Youth banking is transforming how credit unions engage families and prepare the next generation for financial success. In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter sits down with Alexey Krasnoriadtsev, CEO and co-founder of boucoup, to explore innovative family banking solutions that are changing the game for credit unions. Alexey shares his remarkable journey from Soviet-era Belarus to becoming a fintech entrepreneur in Austin, Texas, and explains why digital banking tools for kids and teens are no longer optional—they're essential. The conversation reveals how to teach kids about money using banking apps through practical features like parental oversight, chores and allowance tracking, and even simulated loans that build real-world financial literacy.

What You Will Learn in This Episode: 

✅ How youth banking programs have evolved from money-losing initiatives to profitable opportunities for credit unions, with kids now holding $800-$1,500 in deposits and generating full asset yields on no-cost accounts.

✅ Why family banking tools with parental controls, money management features, and digital chores and allowance systems are essential for teaching financial literacy in a cashless society, where kids need cards earlier than ever before.

✅ The critical mistakes credit unions make during digital banking implementation, including inadequate testing of edge-case scenarios and a lack of proper project planning that leads to production problems.

✅ How innovative banking education features like parent-supervised loans with interest and late fees help teens experience real-world financial concepts like amortization before entering adulthood.

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Intro: The 25-year challenge credit unions face in attracting young people, and a conversation about youth banking solutions

03:17 Alexey Krasnoriadtsev shares his origin story, from Soviet-era Belarus to America, working as a dishwasher and theme park cleaner before founding his mobile banking app company

10:30 Banking On solves a California credit union's digital banking crisis, transforming thousands of one-star reviews into five-star ratings through API-connected mobile banking apps

13:32 Boucoup, the family banking concept, explains how financial literacy tools help parents supervise kids' spending through chores and allowance, loans, and kid debit cards

26:22 Critical advice on credit union innovation implementation, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive testing, project planning, and quality assurance 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

✅ Youth banking is now a profitable strategy—today's cashless society means kids need cards early, resulting in average deposits of $800 for 13-year-olds and $1,500 for 17-year-olds, generating full 4% asset yields on no-cost accounts.

✅ Family banking tools create emotional bonds and practical financial literacy through features like peer-to-peer transfers with photos, digital chores and allowance tracking, and parent-supervised loans with interest rates and late fees that teach real-world financial concepts.

✅ Successful digital banking implementation requires comprehensive testing. Credit unions must demand detailed project plans, test 60+ edge-case scenarios with multiple accounts, and invest in quality assurance before production launch.

✅ Member engagement with the next generation starts with solving parent pain points—giving kids supervised debit cards instead of credit cards creates sticky family banking relationships where entire households bank together at one institution.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

CEO @ boucoup - super-charged youth banking platform

Boucoup - Website

Alexey Krasnoriadtsev - LinkedIn 

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Youth Banking, Family Banking, Digital Banking, How To Money Management, Parental Controls, Banking Education, Teach Kids About Money Using Banking Apps, Chores And Allowance, Financial Literacy, Mobile Banking Apps, Debit Cards For Kids, Bocoup, Beaucoup Youth Banking Program

Commercial lending negotiations require a different approach than consumer lending in credit unions. In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter talks with Steve Young, veteran relationship management professional at MBFS, about the art of business lending. Steve shares his journey from baseball to becoming a trusted advisor in the credit union space. They explore key differences between consumer and commercial lending, including interest rate negotiations, collateral requirements, and loan covenants. Steve emphasizes being genuine and responsive while building member relationships in credit union business lending, matching deals with appropriate credit unions, and explaining why documentation matters in every transaction.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

✅ How commercial lending negotiations differ from consumer loans, including the importance of loan structuring, collateral requirements, and loan covenants, rather than focusing solely on interest rates.

✅ Strategies for effective relationship management as a commercial loan officer, including being chameleon-like with different business types and serving as a trusted advisor to credit union members.

✅ Best practices for portfolio management and risk assessment, including why former collectors make excellent lenders and how to properly document terms and conditions throughout the lending process.

✅ Techniques for matching business lending opportunities with the right credit unions based on their culture, risk tolerance, lending areas, and membership requirements.

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Intro: Meet Steve Young and learn how commercial lending negotiations differ from standardized consumer loan processes in credit unions

01:30 Steve’s career journey from minor league baseball with the Dodgers to becoming a commercial loan officer, and how he learned business lending fundamentals 

05:00 Steve explains his role as a relationship manager at MBFS, serving multiple credit unions while working with brokers on commercial real estate deals

07:23 Discussion of "membership bingo" and matching deals to appropriate credit unions based on their risk tolerance, lending preferences, and portfolio management strategies

09:28 The importance of looking beyond interest rate negotiations to include loan covenants, collateral requirements, personal guarantees, and proper documentation in loan structuring

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💲Former collectors make excellent commercial loan officers because they've seen deals go from good to bad and heard all the stories, making them better at risk assessment and understanding the importance of proper loan structuring from the start.

💲Commercial lending negotiations should focus on the total loan package, not just interest rates. Consider loan covenants, collateral requirements, personal guarantees, and release schedules to create a comprehensive deal structure.

💲Being a trusted advisor means matching the right deals with the right credit unions based on their specific lending preferences, asset classes, and membership requirements rather than forcing ill-fitting deals.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Steve Young - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Commercial Lending Negotiations, Relationship Management, Business Lending, Interest Rate Negotiations, Building Member Relationships In Credit Union Business Lending Communities, Loan Structuring, Collateral Requirements, Loan Covenants, Commercial Loan Officer, Trusted Advisor, Risk Assessment, Commercial Loan Officer

Gen Z banking preferences take center stage as Mark Ritter, host of Credit Union Conversations, interviews his son Ethan Ritter, a University of Pittsburgh finance student. This episode explores what credit union membership means to younger consumers and reveals surprising insights about mobile banking apps and digital engagement. Ethan shares candid perspectives on financial technology expectations, explaining why online account opening capabilities are non-negotiable for his generation. The conversation challenges conventional wisdom about how to attract Gen Z members to credit unions through social media advertising, revealing that technology quality trumps traditional marketing approaches for younger consumers.

What You Will Learn in This Episode: 

✅ Why mobile banking apps are the most critical factor for Gen Z banking customers, who prioritize app functionality over in-person branch visits and website experiences

✅ How credit unions can leverage financial technology and digital banking experience to attract younger members instead of relying on traditional member engagement strategies

✅ The truth about personalized marketing effectiveness with Gen Z consumers and why social media advertising may not deliver the results financial institutions expect

✅ Real insights into student banking behaviors, including common financial mistakes like sports gambling and food delivery services that impact young consumers' saving potential

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Introduction to Gen Z banking featuring Ethan Ritter

02:09 Ethan shares his educational background and his work in finance at both the university and a local credit union 

05:19 Mobile banking apps versus in-person branch banking: Ethan explains why Gen Z banking customers see financial services as a transaction, not a relationship

08:30 Online account opening requirements and why requiring in-person visits causes younger consumers to choose different financial institutions

11:38 Gen Z consumers never discuss their banks or credit unions with peers, even among finance majors managing real investment portfolios

13:43 How Gen Z consumers waste money, discussion of cryptocurrency and home ownership

20:10 Technology-first strategy for credit unions to attract younger members: why financial technology quality matters more than rates or traditional member engagement

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💰Gen Z banking customers rank app quality as their top priority—if they have to open a website or call someone, the financial institution has already failed to meet their expectations

💰Credit union membership isn't a topic of conversation even among financially savvy finance majors; younger consumers only consider switching institutions after major service failures

💰Personalized marketing through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok doesn't resonate with Gen Z consumers for serious financial decisions, as they prefer researching options independently when needed

💰Credit unions must prioritize showcasing their financial technology and app capabilities over traditional messaging about rates and member care to attract younger members successfully

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Ethan Ritter - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Gen Z Banking, Credit Union Membership, Mobile Banking Apps, Financial Technology, Online Account Opening, How To Attract Gen Z Members To Credit Unions, Digital Banking Experience, Member Engagement, Personalized Marketing, Gen Z Consumers, Financial Institutions, Student Banking

Insights on New York City travel by Credit Union Conversations host Mark Ritter and guest Azra Samiee reveal authentic experiences beyond typical tourist attractions. In this engaging episode, Mark shares his journey from small-town Pennsylvania to becoming a NYC enthusiast, while Azra, a 13-year Brooklyn resident, offers insider recommendations. Discover Brooklyn neighborhoods and restaurants guide favorites, including Red Hook's legendary burger at Red Hook Tavern and Steve's Key Lime Pie. Learn about convenient transportation options like the East River Ferry and City Bike NYC. From Comedy Shows to Chelsea Market, this conversation covers essential stops while avoiding overcrowded spots like Times Square.

What You Will Learn in This Episode: 

✅ Navigate New York City like a local using Subway Navigation tips and alternative transportation options, including the East River Ferry and City Bike NYC system for exploring multiple boroughs efficiently.

✅ Discover authentic Brooklyn Attractions beyond the typical tourist path, including Dumbo Brooklyn, Red Hook Brooklyn, and Prospect Park, with insider dining recommendations from Thai Restaurants to legendary Pizza places in NYC.

✅ Plan the perfect Manhattan experience with expert guidance on NYC Steakhouses, Comedy Shows in New York, and cultural destinations like the Museum of Natural History and Chelsea Market while strategically avoiding overcrowded areas.

✅ Create memorable experiences combining food, entertainment, and sightseeing, from Broadway shows to waterfront sunsets, using local knowledge to maximize your visit to America's most dynamic city.

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Mark’s personal journey discovering New York City as a first-time visitor at age 35

02:21 Discussion of subway navigation techniques and Mark's typical tourist routine visiting Manhattan destinations like Penn Station and Soho shopping areas, plus his love for NYC steakhouses

04:53 Azra recommends exploring Brooklyn attractions as the best way to experience authentic NYC, introducing transportation alternatives like City Bike NYC and the East River Ferry for accessing different boroughs

07:33 Detailed Brooklyn neighborhoods and restaurants guide covering Dumbo, Brooklyn and Red Hook, Brooklyn, featuring Steve's Key Lime Pie shop, Red Hook Tavern's famous burger, and Littlefield Comedy Shows

11:20 Discussion of NYC entertainment venues, including the Comedy Cellar and the Stand for Comedy Shows New York, plus Broadway Shows recommendations and appreciation for Chelsea Market located in the historic Nabisco factory building

12:12 Final restaurant recommendations covering favorite Pizza Places NYC, Thai restaurants like Nourish Thai in Brooklyn, and Azra's role as tourism ambassador, concluding this New York City travel guide episode with holiday visit planning

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

✅ Brooklyn offers more authentic New York City experiences than typical Manhattan tourist spots, with neighborhoods like Dumbo, Brooklyn and Red Hook providing waterfront views, exceptional dining, and local charm away from crowded areas like Times Square.

✅ Transportation variety enhances your NYC visit. While Subway Navigation using Google Maps works for beginners, the East River Ferry offers scenic routes between boroughs. City Bike NYC provides an adventurous way to explore, though bike riding in the city requires confidence and aggressive navigation.

✅ Comedy shows in New York venues like the Comedy Cellar, the Stand, and Littlefield in South Brooklyn provide excellent entertainment alternatives to Broadway Shows, with shorter time commitments and more flexible scheduling for visitors who prefer not to commit to lengthy performances.

✅ Local food favorites span from NYC Steakhouses like Keen's to corner Pizza Places NYC offering $1.50 slices, Chelsea Market food halls, Steve's Key Lime Pie in Red Hook, and Thai Restaurants like Nourish Thai, proving that authentic dining experiences exist at every price point across all boroughs.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Azra Samiee - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, QSO, Subway Navigation, Dumbo Brooklyn, Red Hook Brooklyn, Prospect Park, Thai Restaurants, Pizza Places NYC, Manhattan, NYC Steakhouses, Comedy Shows New York, Museum Of Natural History, Broadway Shows

Credit union lending strategies take center stage as host Mark Ritter of Credit Union Conversations welcomes Erik Harwood from Sun East Federal Credit Union. Erik shares insights on navigating today's commercial lending landscape and adapting to the normalized liquidity management environment of 2025. The conversation explores innovative residential mortgage lending programs, including Sun East's pioneering 40-year fixed-rate mortgage programs for credit unions that address affordability challenges. Erik discusses loan portfolio growth tactics, pricing approaches in fluctuating interest rate environments, and the evolution of credit union lending strategies in competitive markets.

What You Will Learn in This Episode: 

✅ How credit union lending strategies adapt to normalized liquidity management conditions after pandemic-era extremes, including balancing inventory costs with loan portfolio growth targets and strategic borrowing decisions for sustainable lending operations.

✅ Innovative residential mortgage lending solutions like 40-year fixed-rate mortgage programs for credit unions and community heroes programs that provide affordability programs for first responders, teachers, and medical professionals while maintaining sound underwriting standards.

✅ Essential commercial lending approaches, including the three-door loan pricing strategies philosophy that empowers borrowers with choices while protecting yields, plus navigating business loan program caps.

✅ Why treasury management services development is critical for credit unions to expand beyond real estate lending into business and asset-based lending, and how to evaluate FinTech partnerships and third-party originators through rigorous vendor management diligence.

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Intro: Meet Erik Harwood from Sun East Federal Credit Union

03:30 The differences between community banks, large banks, and the local credit union, mainly focusing on commercial lending

11:06 Erik explains liquidity management challenges and discusses loan portfolio growth 

12:58 Discussion of loan pricing strategies using the "three door" philosophy, car loans and interest rates

18:18 Erik details their residential mortgage lending programs, including the 40-year fixed-rate mortgage programs for credit unions 

21:42 Discussion of business loan programs, treasury management services, business loan caps, and opportunities in real estate lending

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💰Credit union lending strategies are normalizing in 2025 after years of extreme liquidity management challenges, with institutions finding a balance between deposit costs and lending opportunities while utilizing borrowed funds strategically for loan portfolio growth.

💰Sun East's innovative 40-year fixed rate mortgage programs for credit unions priced at parity with 30-year terms provide $220-$250 monthly payment relief, helping borrowers overcome debt-to-income ratios barriers while maintaining substantial risk mitigation through minimum credit scores and maximum LTV requirements.

💰The interest rate environment remains unpredictable, with treasury bond yields not correlating to federal funds rate cuts as expected, requiring lenders to adapt loan pricing strategies based on cost of funds rather than traditional Fannie Mae floating rates.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Sun East Federal Credit Union

Erik Harwood - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Credit Union Lending Strategies, Commercial Lending, Liquidity Management, Residential Mortgage Lending, 40-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Programs For Credit Unions, Loan Portfolio Growth, Interest Rates, Affordability Programs, Asset-Based Lending, Real Estate Lending, Business Loan Programs

Azra and Mark introduce Inclusiv's new business lending program for credit unions in New York state. 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

✅ How CDFI credit unions can launch or expand their small business lending programs through Inclusiv's eight-week Small Business Capital Initiative training that covers regulations, portfolio development, and community outreach strategies.

✅ The benefits of Inclusiv's loan participation marketplace for credit union small business lending, including how credit unions can buy or sell loans while Inclusiv co-invests to share both opportunity and risk with participating institutions.

✅ How the loan loss fund provides up to 20% guarantee on charged-off loan balances for community development credit unions engaged in the loan participation marketplace, helping reduce risk for both buyers and sellers.

✅ Strategies for credit union lending programs to strengthen their presence in local communities through effective small business technical assistance, marketing outreach, and building high-touch relationships with business lending members.

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Introduction to credit union services and business lending solutions, including loan participations, SBA lending, and loan workouts for credit unions nationwide and Puerto Rico

01:26 Azra shares her career journey in community economic development and working with CDFI credit unions to expand financial inclusion for underserved communities

04:07 Discussion of the community outreach of credit unions, making them different from the banking industry 

06:05 Overview of Inclusiv as a CDFI network supporting community development to help low and moderate-income communities achieve financial inclusion 

08:33 Details on Inclusiv's Small Business Capital Initiative training program launching October 1st, an eight-week course for credit unions to serve small business loan programs 

11:28 Explanation of Inclusiv's loan participation marketplace and loan loss fund, and the new Inclusiv Business Forward, helping CDFI credit unions expand small business lending 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💰 Inclusiv's Small Business Capital Initiative training is an eight-week program designed for credit unions looking to start or expand their small business lending programs, covering everything from identifying community lending needs to navigating NCUA and SBA regulations with expert guidance.

💰 The loan participation marketplace allows CDFI credit unions to manage risk and strengthen liquidity through small business loans and mortgages, with Inclusiv co-investing alongside credit unions and offering a loan loss fund that provides up to 20% guarantee on charged-off balances.

💰 The new Inclusiv Business Forward program in New York State enables community development credit unions to purchase up to 35% of each small business loan, specifically targeting socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs who have been historically excluded from affordable financial services.

💰 Success in credit union small business lending requires more than just loan products; it demands assertive outreach and marketing strategies, deep community engagement, and high-touch relationships that distinguish CDFI credit unions from traditional banks in serving underserved communities.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Azra Samiee - LinkedIn

Small Business | Inclusiv

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, QSO, Credit Union Small Business Lending, SBA Lending, Community Development Credit Unions, Small Business Loan Programs, Loan Participation Marketplace, CDFI Credit Unions, Financial Inclusion, Underserved Communities, Inclusiv, small business lending programs, community outreach strategies

“We don't do agricultural lending." That's the common phrase uttered across America, but why? Phil Love, the leader of Pactola, and Mark Ritter delve into the benefits of agricultural lending, how to approach it, and the advantages for lenders.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

✅ How agricultural lending empowers credit unions to support small businesses in farming communities.

✅ The role of credit unions in providing operating lines of credit and real estate loans for sustainable local food production.

✅ Key challenges and opportunities in agriculture lending, including navigating commodity markets and risk management.

✅ How credit union agricultural lending strengthens rural communities and supports America’s food supply.

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Phil’s role at Pactola, a credit union service organization focused on agricultural lending, and describes his farming activities, including harvesting honey

06:48 Phil explains the three types of agricultural lending: real estate loans, equipment loans, and operating lines

09:48 Discussion on how credit unions in rural communities can leverage credit union agricultural lending to support farming as community banks consolidate

11:56 Phil outlines the challenges in agricultural lending, including assessing small business balance sheets, succession planning, and external risks such as commodity markets and weather

17:45 Discussion of beef prices, carryover debt, the One Big Beautiful Bill, inflation, interest rates and oil prices

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💰 Agricultural lending boosts small farming businesses, helping credit unions fund local food production.

💰 Credit unions use operating lines of credit and real estate loans to support rural communities through agricultural lending.

💰 Credit union agricultural lending mitigates risk management challenges for farming operations.

💰 Farmer Mac and crop insurance enhance agricultural lending for sustainable local food systems.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Pactola - Website

Phil Love - Email

Phone 605-223-5154

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO Agricultural Lending, Small Business, Farming, Local Food, Rural Community, Farm Credit, Commercial Banks, Equipment Loans, Farmer Mac, Community Banks, Crop Insurance, Commodity Markets

Are you ready to revolutionize your Credit Union with cutting-edge AI? How can Pankaj Jain's expertise in technology and entrepreneurship transform your digital lending?

Welcome to Credit Union Conversations, where we unpack the future of finance with industry trailblazers. Join host Mark Ritter as he dives deep with Pankaj Jain, exploring AI innovations from Synaptic to Algebrik, building trust amid  legacy systems, and overcoming fear through continuous learning to attract Gen Z credit union members. Pankaj Jain, a serial entrepreneur whose journey from India to the heart of New York has fueled game-changing tech for credit unions, shares insights on innovation, relationship-building, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving world. Whether you're navigating digital transformation or seeking growth strategies, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. Let's dive in!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Pankaj
• (03:13) Pankaj describes his early entrepreneurship and his drive for Technology
• (04:57) Pankaj recounts moving to New York and pivoting Synaptic to serve Credit Unions
• (08:10) Algebrik, started in August 2024, to build Digital ecosystems for Credit Unions
• (13:50) Pankaj shares what he has learned over the years and emphasizes Trust as key in Credit Unions, built through consistent engagement
• (19:27) Reflecting on AI discussions in 2014, before ChatGPT, facing cynicism but building credibility for Synaptic’s technology 
• (29:14) Pankaj advocates digital tools to attract younger generations to the credit unions
• (34:35) Pankaj stresses the democratization of AI Technology to avoid mergers and maintain charters 
• (39:55) Pankaj suggests the importance of education and learning about current and future technology

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AI and digital technology are critical for credit unions to modernize lending, reduce reliance on legacy systems, and attract younger members by meeting them on mobile platforms with seamless, paperless processes.
• Building trust through consistent, personal engagement is essential for entrepreneurship in the credit union space, as Pankaj Jain demonstrates with Synaptic and Algebrik, emphasizing relationships over transactional sales.
• Overcoming the fear of change through continuous learning enables credit unions to adopt AI solutions, as Pankaj Jain advocates, ensuring that smaller institutions can compete and grow without merging, thereby preserving their mission and charter.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Pankaj Jain - LinkedIn

Algebrik AI - Website

Pankaj LD Jain - Website

Contact Pankaj

BIOGRAPHIES:

PJ is the Founder and CEO of Algebrik. Algebrik, headquartered in New York City, is the world's 1st cloud-native, AI-powered digital-era Loan Origination Platform (LOS), designed for the next generation of members/consumers.

KEYWORDS: AI, Credit Unions, Pankaj Jain, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Travel, New York, Synaptic, Algebrik, Digital, Lending, Members, Trust, Legacy, Systems, Fear, Learning, Loan Originating Platform, LOS

Discover the credit union trends that are driving success in today’s credit unions. Join host Mark Ritter on Credit Union Conversations as he and Keith Koval explore credit union loan volume growth and business lending participation loans, shaping the industry. This episode explores the evolving landscape of credit unions, highlighting trends that are transforming member services and community impact. Learn how credit unions are thriving in Western Pennsylvania and beyond. Discover strategies to navigate delinquency rates and leverage business deposits to overcome a liquidity crunch. Stay ahead with insights on credit union advertising and community service, driving growth and success.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

✅ How loan volume is rebounding with new and repeat borrowers.

✅ The impact of credit union advertising on market visibility.

✅ Why business lending remains a steady growth driver.

✅ The rise of participation loans and improved liquidity.

✅ How community service strengthens credit union appeal.

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Keith discusses the credit union advertising surge in Western Pennsylvania, boosting the loan volume uptick

05:09 Participation loans up 102%, business loans are up 11% overcoming the recent liquidity crunch, reflecting a positive credit union trend

10:14 Keith notes minor delinquency rates, not major foreclosures, aligning with credit union trends and business deposits up 8%

12:17 Keith emphasizes a lower fee structure at credit unions compared to banks, a key advantage for attracting business deposits

13:25 Mark discusses the rise of security fraud and phishing attacks targeting credit unions, urging vigilance within the credit union industry

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💵 Loan volume surges with repeat and new borrowers, driving credit union trends in Western Pennsylvania

💵 Credit union advertising on radio, TV, and billboards boosts visibility and business lending growth

💵 Participation loans up 102% signal recovery from the liquidity crunch, enhancing credit union stability

💵 Business deposits rise 8%, with a lower fee structure attracting members and supporting community service

ABOUT THE GUEST:

MBFS is a credit union owned organization that supports the business and investment loan programs for 106 credit unions in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Currently, we service over $2.5 billion in commercial loan balances. 

As the Relationship Manager for the InvestorMatch Program, I specialize in mortgages for 1-4 family residential investment properties, multi-family residential properties (5+ units), mixed-use and commercial properties.

If you are a real estate agent, mortgage banker or loan broker, please contact me to discuss how you can become part of our referral program.

If you are a real estate investor, please contact me to discuss your lending needs.

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Keith Koval - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, QSO, Credit Union Trends, Credit Union Advertising, Business Lending, Participation Loans, Delinquency Rates, Business Deposits, Community Service, Member Services, Credit Union Loan Volume Growth, Business Lending Participation Loans

Want to stay ahead in the Credit Union industry? Curious about how Frank Diekmannn has shaped Credit Union Media? Join Mark Ritter on Credit Union Conversations and Frank Diekmannn, the visionary behind CU Daily, to unpack the evolution of Credit Union Media. From Trade Publications to navigating Press Releases, this episode uncovers the grit behind Credit Union Success. Expect a candid discussion on Conferences, Press Releases, and the power of the Opinion Section in driving the Credit Union industry forward.

IN THIS EPISODE:.

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Frank Diekmannn
• (02:24) Frank’s career journey from sports reporting to launching trade publications
• (03:27) Frank discusses the different credit union news media he has founded
• (05:30) From laborious phone sourcing to now journalism and press releases in the credit union's online media
• (09:21) Journalists need thick skin and curiosity to be successful
• (10:48) The evolution of the business model from print to digital, which is now ad-driven
• (14:54) Effective press releases must provide reader value for credit union success
• (18:07) Frank talks about his book, “501 Name Tags: How Everything You Need to Know About Business can be Learned at a Conference and Forgotten in the Trade Show.”
• (23:25) Discussion of what makes a valuable trade conference
• (27:45) Promotes CU Daily as the top news source with daily items, Opinion Section, and video for credit union success

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Journalism in credit union media has evolved from labor-intensive reporting during the era of Credit Union Week to the digital CU Daily, requiring Frank Diekmannn to adapt to industry consolidation and modernize press releases for the success of credit unions.
• Effective press releases must answer "why should readers care?" to engage audiences, as Mark Ritter and Frank Diekmannn emphasize providing value over corporate puffery in conferences and trade publications.
• Frank Diekmannn highlights how credit union conferences have shifted from content for credit union success to vacation-like events.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Frank Diekmann - LinkedIn

501 Name Tags: How Everything You Need to Know About Business Can Be Learned at a Conference & Forgotten in the Trade Show eBook - Amazon

CU Daily - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Frank is a longtime credit union journalist and has founded various publications throughout the years. In 2025, he formed The CU Daily, which amassed a strong following in its first year.

KEYWORDS: Credit Unions, Frank Diekmann, CU Daily, Credit Union Media, Business Lending, Conferences, Journalism, News Junkie, Trade Publications, Press Releases, Marketing Director, Industry Consolidation, Sponsor Companies, Opinion Section, Credit Union Success