Historically, credit unions have accessed capital through CDs, short- and long-term loans, and other investment funds to help them expand and pursue strategic initiatives. However, as credit unions have grown over the years and are offering more complex services, there is a demand to meet balance sheet needs, causing them to enter the secondary capital market.

Capital markets also create an additional opportunity for credit unions to become issuers of capital through subordinated debt. In this episode, Doug welcomes guests representing Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union, Bill Patton and Greg Hill. They discuss how they’re improving loan participations, how a credit union can become an issuer, and other factors credit unions should consider when entering the capital market space.

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Target date funds are popular for many 401(k) plan participants because they offer an investment strategy that automatically reduces risk as one approaches retirement. However, they’re a suboptimal solution for credit union executives with more retirement income sources and associated risk levels than the average employee.

In this episode, Doug explains why credit union executives should reconsider using a target date fund and the significant financial differences executives may experience using three case study examples.

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Matt Haid, area vice president at Gallagher, is back on the show to discuss the importance of split-dollar plan design. He shares the first factors to consider when choosing a plan and best practices to help credit unions protect themselves, their executives, and beneficiaries.

Stream the episode to learn more about funding vehicles, why some life insurance policies have a higher premium, and the difference between recourse and non-recourse loans.

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Throughout the pandemic, transition to virtual work, and subsequent Great Resignation, employees are reflecting on what’s important to them in the workplace and whether or not they want to return to a traditional work environment. Flexibility, leadership development, and support for women, in particular, are becoming key characteristics for recruiting and retaining top talent. Doug welcomes guest Laurie Maddalena to discuss how credit unions can redesign the workplace to remain relevant in a competitive job market and attract and retain top talent.

According to data released by CUNA, 51% of credit union CEOs are women. Still, women are less represented in the credit union workplace now than in the 1980s. Doug welcomes Jill Nowacki and Judy Tharp, leaders in the credit union movement, to the show to discuss the unique challenges women face in the workplace, why more women are choosing to stay home, and how female leaders can position themselves for an executive-level position.

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In the second part of this “C.U. on the Show” episode, Doug and Jeff delve into the acquiring or buying side of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and what credit unions should consider first as the acquiring institution.

The pair discuss the types of credit unions that may or may not be optimally positioned as an acquirer, the required process and documents, and an alternative capital funding option gaining more popularity within credit union M&A transactions.

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Traditional financial planning offers practical tools for rank-and-file employees; however, it simply doesn’t capture the full breadth of complex financial situations and compensation benefits a credit union executive has to manage in the C-suite. Moreover, with a general lack of financial education available for executives, credit union leaders often can’t realize the full impact of their benefits suite without professional, strategic financial planning.

Paul Lloyd, CFP®, a wealth planning specialist with ACT Advisors, joins colleague Doug English, CFP®, on “C.U. on the Show” to discuss how credit union executives can make the most of their benefits and retirement income through financial planning and optimizing their existing resources.

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Executing successful credit union mergers and acquisitions (M&As) involves coordinating various financial, social, and political components. In this episode, Doug welcomes guest Jeff Cardone, partner at Luse Gorman, specializing in representing credit unions in M&A transactions with other credit unions, banks, and fee-based businesses, as well as secondary capital, or subordinated debt transactions.

Jeff explains how a credit union typically enters into an M&A; factors to consider when preparing for an M&A, including executive compensation incentives and contractual agreements; and how credit unions can avoid an unsuccessful deal.

Stream the full episode for valuable insight if you’re a credit union board member or executive considering or undergoing an M&A.

In this episode, Doug speaks with Kirk Drake, author of CU 2.0: A Guide for Credit Unions Competing in the Digital Age and founder of Ongoing Operations. They discuss the growing financial technology (fintech) space and how credit unions can partner with these companies to remain competitive in the digital age. Learn more about the requirements to participate, what a typical arrangement looks like, and the long-term benefits of leveraging this type of outside capital and innovation to members and the credit union.

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In this episode of “C.U. on the Show,” Doug welcomes guest Jeff Cardone to discuss how accessing the subordinated debt (sub-debt) market can be an attractive option in helping credit unions reach their short- and long-term strategic objectives. They also dive into the approval process, a new rule effective in January, and why a credit union may consider getting pre-approved sooner rather than later.