The World Council of Credit Unions’ International Advocacy and International Projects’ teams scored a major victory this week when the Ukrainian Parliament overwhelmingly approved the first reading of a new draft law on credit unions.

Credit union lending professionals will gather virtually this August to examine consumer lending trends, explore ways to build a more effective sales culture, and gain a competitive edge with the right technology at CUNA Lending eSchool.

The U.S. Credit Union System Digitization Working Group, led by CUNA Executive Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer Greg Michlig, released a purpose statement Thursday. The group includes 41 credit union system leaders from across the U.S. to create a roadmap for digitization.

CUNA Strategic Services has selected its newest alliance provider, Zest AI, a leader in software for credit underwriting. The collaboration will allow credit unions turnkey access to Zest software to make advanced underwriting streamlined, member-friendly and fast.

Over 100 students participated in the first-ever national Biz Kid$ Showcase, completing learning modules focused on creating a business plan, building a brand, and setting a business up for future success. Winning state final showcase projects were reviewed on the national level. 

Credit union employees seeking to become better leaders will hear from Dr. Brandi Stankovic at CUNA Leadership Development eSchool taking place Mondays in August. The five one-hour sessions will be held August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

CUNA Councils announced an offer for new members to join more than 7,300 other credit union leaders. New members who join before August 31 will receive $100 off their 2021 dues and be entered in a drawing to win a 2022 Council membership and 2022 Council conference registration.

Federally insured credit unions reported net income growth of $11.3 billion, or 134.9%, over the year ending in the first quarter of 2021, according to the latest financial performance data released by NCUA. Insured shares and deposits rose $286 billion, or 22.4 percent, to $1.56 trillion over the same period.

CUNA Finance Council recognized its best and brightest via five awards presented at the recent CUNA Finance Council Virtual Conference, May 18-20. The winners and their accomplishments will be featured in an upcoming issue of Credit Union Magazine.

Credit union CEOs will gain insight into how they can improve their own credit union operations and member experience, as well as further their leadership skills, by attending Through the Leadership Lens Virtual Series, presented by CUNA CEO Council and sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group.