Bankers Systems Forms Credit Union-only Business Unit; Compliance Business Booming in CU Land

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – It may be called Bankers Systems Inc., but credit unions are a big part of its business – so big it is forming a new credit union business unit. The 50-year old Bankers Systems makes its living on compliance. Its solutions are used by more than 12,000 financials, including over 3,000 credit unions. Bruce Hagberg, executive director of the credit union business unit, said although the number of credit unions is dropping, credit union business at Bankers Systems is on the rise, mainly due to CUs expanding into other areas such as business services and forming new CUSOs. “The numbers are declining, but with some of the restrictions being lifted, we’re seeing credit unions do more and seeing more CUSOs being set up,” said Hagberg. He said new regs are always good for business at Bankers Systems. “When we had legislation like privacy out there we see a lot more interest,” said Hagberg. So why the new business unit? A couple of reasons. Hagberg said Bankers Systems has been serving credit unions for over 30 years, and though credit unions may not be as sensitive as they once were to vendors serving banks, Bankers Systems wanted CUs to know how important they are. More importantly, said Hagberg, serving credit unions is much different than serving banks. “Credit unions are more automated, looking for ways to be more efficient and cost effective. They have a special focus on members, as opposed to banks,” said Hagberg. In that vein, Bankers Systems wants to start developing products that are more focused on credit unions’ needs. It’s done this with ARTA Lending, which is a comprehensive compliance, consulting product aimed at CU lending. He believes credit unions will start to really cut into the small business lending pie. “More and more small business lending is going to credit unions. They’re meeting needs better than banks,” said Hagberg. The business unit has created an advisory council consisting of 10 credit union reps, ranging from $30 million to $800 million in assets. Bankers Systems competes with firms such as Callahan & Associates, CUNA Mutual, and others. [email protected]