MADISON, Wis. – CUNA Mutual Group is set to release its updated Credit Union Lending Strategies and Trends report this month. Since the late 1990s, CUNA Mutual's annual survey of lending programs has confirmed an increase in the number of CUs that offer remote lending options, but no corresponding decrease in the percentage of face-to-face lending transactions, wrote Pam Schnagl, a researcher for CUNA Mutual. The percentage of CUs that outsource their lending call centers has increased steadily from 16% in1996 up to 30% in 2000, and then to 33% in 2003. Credit unions with $250 million or more in assets are twice as likely to outsource call centers than CUs with $50 million to $100 million in assets at 44% to 22% respectively, Schnagl wrote. In 2003, 23% of CUs with $50 million or more in assets paid for consulting services on lending issues, such as increasing loan volume and cross-selling. This does not include training or seminars for staff. In 2002, this percentage was 16%. About 67% say it is very important to consult with outside experts in developing new lending products and services.