In Your Best Interest: An ALM First Podcast

Ready to unlock the secret to impactful charitable giving within the credit union community? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Renée Sattiewhite from the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) and Jason Haley from ALM First. Together, they reveal the innovative AACUC Charitable Donation Account Fund and how it promises to revolutionize support for vital initiatives. Learn firsthand how this fund is designed to sustain impactful programs like internships and leadership development while providing a flexible and efficient avenue for credit unions to contribute to meaningful causes.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the AACUC's Future Fund and its critical role in the growth and sustainability of small credit unions. Discover how ALM First has crafted a streamlined investment vehicle to facilitate contributions from multiple credit unions, maximizing the impact on the community. We dissect the fund's unique structure and the strategies in place to manage financial risks, ensuring a steady income stream for long-term initiatives. Hear Renée and Jason share their experiences and insights, giving you a personal connection to their mission and the greater credit union movement.

In our final segment, we spotlight the newly launched fund aimed at supporting smaller credit unions, backed by substantial investments from industry giants. Understand the process and importance of contributing to this fund, and the critical role it plays in the future of the credit union industry. We wrap up with heartfelt gratitude and optimism, celebrating the dedication and leadership of Renee and Jason in driving this groundbreaking project forward. Tune in to be inspired and informed about the transformative power of credit union charitable giving!

Welcome to this episode of, In Your Best Interest, an ALM First podcast. Have you ever wondered how financial institutions can stay ahead of uncertainties and manage competitive pressures? Join us as Jessica Coulis and Ben Schexnayder reveal the secrets of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and its critical role for many institutions. Through personal stories and professional insights, they detail how ERM can break down departmental silos, foster collaboration, and provide a comprehensive view of risks that enhances strategic decision-making. Listen in to understand how a holistic approach to risk management can transform your organization's ability to navigate rapidly changing environments.

Unlock best practices for strategic risk management, with a focus on dynamic risk appetite statements and proactive risk metric monitoring. Jessica and Ben discuss how aligning products and services with an organization's risk-taking philosophy ensures new offerings fit within the company's risk appetite. Additionally, get a deep dive into the challenges of deposit sourcing, loan growth, and FinTech integration, all while emphasizing the significance of creating a robust risk culture. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how a strong ERM program can prevent financial surprises and build resilience in today's volatile market.

Discover the transformative world of credit union securitizations with insights from Travis Goodman, a principal at ALM First. Have you ever wondered how the credit union industry navigates the complexities of securitizations? Today, we're diving into the world of securitizations in credit unions with ALM First Principal Travis Goodman. Travis and his team have assisted with more than half of all public industry securitizations, playing a role in 8 of the 13 such transactions that have occurred since June 2017. 

We'll explore the journey from pioneering issuances to the strategic balancing act between liquidity and profitability. Travis will also provide an insightful commentary of the regulatory landscape that credit unions must navigate to issue asset-backed securities (ABS). You'll learn about the steps required for both federally and state-chartered institutions and the operational shifts needed for success in this space.

Additionally, we'll tackle the critical topic of managing financial transaction risks, especially within the credit stack, the importance of mitigating these risks with thorough preparation. Tune in to gain comprehensive insights into how credit unions can effectively manage risks, build lasting investor relationships, and thrive in the evolving world of securitizations.

Get ready to witness banking revolutionized as Jackie and Sonia from Amplify Credit Union unveil their bold stride toward a fee-free future. Discover the power of a financial institution that tosses out the fee playbook, carving a path for others to follow and shifting the landscape for generations to come. They share the remarkable story of Amplify's evolution from an IBM employee-founded organization to a technological titan with a $1.4 billion portfolio. Delving into the heart of the credit union's decision, we celebrate the familial legacy of financial wisdom passed down in Jackie's family and Sonia's profound expertise in asset-liability management.

This conversation breaks ground on how Amplify Credit Union's fee-free model elevates member engagement, nurtures financial stability, and fortifies average deposit balances. We scrutinize the unexpected economic patterns that emerged, with reduced overdrafts and charge-offs, and how this strategy not only aids members but also fortifies the institution's financial health. Embracing Sonia's acumen in financial strategies, we peer into the future with anticipation and edify the importance of partnership and innovation in the banking sector. Be part of this ambitious journey toward a fee-free banking realm that redefines consumer relationships and sows seeds for a thriving, equitable financial ecosystem.

Discover the strategies financial titans are employing to steer through the stormy seas of today's economy with our guest, Mark Meyer, the insightful leader at the helm of Filene Research Institute. As we tackle topics like the effects of high inflation and shifting consumer behaviors, Mark sheds light on the need for adaptability and data-driven decision-making. The conversation promises key insights into how credit unions are not just weathering the storm, but redefining their roles and services in response to evolving demands and regulatory pressures, all the while upholding their foundational values.

Get ready to unravel the ethical threads that weave through the tapestry of financial leadership. Our dialogue with Mark takes a turn into the principles of transparency and the bravery required to own up to missteps—a culture where failure becomes a stepping stone to success. We uncover the importance of third-party reviews in building trust and accountability, as Mark stresses the urgency for credit unions to innovate and align with the expectations of today's tech-savvy consumers. You'll learn how structured creativity can transform the financial landscape and why embracing change is crucial for thriving in an industry ripe with fintech disruption.

As we close the episode, the spotlight turns towards the crucial role of diversity and inclusion in sparking innovation within organizations. Mark and I dissect the 'muscles' needed to incubate new ideas, emphasizing the contagious confidence of leadership that emboldens teams to test, learn, and scale new concepts. We also reflect on how embracing demographic shifts positions organizations for future success and societal progression. And as we part ways, our disclaimer serves as a humble reminder that knowledge is power, and our goal is to empower, not advise, as you navigate the ever-evolving financial terrain.

Join us for a look at the mortgage market's current state as we team up with Jake Silvey, Director of Mortgage Pipeline Hedging at ALM First. From the seismic shifts of post-recession interest rates to the dizzying heights of 2023's market values, we explore  strategies that keep lenders afloat. Learn how fine-tuning operations and slashing overhead are critical maneuvers for riding the waves of economic uncertainty and why meticulous process auditing is not just necessary, but at the heart of sustaining profitability.

Venture with us into the intricate world of outsourced mortgage processes. Discover how the agility of month-to-month contracts can provide a lifeline for lenders in a rapidly changing environment. We tackle the significance of product and pricing engines for independent bankers and reveal how the strategic adoption of automated systems can streamline operations. And, for those contemplating the leap from best efforts to mortgage-backed securities hedging, we map out how expertly navigating interest rate risks could position you at the vanguard of the industry.

In our closing insights, we reveal the potent strategies that can bolster your bottom line amidst investor unpredictability. Hear the transformative tale of a client's windfall through shrewd partnerships with federal home loan banks. Delve into the art of vendor relationship management, where flexible contracts and proactive customer service aren't just perks—they're the pillars of success. For anyone with a stake in the mortgage market, this episode is a treasure trove of insider knowledge, guiding you to thrive in a landscape where only the most adaptable and astute will prosper. Join us and arm yourself with the intelligence to navigate the mortgage industry's future with confidence.

ALM First Financial Advisors is an SEC registered investment advisor with a fiduciary duty that requires it to act in the best interests of clients and to place the interests of clients before its own; however, registration as an investment advisor does not imply any level of skill or training. ALM First Financial Advisors, LLC (“ALM First Financial Advisors”), an affiliate of ALM First Group, LLC (“ALM First”), is a separate entity and all investment decisions are made independently by the asset managers at ALM First Financial Advisors. Access to ALM First Financial Advisors is only available to clients pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement and acceptance of ALM First Financial Advisors' Brochure. You are encouraged to read these documents carefully. All investments involve risk and may lose money. 

Speakers today are affiliates of ALM First, an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All investment decisions for client portfolios are made independently by the asset managers at ALM First. The views expressed are those of the speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of ALM First or any of its affiliates. These comments may not be relied upon as recommendations, investment advice or an indication of trading intent.

Unlock insights to successful executive search and talent retention with industry insiders Deedee Meyers and Tom Sievewright in the latest episode of "In Your Best Interest." Discover how the high-stakes game of recruiting top players in financial services demands a blend of strategic foresight and competitive compensation. We delve into the urgency of initiating CEO searches with ample time, and the evolving nature of the CFO role to one that requires a strategic mindset. Our conversation uncovers the pitfalls of sluggish hiring processes and reinforces the necessity for organizations to pivot quickly to secure the right candidates, ensuring their visions for the future align perfectly with those stepping into leadership roles.

All statements are made exclusively on behalf of ALM First Executive Benefits LLC.

Organizational priorities, new challenges and rising expectations continue to evolve for CEOs and other leadership team members. As a leader, it’s more important than ever to stay optimistic as you help ensure your team is ready to tackle whatever’s next. Join two experienced leaders from ALM First and DDJ Myers as they share insights from successfully growing their businesses, brands and personal followings. 

Higher rates are generally good for depository balance sheets, income statements and franchise values. But what is the path forward for loan originators in the current environment? In this month’s podcast, Kevin Shaner, Managing Director of ALM First's Loan Transaction Network joins us to discuss best practices in the lending arena along with insider tips to help your institution evaluate loan participations, loan sales, secondary markets, pricing models and profitability.

Financial institutions should consider M&A as a strategic growth option. The key to an effective transaction is ensuring ensure board members and the C-Suite are on the same page. In this month’s podcast, David Ritter, Managing Director at ALM First, talks about the environment for M&A activity and how boards and executives can come together to achieve growth objectives.