Transparency: A Test for the Cooperative System

Transparency: A Test for the Cooperative System

Chip Filson comments on transparency and credit unions’ ability and often motivation to keep members in the dark about their operations, and how they are learning this lesson from their regulator.

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NCUA Financial Reports Shed Light on Gabriels Community Merger

NCUA Financial Reports Shed Light on Gabriels Community Merger

When Gabriels Community Credit Union announced it was merging with Michigan State Federal Credit Union without a vote from the credit union’s members, a number of questions were raised. Now, financial reports from the NCUA are shedding mote light on the credit union’s financial status and what might have led to the merger. Emily Claus reports.

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NCUA and Mergers: Keeping Members Out of the Room Where It Happens

NCUA and Mergers: Keeping Members Out of the Room Where It Happens

In the past month, the NCUA has approved of two mergers, both without a vote from the members of the merging credit union. While permissible under NCUA rules, the silence of those involved and the unwillingness to share information has Emily Claus asking why owners are being kept out of the room where it happens.

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The People’s Voice: Saint Lawrence FCU Owners Veto Merger

The People’s Voice: Saint Lawrence FCU Owners Veto Merger

Last fall, members of a New York credit union overwhelmingly voted to reject a merger. Chip Filson looks into the situation and why members may have responded as they did.

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Is “Creative Destruction” the Future of Credit Unions?

Is “Creative Destruction” the Future of Credit Unions?

Chip Filson discusses the concept of creative destruction, in which something new is built on the foundation of something old, and how mergers in the credit union industry fail to live up to the idea.

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Credit Unions and the Consolidation Curve

Credit Unions and the Consolidation Curve

Credit union mergers have been at the forefront of news for years now, with industry professionals expressing disappointment and concern over the trend. But are mergers a worrisome sign or simply a symptom of a much larger trend at play? Emily Claus reports on the Consolidation Curve and where we our industry fits into it.

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Members of CUNA and NAFCU Approve Merger

Members of CUNA and NAFCU Approve Merger

The proposed merger between CUNA and NAFCU to form America’s Credit Unions was approved last week by members of the organizations. The new entity will be legally formed on the first of the new year, reports Emily Claus.

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Credit Union Leaders and Bravery: A Rare Combination

Credit Union Leaders and Bravery: A Rare Combination

All too often, credit union leaders fail to stand up for their members and instead choose to take the easier path, that of least resistance. However, there are examples of those who choose to go against the grain and stand up for what they believe is best for the credit union and members. Chip Filson tells the tale of two such CEOs.

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Staying In One’s Lane

Staying In One’s Lane

In an effort to grow, financial institutions are at risk of veering in directions that do not align with their foundations or their members’ best interests, argues Chip Filson, who urges credit unions to stay in their lane.

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Do Credit Union Names Matter?

Do Credit Union Names Matter?

Juliet believed that names had little bearing on how something is treated or viewed. Chip Filson believes differently, arguing that credit union names—and name changes—can say something about how the institution sees itself and its members.

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