Top 10 articles of 2022
Most popular stories address loan growth, cryptocurrency, overdraft fees, and more.
As 2022 ends, take a moment to look back at the 10 most popular Credit Union Magazine and CUNA News stories of the year:
10. C-suite succession: 5 steps to consider
Create a leadership structure and develop talent that will allow the credit union to grow strategically.
9. 4 top management challenges
Cybersecurity threats, staffing challenges, fintech partnerships, and falling fee income are among the top challenges facing credit union leaders, according to a panel of CUNA Councils Executive Committee members.
8. CMO to CEO: ‘Be hungry and humble’
A panel of (mostly) former marketers who are now credit union CEOs offer advice to marketing leaders looking to become CEOs.
7. Loan growth shows dramatic rise
In a typical year, average credit union loan growth is 8%. Through the first half of 2022, credit unions were on pace for 20% loan growth—the fastest pace since 1984, says CUNA Chief Economist Mike Schenk.
6. Navigating the Great Resignation
The pandemic led to an employee market that saw many people leave their jobs. The reasons for this include uncertainty, low wages, a lack of career opportunities, and the need to stay home to take care of children.
5. Meet the 2022 Credit Union Rock Stars
Credit Union Magazine recognized 25 credit union professionals in the 2022 class of Credit Union Rock Stars, sponsored by Fiserv, in September. Read up on the 2022 Rock Stars at news.cuna.org/rockstar, and nominate a 2023 Rock Star at news.cuna.org/nominaterockstar.
4. CU SoCal doubles up on bonuses
Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal) in Anaheim ended 2021 by giving out a pair of bonuses to every employee. The $2.1 billion asset credit union issued a holiday bonus in November followed by an inflation bonus in December.
Cryptocurrency is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange or store value. It exists on a decentralized digital ledger known as blockchains. Three-quarters of global financial executives believe failing to provide digital asset services will harm them competitively, according to a 2021 Deloitte study. These services include holding keys for members, trading on mobile devices or online banking, creating rewards programs, and issuing stable coins.
2. Idaho Central launches bitcoin services
Idaho Central Credit Union partnered with NYDIG to offer bitcoin services through the Alkami Technology platform. Members of the $8.3 billion asset credit union in Chubbuck, Idaho, will be able to buy, hold, and sell bitcoin within its mobile app and online banking platform.
1. Overdraft fees: Holding the moral high ground
An early financial services trend of 2022 involved big banks announcing plans to eliminate or dramatically reduce overdraft fees. But many positive actions by credit unions, including Amplify Credit Union, University Credit Union, and Westerra Credit Union, haven’t generated the same headlines.
Some stories that just missed the list:
- 2022 economic forecast: 3 factors to consider
- 5 key themes driving balance sheets
- Economic Update covers housing market trends
- Ukraine invasion hits home