In-Depth ReportsStaffing and Benefits
November 5, 2009
As the recession eases, human resource executives are beginning to look at prospects for bolstering staff. We examine some of the directions talent management takes, as well as the need to provide quality benefits programs while containing costs.
Lending Roundup
September 25, 2009
As the economy trudges ever so slowly toward recovery, it’s becoming clear that full recovery will require robust and responsible lending initiatives from financial institutions. The credit union lending model has performed well during this recession, and it’s playing an important role in the recovery.
CU Compensation Strategies
August 7, 2009
Compensation draws attention lately—from the press, among regulators, and in the halls of Congress. Here’s a variety of resources to help you understand and respond to current issues concerning staff and executive compensation.
2009 Economic Update
July 9, 2009
What’s the impact of the Great Recession on your credit union and your members? We examine the broad financial environment as well as the effects on homeowners, those planning for retirement, and consumers trying to manage their finances.
Strategic Planning Trends and Tactics
June 4, 2009
Economic turmoil affects almost everything credit unions do—including the planning process. Uncertainty demands that your planning team devise flexible strategies to monitor conditions, seize opportunities, and neutralize threats. Here’s a look at what the experts recommend for strategic planning during times of economic stress.
Members and Potential Members
May 7, 2009
Across the financial services industry, it’s a race to attract consumers and deposits. What does it take to cultivate members who remain highly loyal to your credit union? We take an industry-wide look at various measures, and we preview results of CUNA’s 2009-2010 National Member and Potential Member surveys.
Recession Marketing
April 2, 2009
It’s all the buzz—how to market effectively in an economic downturn. But what’s hype, and what do you really need to know? We look at wise choices concerning budget, accountability, message, and more.
Thrift and Savings
March 5, 2009
“Better late thrive, than never do well,” goes the old Scottish proverb. Perhaps that’s the best many Americans can hope for—a second chance, following the bust of an easy-credit boom. We take a look at the prospects and the perils, and offer resources to help members—and credit unions—maintain a strong financial footing.
Small Business Lending & Services
February 6, 2009
The U.S. small-business sector is an economic growth engine—borrowing, spending, and creating jobs. But credit unions that provide business lending and other services walk a tightrope—the opportunity is there, but so are the risks.
Competition and Fees
January 15, 2009
We look at the effect of bank consolidations, fee pricing, aggressive marketing, and mega-dollar shifts in consumer deposits. It’s all part of intense industry convergence, certain to have an impact on credit unions in the months ahead.
Economic Outlook for 2009
December 4, 2008
Amid the worst financial crisis in years, labeling this report an “economic forecast” would be a bit too brash. Instead, we offer perspective on past and present conditions, plus glimpses toward the future. What’s clear is that the U.S. and world economies are in deep distress, with changes likely for credit unions, their members, and a debt-driven consumer society.
HR’s Expanding Role
November 6, 2008
In times of change, human resource professionals play a significant role in your credit union’s staffing strategies. Your HR folks are called on to balance many critical tasks--recruitment and selection, salaries and benefits, training, performance, and internal communications. We take a closer look at how these and other issues take on even greater importance during a difficult economy.
Sales and Service Culture
October 2, 2008
When it comes to excelling in member service and sales performance, advice often centers on changing “culture” at the credit union. We examine that change as it affects membership growth, deposit gathering, mortgage lending, and branch operations.
Technology Trends
September 4, 2008
Core systems, member analytics, mobile services, and other 21st century innovations—they all depend on technology, which comes at a cost. We look at what’s available to credit unions, and, more importantly, how to get the most when you plan, budget and spend for essential systems.
Challenges to Financial Literacy
August 7, 2008
If consumers struggle during good times, imagine the pressure as the economy worsens. There’s no substitute for financial savvy. But is education enough, or should the financial services industry reduce the complexity of product offerings?
Marketing Trends and Tools
July 10, 2008
The Internet means big changes in consumer behavior—changes to which marketers have been forced to adapt. Our report focuses on trends in electronic advertising and marketing, and how interactive media influence communications with members.
Strategic Planning
June 5, 2008
Strategic planning determines where a credit union is going—a critical function in today’s environment. Here we look at the planning process from several perspectives, including best practices of leading firms and insights from the experts.
CU Growth and New Markets
May 1, 2008
Competitors and market challenges are everywhere—but so are opportunities. Here we look at growth initiatives that include reaching the youth market, women, and potential Hispanic members.
Credit Union Due Diligence
April 3, 2008
Identifying and monitoring risk is critical, particularly when contracting with third-party vendors. We look at recent NCUA directives, best practices, enterprise risk management, and the roles of management and directors.
Lending Trends
March 6, 2008
Lending has seldom been as challenging as it is now, and credit unions continue to play a positive role in granting consumer, mortgage and business loans. We take a look at the difficulties—and the opportunities—across the industry.
Innovation Fuels Growth
February 7, 2008
Our report draws on work being done by members of the Filene Research Institute, where the i3 group (ideas, innovation, implementation) engages the best and brightest to create a thriving credit union future. We also look at other credit unions applying innovative thinking, and we round it out with practical advice and examples from the business world.
CU Security Issues
January 10, 2008
Credit union security presents never-ending challenges. Here we look at the latest trends in electronic crime, including the growing threat against debit cards--all with an eye toward prevention and detection.
Demographic Trends
December 6, 2007
We take a look at Americans younger and older, our savings habits—or lack of, and trends among ethnic groups and economic segments. It's information to help your credit union design and deliver services for new members and better serve current members.
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