along with it, begging the question: where did that entrepreneurial spirit go?
What Credit Unions Can Learn from Morris Plan Banks
Chip Filson contemplates the old Morris Plan Bank model, its history, its eventual downfall, and why credit unions purchasing banks might be following in its flawed footsteps.
