Filene Research Institute

CUS Are Improving Members’ Financial Lives Via Education

By Natasha Chilingerian | March 25, 2012

It’s one thing if credit unions offer low-cost financial products and exceptional service, but it’s quite another if they teach members how to use their products responsibly.
Guest Opinion: Green Lending Is Profitable and Smart

February 12, 2012

Some people just don’t get it. The Filene Research Institute released a new report, “Finding Sustainable Profits: Green Lending in Credit Unions.”
Astronaut Gives CUs’ Loan Program a LIFT

By Michelle A. Samaad | November 21, 2011

Five credit unions slated to take part in a pilot to study auto loans belonging to members with subprime credit scores, recently heard some parallels from a Johnson Space Center astronaut.
Filene Finds CU Lending Leaders

By Michelle A. Samaad | November 13, 2011

Despite a lingering lending slump, several credit unions managed to grow their loan portfolios by more than 5% during the Great Recession.
Recession-Resistant CUs Reveal Lending Strategies

By Michelle A. Samaad | November 4, 2011

The Filene Research Institute has published a report that profiles those credit unions that were able to grow their loan portfolios during the past few years.
Deadline Nears for Filene Governance Survey

By Myriam DiGiovanni | October 21, 2011

Oct. 31 deadline nears for participation in Filene Research Institute's credit union governance survey.
Filene Readies Launch of 'Idea Idol'

By Myriam DiGiovanni | September 8, 2011

Credit unions invited to watch and to vote for the next big idea.
Patronage Refunds Can Fuel Member Loyalty

By Robert McGarvey | August 31, 2011

Ask Joel Dahlgren how to build a bigger, more financially stable, better-capitalized credit union and this Minnesota lawyer’s advice is surprising: regularly give away capital to members.
Microsoft Kinect: From Living Rooms to CU Branches?

By Natasha Chilingerian | May 4, 2011

Kinect for Xbox 360, a controller-free, $150 gaming device that allows users to operate their Xbox consoles solely through bodily gestures and voice commands, has made a splash among video game and electronics enthusiasts. But is there a practical application for Kinect outside the gaming world–say, in credit union branches?...
Unitus Board Term Limit Policy Reignites Discussion

By Jim Rubenstein | May 4, 2011

The industry debate over term limits for directors surfaced anew last week with Unitus Community CU of Portland, Ore. announcing that it has adopted new guidelines to deal with the sensitive matter.