Plus, two credit union professionals receive accolades and fintech Plinqit announces a promotion.

We are featuring 19 finalists who have shown incredible vision in their abilities to strengthen the credit union system.

"I lead with high expectations, but I do so in a supportive, collaborative and fun way," FAIRWINDS CU's Lindsey LeWinter says.

Nearly 90% of all credit unions are exempt from the rule, but officials worry it could cause more CUs to merge.