Nominations are now open for the Credit Union Times 2026 Luminaries Awards, recognizing the leaders, organizations, and innovators driving progress across the credit union ecosystem.

The annual awards program celebrates excellence across both credit unions and their partners, highlighting achievements in leadership, technology, member experience, and strategic growth. Categories span multiple asset tiers and areas of expertise, ensuring recognition across institutions of all sizes and functions.

"As our belief in this industry we love grows and evolves, so does the CU Times Luminaries Awards," said CU Times Sr. Director of Content Experience and Strategy, Michael Ogden. "We've added new categories this year that we believe reflects the shifts happening inside our credit union world and allows us to showcase the brilliant work being done each day in the cooperative spirit."

In all, there are 35 categories divided into specific areas for credit unions and credit union partners. The categories are as follows:

Credit Union Categories

  • Branch Experience – Credit Unions (new category): Honoring credit unions delivering exceptional in-branch member experiences across three asset tiers: $4 billion and higher, $1 billion to $4 billion, and under $1 billion.
  • Community Impact – Credit Unions: Recognizing credit unions making measurable differences in their communities across the same asset tiers.
  • Excellence in Marketing – Credit Unions: Celebrating creative and results-driven campaigns across digital, social, and traditional channels.
  • Executive Leadership – Credit Unions (expanded category): Awards for standout leadership among Presidents/CEOs and C-suite executives across all asset classes.
  • Innovation in Technology – Credit Unions (expanded category): Highlighting advancements in AI, cryptocurrency and stablecoin innovation, and major technology rollouts.
  • Rising Star – Individuals: Spotlighting emerging credit union leaders making a meaningful impact early in their careers.

Credit Union Partner Categories

  • Consulting Excellence – Organizations (new category): Recognizing top-performing firms across credit union operations, marketing, human resources, legal/compliance, strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions.
  • Consultant of the Year – Individual (new category): Honoring an individual consultant demonstrating exceptional impact and industry leadership.
  • Executive Leadership – Individuals (expanded category): Celebrating leaders across CUSOs, leagues and trade associations, and technology providers.
  • Product Innovation – Organizations: Recognizing advancements in AI, payments solutions, and cryptocurrency/stablecoin innovation.
  • Rising Star – Individual: Awarding emerging talent within fintechs, CUSOs, and industry partners.

Nominations are open now and must be submitted through the official online portal. Entries will be accepted through July 10, and all finalists will be announced in September.

Winners will be announced live at the Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards Gala on Nov. 5 at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa in Orlando, Fla.

For a look back at the 2025 Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards Gala, click here.

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