Commentary

If you hold available-for-sale investment securities - the following update is for you. In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued No. 03-1 entitled, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment and Its Implications to Certain Investments." The EITF was formed in 1984 to assist the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)...

Technology has enabled "skimming" to become one of the most prevalent types of plastic card fraud, causing troubles for card issuers and cardholders alike. Fortunately, new technology, such as "name matching," is emerging as an effective tool in reducing this type of fraud. Skimming is a popular high-tech counterfeit technique...

In a recent survey, Card Services for Credit Unions (CSCU) asked our member CEOs to indicate the major issues they felt their credit union was facing, with respect to their credit card program. The majority answered "competition". How can a credit union, with its limited resources, begin to compete with...

Throughout their proud history, credit unions have been the most successful model of the power of co-operation and collaboration in the financial services industry. Through boom times and bust, this cooperative principle has retained its intrinsic value. This ethical structure has provided needed products, services and benefits to millions of...

How can credit unions enjoy the greatest benefits from Check 21? That's the question facing our industry now that Oct. 28 has come and gone. Last summer, hardware manufacturers, image exchange networks and service bureaus flooded the media with visions of the future. Seminars explained substitute checks and expedited re-crediting,...

A widespread effort's afoot within credit unions to change the way members are served. Like many of you, I spend a fair amount of time attempting to understand our members, and designing unique ways to meet their needs. Through my research I found it is common to hear from young...

The financial services community has finally welcomed Check 21, promising a more efficient payments system. Since most credit unions have already been truncating checks for years, they, in particular, are uniquely positioned to implement Check 21. Others however, have a bit more work to do in terms of public relations....

The elections are now just days away, but no matter how the political landscape changes as a result, there is a consistent political imperative for credit unions: we must stay as strong and outspoken, committed and active, and focused in defending our movement's tax status as we were this last...