Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Anthony Arizola
Jealous of your friends or neighbors? Coopetition is the answer!
My neighbors have some seriously cool Halloween decorations. One house has a cauldron surrounded by three larger-than-life witches that are creepy even in the daylight. Another house has a set of 4 skeletons dressed as cheerleaders with three forming a human/skeleton pyramid and the other doing the splits. And of course, there’s the house with the obligatory 10’ skeleton dressed as the Grim Reaper. I guess skeletons are popular in my neighborhood.
Federal Reserve proposes changes to debit card interchange cap
The Federal Reserve issued a proposal Wednesday to make significant changes to the current debit card interchange cap. CUNA strongly opposes any changes—legislative or regulatory—to the current interchange system.
NAFCU offers ways to support financial innovation ahead of hearing
Ahead of today’s House Financial Services subcommittee hearing on modernizing financial services through innovation and competition, NAFCU Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Greg Mesack outlined several considerations to limit regulatory burdens on credit unions and support a level playing field. “Consumers today come to expect technological developments from their financial institution—from online banking to mobile bill pay,” Mesack wrote.
Warning lights of uncertainty on the financial dashboard
In the financial world, uncertainty often casts a shadow of doubt over the future. As economic experts and analysts scrutinize current data and trends, it seems likely that the path ahead is likely to be one with its share of obstacles. According to analysts at Moody’s Analytics, our current economic state is that of a “Slowcession,” a unique economic state that presents both challenges and opportunities for lenders and borrowers alike. continue reading »
One scam, two scam, old scam, new scam
Scammers are constantly innovating, coming up with new ways and strategies to trick the innocent out of their hard earned money. As Cybersecurity Month draws to a close, we take a look at some of the most common scams, as well as some newer ones that you and your members should be aware of to avoid falling for the ruse.
CFPB continues to focus on fees
If you’ve been following credit union compliance issues during the past 2 years, then you’ve no doubt heard about the effort by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or bureau) to combat what they’ve dubbed to be “junk fees.” NAFCU disagrees with the “junk fee” label, especially when applied to fees charged by member-owned not-for-profit credit unions.
Plaid - why do credit unions need it?
Plaid serves as a bridge between credit unions and financial apps, facilitating the exchange of account data, including account balances and transactions. On today’s episode, our host Jami Jennings, VisiFI’s Vice President of Product Marketing Strategy, and Leia Ragland, AVP of Marketing and Business Development at Legacy Community Federal Credit Union, discuss why credit unions need Plaid, particularly in the context of catering to younger members.
How lottery winners can help us reinvest in financial literacy and education
You probably heard about the recent winner of the Powerball jackpot lottery, right? The Powerball Lottery had ballooned to a record amount of $2.04 billion by November 2022. Three months later, 31-year-old Californian Edwin Castro finally turned in the winning ticket, choosing the one-time payout of $997.6 million cash option. Following the required federal taxes, he walked away with $628.5 million.
Build a consumer lending portal your way
In a world where customization reigns supreme, the adage “Have it your way” resonates more than ever. Imagine having the power to truly customize your lending experience, both as a member and as a credit union. That’s precisely what a cutting-edge Consumer Lending Portal offers—a platform that empowers you to craft your ideal lending journey, providing a preferred online experience for members while delivering faster decision-making capabilities for your credit union.
Nussle announces forums for CEOs on proposed merger
CUNA President and CEO Jim Nussle Wednesday announced a series of virtual forums for NAFCU and CUNA member CEOs to learn more about the associations’ proposed transformation to America’s Credit Unions. In his message, Nussle reiterated that members’ “feedback and ideas are critical in helping America’s Credit Unions best serve your credit union and your members.” There will be three forums offered: One for NAFCU-only members, CUNA-only members, and dual members.
NCUA consumer compliance webinar set for Sept. 27
Credit unions can get valuable information on a range of consumer compliance and fair lending topics during an upcoming webinar hosted by NCUA on Wednesday, September 27, at 2 p.m. ET, and will run approximately 60 minutes. Registration for “Consumer Compliance: Supervisory Observations and Hot Topics” webinar is now open. Staff from the NCUA’s Office of Consumer Financial Protection will cover several subjects, including: Exam observations; continue reading »
Win deposits and improve your efficiency ratio with an omnichannel digital account opening solution
Deposits are the lifeline for any financial institution, and now more than ever, deposits are critical. In this competitive rate environment, financial institutions need to shift their strategy to attract new deposits and drive their new money goals. As interest rates drop, financial institutions need to be ready with the necessary liquidity to fund their lending operations and expand their loan portfolio.
How to navigate asset risks & evaluate your card program
Effective credit card program management can only happen with a thorough and ongoing examination of how changes in interest rates affect both what is owned (assets) and what is owed (liabilities). This analysis is extremely important for ensuring your financial institution has enough money to cover its obligations and maintain financial stability. If your assets are mismatched, your credit union could be headed for trouble.
Labor market woes? Try something new
Finding employees these days is anything but easy … a confusing proposition in a potentially cooling labor market. According to a recent Reuters report, hiring and quitting rates both decreased (the hire rate falling to its lowest point since April 2020). But the drop in labor force participation dulled the effect of such changes, leaving only 5.9 million unemployed people to fill 9.8 million jobs. So, it’s a cooling-competitive market. How does that affect your credit union?
3 ways intelligent automation can amplify credit unions' performance, delight members, and elevate results
In today’s demanding economic climate, credit unions are feeling the pressure on their budgets, leading many to prioritize projects that deliver quick returns, enhance operational efficiency, and manage costs effectively—all while continuing to provide personalized services, attract members, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance. As a result, many FIs are turning to tools that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to augment workflows and processes, also known as “intelligent automation”.
CUNA, Winnow agreement provides powerful automated regulatory compliance
CUNA and Winnow Solutions, LLC announced a relationship to make subscriptions to Winnow’s comprehensive state regulatory product available to CUNA members at a preferred rate. “We are excited about this relationship with Winnow to provide our Credit Union Compliance Management System PLUS™ (CU CMS+) users with a valuable tool to help them comply with the ever-changing state-level regulatory environment. ” said Jackie Ekdahl, director, compliance solutions for CUNA.
You need to do credit union strategic planning
Credit union strategic planning season is upon us, and now is the time to step back from all the noise, review the terrain and hear from your stakeholders about what’s next. Some important questions you want to ask your critical stakeholders are: Where are we going? What direction will we go? When will we get there? Who is coming along? What does success look like? How will we win? But credit union strategic planning is more than a questionnaire.
Supplemental health insurance benefits
In 2021, health spending in the U.S. increased by 2.7 percent. Americans as a whole paid $4.3 trillion on health expenses, and $12,914 per capita.1 As health care costs rise, employees can look to their employers for options to help with unexpected medical expenses. An unexpected accident or serious illness can derail your family’s finances. Having additional financial protection with supplemental benefits through your employer can help you avoid a worse-case scenario.
Credit decisions need to be more inclusive — advanced data analytics can help - CUInsight
If you’re a marathon runner, you’re constantly exploring ways to conserve your resources, increase your speed and maximize your results ahead of the next race. The same principles can be applied to the banking industry. Lenders are always looking for better, faster, smarter ways to do things. And that’s as it should be. Data has always been at the core of making sound lending decisions.
Do credit union names matter?
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet.” Juliet compares Romeo to a rose saying that if he were not named Romeo he would still be handsome and be Juliet’s love. Shakespeare’s metaphor might not work as well today. For there are numerous varieties of ornamental roses that produce little or no fragrance. And so it is with credit union names.
Banking on video: Turning heads in the attention economy
Capturing your customers’ attention with video and by leveraging artificial intelligence. Allied’s own Charlie Peterson, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, joins the pod to discuss how Financial Institutions can improve the customer experience. continue reading »
Senate Republicans call for delay of CFPB’s 1071 rule
Eight Republican senators wrote to the CFPB Friday urging the bureau for a “nationwide stay of the effective date of its Section 1071 rule” after a U.S. District Court in Texas provided relief only to specific institutions. NAFCU has consistently raised concerns about the rule’s negative impact on credit unions’ small business lending and continues to advocate for relief.
In a digital age, smaller financial institutions must offer… lollipops?
Recent bank failures have cast an unfair light on smaller financial institutions. The shuttering of Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate Bank, and Signature Bank in March 2023 left many account holders across the nation toiling over one burning question: “How safe is my money?” In the days following the collapse, the top 25 banks in the nation saw an influx of deposits to the tune of $125 billion while the rest bid farewell to a collective $108 billion over the same time period.
Navigating fraud challenges in credit unions: Insights from the Mastermind webinar
Credit unions play a vital role in financial services, providing a trusted environment for members to manage their finances. However, like any financial institution, credit unions are not immune to the challenges posed by fraud. In a recent webinar session titled “The Mastermind Series: Unraveling Fraud in Credit Unions,” experts discussed the various facets of fraud, its sources, and its implications for credit unions.
Build member relationships your way
Ideally, you walk alongside your members throughout their lives, participating in each milestone. You help them get their first credit card and their first new car. You’re by their side through saving for a down payment and becoming a homeowner. You help them save for their child’s education and their retirement. In many, many ways, you help them become the people they envision. Through these milestones, you can build deep and strong member relationships as you work to meet a wide variety of needs.
Build experiences your way
The “Credit Union Difference” is all about the human touch. It’s in creating experiences that members enjoy and make them feel personally valued. It is built on a commitment to helping members achieve more in their everyday lives. Even though this difference is all about people helping people, member experiences are not built purely on human-to-human interaction, as idyllic as this may sound.
Digital banking your way
For your members, digital banking is a lifeline – a vital tool that connects them to their money when they need it. It frees them to live their lives on their own terms, putting them within easy reach of a wide variety of services and transactions. It serves as a portal through which they can access solutions that help them stay active, manage their time, and reach their biggest financial goals.
Build technology your way
There is a time and place for off-the-shelf products. And then, there are most definitely times when pre-built solutions don’t always fit the bill. In this case, what readily comes to mind is financial technology. The fintech marketplace is packed with boxed solutions that work great in theory, but by their very nature, they cannot adapt to each credit union’s unique needs.
Why Business Process Outsourcing might be the right move for your credit union
Outsourcing. Other than automation, no other word in business probably creates more angst in the minds of employees than those two. Rightfully so, as they are commonly associated with negative outcomes for employees. However, with my best ESPN 30 For 30 impersonation, “What if I told you,” there truly is value for both employees and organizations for outsourcing. What is Business Process Outsourcing?
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Anthony
Contact Anthony, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack