Hollen discussed the future of contactless payments. The Co-Op leader said he's surprised that contactless payment isn't more popular and added that he can't even find a credit union to beta test the technology. Hollen chalked it up to a lack of point-of-sale locations that accept the payment method, which is only about 40,000 locations nationwide at this point.

Boutelle presented good news from his shop: Despite the much publicized indirect lending losses that have challenged California credit unions in particular, CUDL is having one of its best years ever despite drastic declines in new and used car sales this year, he said. Boutelle delivered a Letterman-style top 10 list of reasons why "now is the right time for indirect lending," which included one reason that produced audible gasps: GM is offering incentives to dealers for non-GMAC loans.

Other reasons include a lack of available home equity funds, fewer leases, relatively good margins and origination costs that compare favorably to direct loans.

"Today, with yield curves steepening, it's a good time for lending even with increases in delinquencies," he said.

Boutelle also reminded credit union managers of a point he's been making for years-that the vast majority of auto loans are originated at the dealer. Additionally, existing members account for more than one-third of point-of-sale loans, he said.

Canepa Bang continued the light-hearted approach, both joking with her co-panelists and being on the receiving end of teasing from the otherwise all-male group. At one point, Canepa Bang referred to herself as the industry's own "Rogue Sarah."

The shared branching executive spoke about her company's success with home deposit services, currently used by about half-a-dozen credit unions, she said. That handful signed up a total of 3,000 members in the first two weeks the service was available, with a total of 16,000 using the service after five months.

"Why would I cannibalize my own business and offer home deposit?" Canepa Bang asked. "Because it's good for members, and what's good for members is good for credit unions."

She also discussed the success of FSCC's mobile branching service, which is currently being utilized in South Texas to serve members after Hurricane Ike knocked out brick-and-mortar access. For $100 per month, credit unions can sign up for the service and have a mobile branch delivered on-site within 48 hours, she said.

CUNA Mutual's Post commended FSCC's mobile branch efforts, saying he recently saw one unit in action during a visit to hurricane-stricken Galveston, Texas. Post said his shop was busy adjusting to what he called "unprecedented times," noting that a gallon of gas was worth more on that day than a share of Ford stock.

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