The evolution of the workforce and society over the next decade provides a “vein of optimism” for credit unions, says Filene Research Institute CEO Mark Meyer.

As government and businesses increasingly struggle to meet the financial needs of consumers—including many who will be swept into the “gig economy” by technological advances and automation—the need for self-help solutions will grow.

The cooperative finance model is well-suited to serving that audience, Meyer tells CUNA News Podcast.

“There will be a great need for creative financial services solutions to meet that dynamic of what’s going to transpire in the employment pool,” he says.

Meyer is one of several industry thought leaders who will offer their take on the future of financial services in the January issue of Credit Union Magazine.

His buoyant outlook for credit unions carries a caveat: Amid increasing competition and regulation, an accelerating battle to procure top talent, and the fluidity of technology’s impact on consumer behavior, only the most strategic, agile, collaborative, community-minded, and ruthlessly efficient credit unions will reap the dividends, Meyer says.

Embrace that challenge, he advises. “Lean into uncomfortable discussions about the future.”

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