Commentary

While banker attacks, potential taxation, and other external, non-controllable issues do present serious challenges to the credit union system the more serious internal and controllable challenge is to diligently focus on EXPENSE control. As the NIM (net interest margin) decreases due to cost of funds and the need to remain...

It's a question that's been on the minds of financial service regulators, credit union executives, trade association leaders and even some credit union members over the past few months: Should credit unions define the term "modest means"?

Would you fly in a jumbo jet piloted by a NASCAR or Formula One racecar driver?

Following NCUA's recent rule change IRPS 06-01, I am constantly asked if this new regulation sounds the death knell for federal credit union underserved area adoptions. Sorry, but I refuse to join the funeral procession for credit union outreach to underserved areas--a mainstay that has provided the backbone of NCUA's...

The advent of Check 21 item processing is causing credit unions to examine changing from obsolete microfilm and imaging systems that they implemented 10 or even 20 years ago. Credit unions that are evaluating moving to Check 21 for image exchange most often will rely on their CFO or back-office...

The credit union system entered into a new era following the House Ways and Means Committee hearing in the fall 2005 on the credit union tax-exemption. Following the hearing, the committee requested data about whether credit unions are serving the goals intended with their federal tax-exempt status. The data currently...

Borrowing an infamous closing line from acclaimed broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow seemed an appropriate beginning for sharing my personal opinions with you.

Few issues generate stronger emotions or wider ranges of opinions than credit union conversions. Skepticism about the motivations and misunderstandings about the processes for conversions are pervasive. Understanding is increasing, however, that conversions raise many salient issues: How should and do credit unions differ from banks? Who does and should...