Analysis for the decisions boards face.
Quarterly merger data, white papers and articles for credit union boards and CEOs, organised around the six questions boards ask most.
Start with the question in front of your board.
Each question leads to a short guide, the analysis behind it, a case from our own work and an open invitation to talk it through. There is no wrong place to start.
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Should we remain independent?
Strategic independence test and a member-value comparison of every path.
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Our CEO is approaching retirement
Succession, timing, legacy and what the next chapter asks of the board.
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We need scale
Technology, talent, products, resilience and market reach.
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We have been approached
Board process, unsolicited proposals and decision discipline.
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We need the right partner
Search, fit, culture, governance and terms.
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We are preparing for the member vote
Communications, employees, member trust and transparency.
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Everything we publish, in one place
Filter by type or by the decision you are facing, or search by keyword.
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Bank acquisitions · September 2026
CEO Advisory Group Serves as Lead Advisor to Gulf Winds Credit Union on Acquisition of Peoples Exchange Bank
Second bank acquisition for Gulf Winds in 2026, ahead of its rebrand as TruWorth Credit Union LAKE TAPPS, WA (September 28, 2026) – CEO Advisory Group announced…
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Bank acquisitions · August 2026
Keeping Rural Florida Banked: Gulf Winds Credit Union to Acquire Madison County Community Bank
On August 25, 2026, Gulf Winds Credit Union of Pensacola, Florida — with more than $1.3 billion in assets and over 74,000 members — announced a definitive agree…
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Bank acquisitions · July 2026
San Francisco Federal Credit Union Completes Acquisition of Summit Bank, Marking California's Latest Credit Union–Bank Deal
San Francisco Federal Credit Union has completed its acquisition of Oakland-based Summit Bank, closing one of the most closely watched credit union–bank transac…
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Bank acquisitions · February 2026
CEO Advisory Group Advises Frontier Credit Union in Landmark Montana Bank Purchase
CEO Advisory Group announces the successful closing of Frontier Credit Union's acquisition of First Citizens Bank of Butte, a transaction for which CEO Advisory…
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Scale · January 2026The Hidden Drivers of CU Consolidation
Why So Many Merged Credit Unions Report Negative ROAA—and What the Data Really Says About Scale The third quarter of 2025 sparked renewed debate across the cred…
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Analysis · December 2025Credit Union Merger Analysis: Third Quarter 2025
An analysis of credit union mergers for the third quarter of 2025 shows relatively consistent merger volumes compared to the first and second quarters, but a dr…
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Bank acquisitions · November 2025New Whitepaper Release - Credit Union Bank Acquisitions - Part 2
We’re excited to announce the release of Part 2 in our whitepaper series, What Credit Unions Need to Know About Bank Acquisitions. This latest installment, titl…
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White paper · Part 2 of 3 · November 2025 · 33 pagesWhat Credit Unions Need to Know About Bank Acquisitions: Proceeding with the Deal
For credit union CEOs, CFOs and boards with a bank in view: how to set the price, run due diligence and get the deal through regulators.
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CEO retirement · August 2025The Perfect Storm: CEO Retirements and Industry Consolidation Create Strategic Succession Opportunity
What if your credit union could achieve better economies of scale and find the perfect CEO to lead your organization in the future?
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Analysis · August 2025Credit Union Mergers Analysis: Second Quarter 2025
An analysis of credit union mergers for the second quarter of 2025 shows an upward trend over the first quarter in both the number of approved transactions and …
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White paper · August 2025 · 32 pagesStrategic Succession: The Case for Merger-Driven CEO Transitions
For credit union boards with a CEO retirement ahead: how to weigh a strategic merger alongside an internal or external hire.
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Bank acquisitions · July 2025
Bank Acquisition Momentum Builds: San Francisco FCU's Summit Bank Deal Signals Continued Growth Trend
The credit union industry continues to embrace bank acquisitions as a strategic growth pathway, with the recent announcement by $1.3 billion San Francisco Feder…
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Remain independent · July 2025Credit Unions Must Evolve to Thrive
Any credit union using yesterday’s business practices to operate in today’s fast-paced business environment will struggle to survive into the future. The best-p…
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Analysis · June 2025More Mergers Occurring For Strategic Reasons Rather Than Financial Distress
While mergers continue unabated in the credit union industry, the reasons for undertaking them has shifted over the years. As we reported in our 2019 white pape…
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CEO retirement · June 2025What Should You Be Looking for in a Successor CEO?
Succession planning is getting considerable attention in 2025, as the deadline draws nearer to the NCUA final rule requiring that federally insured credit union…
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CEO retirement · June 2025In Prioritizing Succession Planning, Credit Unions May Also Wish to Consider Mergers
Succession planning has been a hot topic in the credit union space over the last several years, fueled in part by the National Credit Union Association’s rule t…
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Scale · June 2025Three Pathways for Credit Unions to Achieve Scale
Scale is one of the hottest topics in credit union operations these days. With the rising cost of technology, operations, talent acquisition, and other business…
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White paper · Part 1 of 3 · June 2025 · 33 pagesWhat Credit Unions Need to Know About Bank Acquisitions: How to Get Started
For credit union CEOs, CFOs and boards weighing a first bank purchase: why credit unions buy banks, which banks fit, and how to find one.
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Analysis · May 2025Credit Union Mergers Analysis: First Quarter 2025
An analysis of credit union mergers for the first quarter of 2025 shows quarterly fluctuation in the number of approved transactions, with a slight decrease in …
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Bank acquisitions · May 2025Credit Unions Find Viable Growth Path with Bank Acquisitions
For decades, credit unions and banks experienced no crossover in their merger and acquisition strategies. Credit unions merged with other credit unions, banks a…
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Bank acquisitions · May 2025
CEO Advisory Group Facilitates Strategic Acquisition
Frontier Credit Union to Acquire First Citizens Bank of Butte CEO Advisory Group is pleased to announce our role as financial advisor to Frontier Credit Union i…
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Bank acquisitions · March 2025Bank Acquisition Boom: How Credit Unions Are Changing the M&A Landscape
CEO Advisory Group Releases New Whitepaper: "What Credit Unions Need to Know About Bank Acquisitions" First installment of three-part series provides strategic …
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CEO retirement · February 2025NCUA Final Succession Planning Rule Explained
In December, the NCUA approved its final credit union successional planning rule, which requires federally insured credit union boards to establish succession p…
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Analysis · November 2024Credit Union Merger Approvals Q3 2024
An analysis of credit union mergers for the third quarter of 2024 shows an upward trend in both the number of approved transactions and the combined asset size …
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Analysis · September 2024Credit Union Merger Approvals 2Q 2024
NCUA approved 46 mergers in Q2 of 2024 which increased from 26 last quarter. The combined assets of merged credit unions total $3.3B, which compares to $3.7B la…
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Right partner · April 2024Careful Planning is Essential to Successfully Executing a Merger with Another Credit Union
Difficult economic conditions, increased funding costs and competition from larger institutions will continue to drive credit unions to combine to sharpen their…
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Bank acquisitions · January 2024
CEO Advisory Group is Consultant to HVCU in Proposed Bank Acquisition
Hudson Valley Credit Union, headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Kingston, New York based Catskill Hudson Ban…
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CEO retirement · November 2023How the Demand for Tech Talent Complicates Succession Planning
Succession planning for credit unions has become more complex these days because of the rapidly evolving skills required to run a financial institution. The ris…
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Analysis · November 2023Credit Union Merger Approvals 3Q 2023
NCUA approved 39 mergers in Q2 of 2023 which increased from 36 last quarter. The combined assets of merged credit unions totals $946M, which compares to $2.7B l…
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CEO retirement · October 2023How Mergers Can Build the Talent Pipeline
Where will your future leaders come from? The question has taken on greater urgency in today’s quickly changing workforce. CEOs are retiring at an unprecedented…
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Bank acquisitions · September 2023Why Credit Unions Are Acquiring Banks at a Record Pace
When credit unions look for merger partners, they increasingly are considering banks. S&P Global reports that credit unions entered into a record number of …
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CEO retirement · July 2023Two Key Issues for Boards: Succession Planning and Merger Considerations
by Teresa Freeborn, Guest Writer
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CEO retirement · July 2023Succession Planning with an Eye Towards Mergers as an Option
CEO Advisory Group Explores Succession Planning And Mergers in Latest White Paper
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Scale · July 2023Digital Is Becoming More Important in Merger Considerations
Digital has been an absolute game-changer in the financial services market. Credit unions in the aggregate are doing a fine job keeping pace with the competitio…
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Approached · May 2023Too Many Credit Unions Lack a Merger Policy
There are two potential approaches that credit unions can take to address merger opportunities: proactive or reactive. A proactive approach entails having a str…
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Right partner · April 2023Financial Accounting Standards Board Moving Forward with Changes to Merger Accounting Standards
If you’re pondering the best timing for a potential merger acquisition, then one of the issues you should consider is the Federal Accounting Standards Board’s o…
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Bank acquisitions · December 2022
CEO Advisory Group is Lead Financial Advisor to Dort Financial CU in its Proposed Acquisition of Flagler Bank
Dort Financial Credit Union, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire West Palm Beach, Florida based Flagler Bank.
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Remain independent · December 2022Does Your Board Governance Provide a Framework for Addressing Mergers?
Most important decisions in life require a framework from which you can understand the full picture and gain insights regarding the pros and cons of the pathway…
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CEO retirement · October 2022CEO Perspective - Obstacles to Mergers
We've talked about the people or groups of people who are sometimes averse to considering a merger when a potential partner presents itself, but we haven't real…
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Analysis · September 2022Credit Union Merger Approvals 2Q 2022
Credit Union Merger Approvals 2Q 2022
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Analysis · May 2022Credit Union Merger Approvals 1Q 2022
NCUA approved 41 mergers in Q1 of 2022 which increased from 40 last quarter. The combined assets of merged credit unions is $5.5B, which compares to $1.5B last …
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Approached · April 2021Credit Union Guidelines for Merger Proposals
Has your board of directors developed a former merger policy or guidelines for considering a merger?
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Approached · February 2021Mergers Dismissed Without Consideration
When a credit union is faced with a merger, it's also faced with the ability to strategically align itself against competing for financial institutions. Mergers…
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Approached · October 2020Fiduciary Duty to Consider Merger Proposal
When it comes to credit union regulations, leaders' fiduciary duty to consider merger proposals is of the utmost importance.
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Remain independent · June 2020Important Factors in Assessing a CU Merger
Credit union mergers have become increasingly more common. From the 23,000 credit unions that existed at their peak in 1969 to the 5,200 credit unions that exis…
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Approached · May 2020How Receptive Is Credit Union Leadership to a Merger?
In the world of credit unions, mergers are an essential part of growing and staying relevant. In fact, a well-planned merger can actually help you gain a signif…
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Remain independent · April 2020Is Now the Right Time for Your Credit Union to Consider a Strategic Merger?
One of the leading reasons credit unions engage in mergers is declining membership, according to a study conducted by the National Credit Union Administration (…
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Member vote · October 2019Aligning Executive Compensation With Member Interests In A Merger
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Right partner · September 2019The Art and Science of Successful Credit Union Mergers
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Approached · May 2019When Prospective Partners Come Knocking
New White Paper Explores Obstacles to CU Merger Proposals
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White paper · May 2019 · 37 pagesWhen Prospective Partners Come Knocking: Board and Management Responsibilities
For credit union boards and CEOs: how to prepare for a merger proposal and evaluate it on members’ interests, before one arrives.
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Right partner · March 2019Forms Integration and Credit Union Mergers | What You Need to Know
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Right partner · December 2018Key Considerations in Merger
Credit union mergers are a huge undertaking. They can be confusing, are most certainly exhausting, and create a bit of chaos during the process. However, you ca…
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Merger of equals · November 2018Seven B.C. Credit Unions Explore Forming a “Regional Amalgamation”
In this atmosphere of hyper-competition in the financial services industry, credit unions throughout North America are exploring the potential of strengthening …
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Analysis · October 2018Credit Union Merger Approvals -- August 2018
NCUA approved 16 mergers in August 2018 which increased from 14 last month. The number of mergers is up, and the combined assets of merged credit unions are als…
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Analysis · September 2018Credit Union Merger Approvals -- July 2018
NCUA approved 14 mergers in July 2018 which increased from 12 last month. The number of mergers is up, and the combined assets of merged credit unions are also …
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Bank acquisitions · September 2018Bank Branch Acquisition Offers Credit Unions Another Option To Expand
As the recent acquisition of a community bank branch by Vocal Credit Union demonstrates, mergers aren’t the only avenue open to credit unions aiming to expand t…
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Bank acquisitions · September 2018Credit Union-Bank Merger Considerations
2017 saw a total of 7 credit union-buying-bank deals announced, with one being terminated. As of March 22, 2018, there have already been four deals of the same …
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CEO retirement · September 2018Executive Compensation In A Merger
The success of credit union mergers is largely dependent upon CEOs' perceptions of the process. There are typically many unknowns when a credit union is first a…
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Analysis · August 2018Credit Union Merger Approvals -- June 2018
NCUA approved 12 mergers in June 2018 which decreased from 19 last month. The number of mergers is down, and the combined assets of merged credit unions are als…
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Analysis · July 2018Credit Union Merger Approvals - May 2018
NCUA approved 19 mergers in May 2018 which increased from 12 last month. The number of mergers is up and the combined assets of merged credit unions are also up…
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Member vote · July 2018Overcoming The Fear Of Merger
If your credit union has never been through a merger before, the entire idea can be frightening for everyone involved, from the C-suite to the newest employees.…
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Analysis · May 2018Credit Union Merger Approvals - April 2018
NCUA approved 12 mergers in April 2018 which decreased from 13 last month. The number of mergers are down however the combined assets of merged credit unions ar…
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CEO retirement · May 2018Change-In-Control Agreements - Align Member And Executive Interests
New White Paper Explores Change-in-Control Agreements as a Tool in Credit Union Merger Discussions KENT, Wash. (May 31, 2018)—Change-in-control agreements may b…
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Right partner · May 2018Pre-Merger Considerations For Credit Unions
The number of mergers and acquisitions between credit unions has been steadily growing for several years, with the majority involving credit unions under the $1…
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CEO retirement · May 2018Worried About Your Role As CEO Post Merger?
As a CEO, you've likely spent many years procuring your credit union into what it is today. You've logged countless hours in board meetings, met with staff at a…
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Analysis · April 2018Credit Union Merger Approvals - March 2018
NCUA approved 13 mergers in March 2018 which increased from 9 last month. The number of mergers are up and the combined assets of merged credit unions are up ne…
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Right partner · April 2018Using Technology To Streamline Merger Integration
It's no secret that there are a lot of moving parts when merger integration enters the picture for credit unions. Leaders are combining two different sets of da…
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White paper · April 2018 · 20 pagesPutting Members’ Interests First: Change-in-Control Agreements
For credit union boards and CEOs: how change-in-control agreements let executives weigh a merger offer on its merits, and how to structure them.
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Analysis · March 2018Credit Union Merger Approvals - February 2018
NCUA approved 9 mergers in February 2018 which decreased from 20 last month. The number of mergers are down and the combined assets of merged credit unions are …
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Right partner · March 2018
Using Technology To Enable Collaboration During A Merger
Technology plays a key role in streamlining the merger integration process. Utilizing a digital M&A system allows credit unions to collaborate in the cloud.…
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Remain independent · March 2018Why Credit Unions Should Be Terrified!
New Research Results and Why Credit Union PERSONAs should be Terrified!
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CEO retirement · March 2018
The Merged CEO's Future After The Merger
CEOs have several great pathways in a credit union merger. Learn about the options and process for securing a great future through a merger, whether it be conti…
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Analysis · February 2018Credit Union Merger Approvals - January 2018
NCUA approved 20 mergers in January 2018 which increased from 8 last month. The combined assets of merged credit unions are up nearly $342M compared to last mon…
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Right partner · February 2018FTC Announces New Premerger Notification Thresholds For 2018
In addition to explaining the filing requirements for credit union mergers, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (HSRA) requires an annual update to…
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Scale · November 2017Top Financial Industry Performers Win with Intelligence
The onslaught of fintech on traditional financial institutions (FIs) continues at a dizzying rate. In Q1 of 2017 alone, $2.7B was invested in 226 deals. Those f…
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Analysis · November 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - September 2017
NCUA approved 18 mergers in September 2017 which decreased from 21 last month. The number of mergers are down and the combined assets of merged credit unions ar…
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Right partner · October 2017Managing the Complex Merger Integration Process
When it comes to sales and acquisitions in the business world, there are few times when it is beneficial to go it alone. Without the assistance of a trained pro…
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Member vote · October 2017Not A Wall Street Merger - A Uniquely Credit Union Merger
Suddenly, the crowd erupted. Tears started flowing.
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Analysis · October 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - August 2017
NCUA approved 21 mergers in August 2017 which increased from 11 last month. The number of mergers are up and the combined assets of merged credit unions are up …
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Right partner · October 2017
No Time to Manage a Merger?
In any business, the day-to-day happenings are usually more than enough to fill a staff member's full-time work schedule. Everybody's operating on overdrive alr…
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Analysis · September 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - July 2017
NCUA approved 11 mergers in July 2017 which decreased from 21 last month. The number of mergers are down and the combined assets of merged credit unions are dow…
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Remain independent · September 2017Survive or Thrive? - The Question Credit Union Leadership Must Answer
In a perfect world, every business would be built to last forever, but that's simply not the way things go. Competition ebbs and flows, some industries flourish…
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Member vote · August 20173 HR Issues to Address in a Merger
Industry mergers can always present challenges for those in the human resources department, but especially so when it comes to credit unions. Navigating those r…
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Analysis · July 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - June 2017
NCUA approved 21 mergers in June 2017 which increased from 17 last month. The number of mergers are up yet the combined assets of merged credit unions are down …
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Member vote · July 2017Three Things To Expect During A Credit Union Merger
Credit union mergers are more commonplace now than ever. They happen for different reasons. Some mergers are vehicles for growth. Others are a means of survival…
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Member vote · July 20175 Ways Employees Benefit From A Credit Union Merger
It seems that most of the time when employees hear whispers of a merger, they instantly become uncomfortable and begin to worry about their future. In fact, jus…
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Analysis · June 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - May 2017
NCUA approved 17 mergers in May 2017 which increased from 11 last month. The number of mergers are up and the combined assets of merged credit unions are up nea…
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Member vote · June 20175 Ways to Support Your Employees During a Merger
Organizational change can be quite exciting for credit union leaders. In the face of a merger, decision makers have put a lot of time, effort, and research into…
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Member vote · May 2017Management - 5 Ways to Support Your Credit Union During a Merger
Organizational change: is it incredibly exciting or simply terrifying?
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Analysis · May 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - April 2017
NCUA approved 11 mergers in April 2017 which increased from 8 last month. The number of mergers are up and the combined assets of merged credit unions are up ne…
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Analysis · April 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - March 2017
NCUA approved 8 mergers in March 2017 which decreased from 14 last month. The number of mergers are down and the combined assets of merged credit unions are up …
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Analysis · March 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - February 2017
NCUA approved 14 mergers in February 2017 which decreased from 21 last month. The number of mergers are down and the combined assets of merged credit unions are…
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Remain independent · March 2017Can The Network Credit Union Model Help You Compete?
The National Credit Union Association has suggested in more than one article that small credit unions should at least consider the idea of a network merger in t…
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Member vote · March 2017Mergers Offer Opportunities for Credit Union Members, Employees
Banks are in business for profit, and their clientele are exactly that: customers fueling profits. The advantage of credit union banking has always been its cus…
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Right partner · March 2017Credit Union Mergers & Real Estate Due Diligence
Real estate holdings and leases are a big component in credit union mergers and can be one of the key advantages. For example, most institutions consider three …
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Analysis · February 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - January 2017
NCUA approved 21 mergers in January 2017 which increased from 18 last month. There is one credit union, Pentagon, that merged 3 smaller credit unions this month…
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Member vote · February 2017The 3rd Best Day of My Life
We lifted our glasses of champagne in celebration; After months of evaluating merger proposals from several credit unions, selecting a finalist, and completing …
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Analysis · February 2017Credit Union Merger Approvals - December 2016
NCUA approved 18 mergers in December 2016 which stayed the same from 18 last month. The difference is that there is one credit union, Indianhead, that merged 4 …
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Scale · January 2017How Small Credit Unions Benefit From Mergers
Today's financial market is extremely competitive and most smaller banks and credit unions face a difficult uphill battle in trying to survive among their large…
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Scale · January 2017Instant Gratification Through Mergers
Small credit union managers can be forgiven for feeling a little stressed. They regularly face one of the most challenging jobs in the financial industry: tryin…
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Remain independent · January 2017The Squeeze On Small Credit Unions
There was a time when a quaint, small credit union could compete with the bigger organizations in town. In simpler times, things were a lot different; however, …
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Analysis · December 2016Credit Union Mergers Approvals - November 2016
NCUA approved 18 mergers in November 2016 which decreased from 11 in October.
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Remain independent · December 2016Should Credit Unions Grow For Growth's Sake?
“We don’t want to grow just for growth’s sake.” It’s a comment I almost always hear during strategic planning sessions, and it reveals a potentially disastrous …
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Scale · December 2016
Every Credit Union Needs A Growth Plan
Growth -- It's a word synonymous with success for most businesses. In the credit union world, however, growth isn't necessarily as cut-and-dry as building a big…
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Analysis · December 2016Credit Union Mergers - October 2016
NCUA approved 11 mergers in October 2016 which decreased from 19 last month.
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Right partner · October 20165 Steps To Merger Success
As a credit union leader, you should always have your eye on the competition. In today's aggressive market, it's not always just about making your credit union …
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Member vote · October 20165 Ways Members Benefit From A Credit Union Merger
The beautiful thing about a credit union merger is that everyone enjoys positive change, including the consumers. Member merger benefits range from financial to…
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Right partner · October 2016Considerations for Adding a Merger to Your Credit Union’s Growth Strategy
In the credit union industry, size matters. Mergers offer credit unions a strategic opportunity to gain a competitive advantage through growth.
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Member vote · October 20165 Ways Employees Benefit From Mergers
Just the term “merger” can send shivers through your employees – what will happen after two companies combine, and how will it affect you? Adversarial mergers f…
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Remain independent · September 2016Mergers: A Key Topic for Director Education
It seems mergers are always a topic of discussion in the credit union world these days. Interestingly enough, however, despite the constant conversation around …
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Analysis · September 2016Credit Union Mergers - August 2016
NCUA approved 19 mergers in August 2016 which has increased from 11 last month.
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Member vote · August 2016Credit Union Mergers Enhance Members' Financial Lives
A white paper recently submitted by students of the Southeast CUNA Management School, "Perceptions and Realities Surrounding Credit Union Mergers," has revealed…
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Analysis · August 2016Credit Union Mergers - July 2016
NCUA approved 11 mergers in July 2016 which has decreased from 16 last month.
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Scale · August 2016Millennials Are Key To Credit Union Growth
Millennials, that tenacious generation born during the late 80’s and through the 2000’s, are the driving force behind a significant upsurge in credit union grow…
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Analysis · August 2016Credit Union Mergers - June 2016
NCUA approved 16 mergers in June 2016 which is up from 10 last month.
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Scale · July 2016The Challenge Of Keeping Up With Member Expectations
Consumers today know what they want. They do the research, shop around, and put due diligence into every decision they make. When it comes to their money, most …
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Scale · July 20163 Technologies That Are Key To Your Credit Union's Success
Have you ever stopped to think about how much technology you truly use in a day? The number of times you reach for your cell phone, rely on an app, and consult …
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Analysis · June 2016Credit Union Mergers - May 2016
Mergers approvals were down by half in May. NCUA approved 10 mergers in May 2016 which are down from 20 the previous month.
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CEO retirement · June 2016Credit Union Succession Planning Options
From the very day a credit union is founded, planning for the future should always be on the agenda. While the economy will certainly hit ebbs and flows along t…
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Member vote · June 2016Credit Union Mergers: Maximizing Benefits & Best Practices
You have a lot to celebrate when you've created a credit union that is successful enough to be sought after by larger financial institutions. All of your hard w…
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Remain independent · May 2016Optimizing Credit Union Financial Health & Avoiding Merger Pitfalls
The word "merger" can incite a variety of feelings, emotions, and opinions from credit union leaders. Ideally, credit union board and executive team members hav…
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Analysis · May 2016Credit Union Merger Approvals - April 2016
Mergers approvals were down slightly in April. NCUA approved 20 mergers in April 2016 which are down from 23 last month.
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Member vote · May 2016Credit Union Mergers: Celebrating the Success!
For many business leaders, part of the American Dream is creating a company that is so successful it will one day be sold to a larger entity.
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Remain independent · May 20169 Ratios For Evaluating Whether Your Credit Union Should Consider A Merger
A board’s responsibilities are all-encompassing, but at the foundation of every decision the board makes should be devising ways to deliver great value to membe…
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Scale · April 2016The Big Get Bigger
In a tumultuous digital financial landscape, today’s credit unions are better positioned than ever before.
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Scale · April 2016Growth Is Costing Small Credit Unions A Marketing Fortune
The year 2014 was historic for membership growth. For the first time in the history of the movement, credit unions surpassed the 100 million mark in total membe…
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Analysis · April 2016Credit Union Merger Approvals - March 2016
Mergers approvals picked up in March. NCUA approved 23 mergers in March 2016 which is the highest approval rate so far this year. March credit union merger appr…
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Analysis · March 2016Credit Union Merger Approvals - February 2016
Mergers approvals are off to a slow start this year. The NCUA approved 15 mergers in February 2016 which is equal to the number of approvals from last month. Al…
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Remain independent · March 2016Small Credit Unions Feeling Squeezed By Compliance Costs
In the world of financial services, modifications to regulatory governance can change rapidly. In fact, some would argue that each new day in the credit union b…
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Member vote · March 2016
Guiding Credit Unions To Merger Success
More than 20 credit unions merge every month, and for good reason: they can achieve more together than they can alone. By joining forces, they grow their member…
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Analysis · February 2016Credit Union Merger Approvals - January 2016
To begin the year NCUA approved 15 mergers in January 2016, which is down from the 20 mergers in December and 19 in January of last year.
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Right partner · February 20167 Teams For Your Credit Union Merger
The credit union merger process is relatively complex and needs careful management to ensure a successful outcome. Apart from the merger team that oversees the …
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Right partner · January 2016As an Acquiring Credit Union Who Should Be On Your Merger Team?
The process of merging credit unions must be carefully managed to ensure the combined credit union is financially stronger and that it benefits all members. It'…
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Analysis · January 2016Credit Union Merger Approvals - November 2015
Similar to last month the NCUA approved 19 mergers in November 2015, which is down from the 22 mergers in October of last year.
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Remain independent · December 2015Is the Compliance Burden Driving your Credit Union to Consider a Merger?
If you're a leader in your credit union, compliance is certainly not a new issue. The compliance burden of today's market is significant and costly; nor will it…
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Remain independent · December 20157 Elements of a Strategic Growth Plan
Strategic organizational growth doesn't happen by accident, or without plenty of care and nurturing. This is especially true with credit unions, where members b…
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Analysis · December 2015NCUA Approves 19 Mergers in October
The number of mergers is down compared to last month and year. The NCUA approved 19 mergers in October 2015, which is down from the 28 mergers last month and 28…
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Scale · November 2015Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Mergers & Acquisitions
In the business world, mergers and acquisitions are often something feared by the masses. Credit unions, however, operate under a different umbrella where these…
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Right partner · November 2015Merger Success Begins with Soft Side Due Diligence
Credit union mergers are beneficial not only for the acquiring institution, but also for the institution being acquired, and the members and employees of both. …
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Analysis · November 2015Credit Union Merger Approvals September 2015
The number of mergers is up compared to last month and year. The NCUA approved 28 mergers in September 2015, which is up from the 16 mergers last month and 20 i…
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Scale · October 20153 Ways a Merger Can Help Your Credit Union Capture More Business
An economic research by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco published in September, 2011 shows that in 1969, when there were 23,866 credit unions in the U…
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Analysis · October 2015August Delivers 16 Credit Union Mergers
The number of mergers is down compared to last month and year. The NCUA approved 16 mergers in August 2015, which is down from the 20 mergers in July and 25 in …
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CEO retirement · October 20153 Approaches to Succession Planning
Credit unions are facing an intense, competitive environment. Selecting a strong leader is paramount to the credit union's success. The skills required of a Chi…
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Scale · October 2015Branches aren’t dead yet, invigorate your growth with mergers
Chances are growth strategies will once again be the central topic of discussion at your strategic planning session this autumn. You’ve heard the prediction “br…
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Member vote · September 20155 HR Due Diligence Issues For Your Credit Union Merger
No doubt you have examined the employee benefits of your credit union merger; noting the new organization will offer members better benefits and more opportunit…
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Analysis · September 2015NCUA Approves 20 Credit Union Mergers in July
Mergers declined in July compared to last month and a year ago. The NCUA approved 20 mergers in July 2015, which is down from the 25 mergers in July of last yea…
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Member vote · September 2015What Are the Members' Benefits in a Credit Union Merger?
To those on the outside, a credit union merger can seem like a scary proposition. When you and your board position your credit union for a merger with another, …
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Scale · August 20155 Strategies to Position Your Credit Union for Success with Millennials
The World Council of Credit Unions reports that the average age of members to credit unions is 47 in U.S. This makes drawing in Millennials more important than …
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Scale · August 20155 Tips For How Digital Marketing Can Help Your Credit Union Generate Loan Growth
It’s a simple fact of life that virtually every successful credit union focuses on loan growth as a major strategic priority. Of course, the challenge lies in f…
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Member vote · August 2015Wisconsin Credit Unions Merge with Great Energy and Enthusiasm
Two Wisconsin based credit unions have taken the steps to be better together. Community Credit Union, with $123 million in assets is merging into Verge, a Credi…
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Member vote · August 20155 Ways to Motivate Employees During a Credit Union Merger
Credit union mergers are common. According to the National Credit Union Association (NCUA), there were 19 mergers in May, 25 mergers in April, and 12 mergers in…
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Member vote · July 2015Sustaining Employee Morale and Productivity During Merger
Credit union mergers are tough proceedings, both for leaders guiding the process and employees who are anxious over potential outcomes. Employee anxiety can lea…
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Analysis · July 2015NCUA Approved Credit Union Mergers - May 2015
Reversing a trend, the number of mergers is up compared to last year. The NCUA approved 19 mergers in May 2015 which is up from the 16 mergers in May of last ye…
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Remain independent · July 2015Role of Board of Directors in Strategic Planning
Directors of credit unions have the responsibility for setting the direction of the credit union and exercising overall control. As such, they are ultimately re…
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Remain independent · July 2015Time for a Strategic Planning Makeover?
The Need for Change All industries face changes that require a strategic planning makeover, and the credit union industry isn’t much different.
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Analysis · June 2015NCUA Approved Credit Union Mergers - April 2015
For the third month in a row the number of credit union mergers is down compared to last year. The NCUA approved 25 mergers in April 2015 which is down from the…
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Remain independent · June 20156 Growth Strategies for Small & Medium Credit Unions
Sustained growth can seem insurmountable as a small credit union or medium-sized credit union in a large market.
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Analysis · May 2015Credit Union Merger Approvals Up Slightly in March
The NCUA approved 12 mergers in March 2015 which is down from the 22 mergers in March of last year.
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Analysis · May 2015Top 20 Credit Union Mergers 2014
The 20 largest mergers approved by the NCUA in 2014 accounted for nearly $3 billion in assets. This represented nearly 20% of the assets of the credit unions th…
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Analysis · April 2015NCUA Approves 8 Mergers in February
The NCUA approved 8 mergers in February 2015 which is half the number of mergers from February of last year. While there were not many mergers, the average size…
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Remain independent · April 20154 Merger Strategies Credit Union Directors Should Consider
Mergers are transforming the credit union landscape. It is, therefore, ever more important for credit union leadership to be addressing the impact of mergers as…
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Member vote · February 2015Mergers May Be In Your Employees’ Best Interest, and Here’s Why
On the whole, credit unions are well known for taking care of not only their members, but their employees, too.
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Analysis · February 2015January 2015 Merger Approvals
The NCUA approved 21 mergers in January 2015 which is up from the 12 mergers in January of last year.
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Analysis · February 2015NCUA Approves 19 Mergers in December
The NCUA approved 19 mergers in December 2014 which is up from the 28 mergers in December of last year.
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News · January 2015
Are Mergers a Good Thing for Credit Union Members?
790 KGMI Radio Guest Host Mike Hudson recently invited Glenn Christensen, President of CEO Advisory Group, to participate on the show Saturday Morning Live. Gle…
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Analysis · January 2015NCUA Approves 22 Mergers in November
The NCUA approved 22 mergers in November 2014 which is up from the 17 mergers in November of last year. The combined assets of the merged credit unions are $434…
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Analysis · November 2014Merger Approvals Peak Again in October
The NCUA approved 28 mergers in October 2014 which is the second highest merger approval rate for the year.
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Member vote · October 2014Merger is a Win for the Community!
The proposed merger between First West Credit Union and Island Savings is a win for the Vancouver Island and Gulf Island communities.
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Analysis · October 2014NCUA Approves 20 Mergers in September 2014
The NCUA approved twenty (20) mergers in September 2014 which is down slightly from the previous two months.
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Merger of equals · October 2014Proactive Collaboration is the Future of Credit Union Mergers
Credit Union 2.0: An Opportunity to Build Collaborative Partnership is an outstanding report by Filene Research Institute provided courtesy of the Credit Union …
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Remain independent · September 2014The Future of Credit Unions - Average CU $2 Billion in Assets
Strategic planning season once again upon us. It is occasionally helpful to take a big step back from the annual planning cycle and truly contemplate the long t…
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Analysis · September 2014August Merger Approvals Mostly Tiny Credit Unions
Just as last month the NCUA approved twenty-five (25) mergers in August 2014.
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Analysis · September 2014NCUA Approves 25 Mergers in July 2014
Twenty-five(25) credit union mergers were approved by the NCUA in July 2014.
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Bank acquisitions · August 2014New Trend? Credit Union Acquires Bank
A new trend seems to be shaping up as more credit unions are considering bank acquisitions as part of their growth plans.
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Remain independent · July 2014Does Your Credit Union Need to Reinvent Its Swing?
Despite overwhelming success early in his career on the tour, Tiger Woods willingly took the risk of overhauling his swing in order to take him to the top of hi…
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Member vote · July 2014Members Win
Credit Unions often look to merger as an avenue for enhancement of member benefits. The paramount consideration for Credit Unions exploring merger opportunities…
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Member vote · July 2014Employees Win
The Credit Union is a unique environment in which the employees share a strong bond and connection with the credit union movement. For a Credit Union to grow an…
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Member vote · July 2014The Community Wins
Both the credit union and the community flourish as a result of increased out reach. As a credit union expands their resources, new jobs are created. As these n…
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Member vote · July 2014The Credit Union Wins
By joining forces both credit unions gain more resources. In turn this leads to: More for members; More for staff; and More for the community.
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Member vote · July 2014Everyone Wins
The great thing about credit union mergers is Everyone Wins!
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Remain independent · July 20123 Tips to Protect Credit Union Deposits
Think your credit union can't fail? Think again.
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Remain independent · August 2010Wake-Up Call
The recession of the last two years has been a wake-up call for the credit union industry. Despite the continuing troubling signs in the economy and for individ…
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Scale · July 20092008 National Credit Union Growth Study
Results from the 2008 National CEO Growth Survey were combined with an in‐depth industry analysis of NCUA 5300 Call Reports conducted by CEO Advisory Group. Thi…
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CEO retirement · May 2008Evaluating Leadership Quality in Succession Planning
By Dr. Dan Singer, Ph.D
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Remain independent · June 2007The Science of Growth
Is a good old-fashioned strategic plan in today’s highly competitive envi- ronment enough to help your credit union truly thrive? Not according to at least one …
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Scale · July 2005Market Expansion Through Mergers
The value of merging is becoming increasingly clear for both the continuing and acquired credit union. When you evaluate the drivers of value for members—rates,…
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Right partner · July 20048 Factors of a Successful Merger
In our work with credit unions, we've uncovered these crucial factors in managing a successful merger:
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Scale · July 2004The Urge to Merge
Many smaller credit unions consider mergers as a way to add value for their members by providing access to high-cost remote delivery channels and an expanded pr…
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Original research
Credit union merger statistics
NCUA-approved mergers each quarter: how many, how large, the reasons given, and credit union purchases of banks.
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The Bank Acquisitions series and Strategic Succession Planning, each with an open executive brief.
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Start a confidential conversationThe quarterly merger analysis
NCUA-approved mergers, their size and stated reasons, and credit union purchases of banks. Four times a year.