Commentary

Even with interest rates at lows not seen since the 1950s; there has never been a better time to begin developing an improved portfolio structure. One that delivers consistent, competitive results now and as rates move back up. Yes, the Federal Reserve has lowered the Fed Funds rate 10 times...

It's dangerous to call turning points in long-term trends, but I'm going to go out on a limb. To wit, we are very likely in the last stage of a series of cyclical mortgage refinancing booms, which began in the early 1980s. This suggests that the mortgage market will be...

While much of the credit union community is buzzing about how many corporates will exist in five years, very few people seem to be focusing on the more important question of what happens to corporate credit unions after the dust settles. Many of the corporates are positioning themselves to be...

In October, the NCUA Board approved final revisions to Part 704, the regulation that governs corporate credit unions. The major changes in the regulation are in the areas of capital, credit concentrations, and credit risk. From corporates' perspective, the biggest accomplishments in the regulation include dramatic improvements in the following...

We live in an age of rapid technological advances that are continuously influencing the way we access and exchange information. Our use of the Internet, e-mail and new electronic devices condition us with a need for information on demand. Yet we find ourselves in line at the grocery store patiently...

When evaluating bill payment and home banking services, credit unions will be faced with two bill payment models, good funds and risk-based. While differing in how payments are made, both models are viable options that can be used to serve members effectively. Good Funds The good funds model can be...

While CUSOs wait for formal word from the SEC whether the agency will continue financial service CUSOs' license exemption under the Chubb Letter, now is a good time for credit unions to determine whether they will roll the CUSO's investment services back under the credit union's roof, or consider another...

Facilities are capitalized improvements that represent a significant portion of a credit union's operating budget. Even though depreciated, occupancy is a significant expense in a budget, generally just below personnel and information technology. Often, the facility is seen just as the home for staff and the place where members go...