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 Brian Schools
Column: Protecting credit unions serves Virginia’s communities Original
As Congress considers changes to tax policy, credit unions across the country — including here in Virginia — are facing a serious threat: potential new taxes that could undermine their ability to serve the very people they were created to help. Credit unions operate as not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperatives with a singular purpose: to serve people, not shareholders.
Column: Credit unions dedicated to fighting digital fraud Original
As a credit union CEO, I spend a great deal of time considering the challenges that digital fraud presents to the financial services industry, and I’m deeply concerned about the growing threat of digital crimes not only in our industry but also running rampant across all business sectors nationwide. From government agencies to transportation, energy and health care, no industry is immune.
Top credit card features every college student should look for
Navigating the world of credit cards and building credit responsibly as a college student may seem a little daunting at first. However, even a surface-level grasp of their basic features can make this journey much more manageable. The key elements to consider when selecting any credit card include the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), the presence or absence of annual fees, and the availability of rewards and cash back programs. But first, let’s make sure we understand just what we’re getting into.
Marketing should never stop, it should adapt to the circumstances
New years and fresh starts always seem so great. We get a “clean slate.” The chance to start off on the right foot. And it feels like we have all this time and freedom in the world to accomplish a checklist of new things or to kick old habits. As we make our goals for the year and set our strategies and plans, we often don’t take potential problems or unexpected costs into consideration, which can result in a huge barrier to reaching our goals. These barriers can even force us to give up on them.
Former CFPB Director joins fervent anti-credit union group
Former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Kathleen Kraninger has joined the advisory committee at Friends of Traditional Banking, a fervent anti-credit union super Political Action Committee. Kraninger, who served as CFPB director during the Trump Administration and resigned when President Biden took office, was appointed CEO of the Florida Bankers Association last Fall. She joined the super PAC’s board after joining the Florida banking trade group.
The future of finance: Linda Bodie discusses innovation, inclusion, and impact | The Fintech Combine
Will mortgage rates drop below 6% in 2024? Here’s what some experts think
Champion Spotlight: Diana Dykstra
The California and Nevada Credit Union League is the largest state trade association for credit unions in the United States, serving more than 13.8 million members. For 90 years, the California Credit Union League (CCUL) has focused on the financial health and well-being of its member credit unions. At the core of their mission is putting members first, advocating for credit unions, a commitment to excellence and providing a solid team effort to help them meet members’ financial service needs.
Will mortgage rates drop below 6% in 2024? Here's what some experts think
The US economy is in a tricky spot. To close out 2023, fourth quarter GDP measured at a robust 3.3% annual growth rate, but inflation remains above the Fed’s desired 2% target, so the central bank has yet to cut interest rates. Still, many expect that rate cuts will come this year as the economy and inflation cool down more. For the mortgage market, that could also mean that rates come down. Already, 30-year mortgage rates have fallen from recent highs.
Retail banking customers seek better rates and experiences as satisfaction plateaus
According to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. National Banking Satisfaction Study℠, higher interest rates created some momentum last year among customers opening more products with their primary bank, especially CDs. But the data also signals storm clouds ahead: Customers are increasingly opening deposit accounts with alternative organizations, such as online banks, wealth management firms and other non-bank competitors, drawn not only by higher rates but better experiences.
Advocacy team meets with NCUA to encourage CU innovation
America’s Credit Unions’ Madison Rose and Andrew Morris met with NCUA Director of Financial Technology and Access Charles Vice Friday, part of the association’s ongoing engagement with policymakers. The Office of Financial Technology and Access is designed to identify barriers, challenges, and opportunities for credit unions in adopting and using technology.
The CUInsight Experience podcast: Linda Armyn - All in together (#178)
Thank you for tuning in to episode 178 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent. My guest on today’s show is Linda Armyn, President & CEO of Bethpage FCU. Linda has been a part of the Bethpage family for over two decades, having grown through its ranks to recently becoming the President & CEO.
GAC 2024: A new era for America's Credit Unions
As we embark on a new industry era as America’s Credit Unions, the upcoming 2024 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) stands as a historic milestone for the credit union movement. This year’s conference (March 3-7 in Washington, D.C., and live online) is more than just an annual event. Thousands of industry leaders and advocates from across the nation will gather under the unified banner of America’s Credit Unions.
Retention planning: Considering C-Suite turnover
In order to retain the key members of the C-Suite it is critical to execute a winning retention strategy. A common strategy to limit post-succession turnover is what we will call “retention grants”. Retention grants come in many forms and are customized for each executive based upon their age and objectives. Retention grants add “sticking power,” so the company has success as well as the executive. Smaller employers (under 500 full-time employees) experienced turnover rates of 38.6% in 2022.
S&P 500 surges to record closing high on solid earnings, robust data
U.S. stocks ended sharply higher on Friday and the S&P 500 registered an all-time closing high as strong earnings and a blowout January employment report boosted confidence in the economy, even while lowering the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates any time soon. The rally capped a tumultuous week filled with high profile earnings, a Fed rate decision, and renewed jitters over regional banking weakness.
Progressive group launches ad campaign supporting CFPB overdraft rule
Accountable.US, a progressive government watchdog group, launched on Thursday a high-profile ad campaign intended to support the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s proposed overdraft rule. The progressive group’s ads are one part of a high-pitched lobbying effort by groups on both sides of the issue.
Why did fintech stumble?
The early 2020s were defined by extreme fintech spectacles. Before the criminal meltdown of FTX, there was the meme stock explosion. In January 2021, with no warning, stocks for companies long-presumed moribund — such as GameStop and Bed Bath and Beyond — shot into the stratosphere for reasons that no conventional stock analyst could explain. For millions of onlookers, this “meme stock” moment was time to break out the popcorn, a form of entertainment.
Play it safe: Level up your P2P loss prevention game
Person-to-person fraud is on the rise every day. 53% of Americans have already become victims of digital payment fraud,1 and 48% expect to be a victim of cyber scams in the future. Digital payment platforms are used for peer-to-peer payments, bill pay, storing gift cards, purchasing bitcoin, and contactless POS payments. Most offer little to no buyer protection.
Reaching impressive heights
Scott Burt, CPA, is an accomplished leader with a remarkable track record as a board member and a CEO at organizations that are renowned for helping others. Burt’s dedication to the credit union movement spans 43 years of board service at Mountain America Credit Union in Salt Lake City, including six years as chair.
NCUA releases CECL addendum to audit guide
The NCUA released an addendum to its Other Supervisory Committee Audit, Minimum Procedures Guide Thursday, replacing certain procedures for credit unions that have implemented the current expected credit loss (CECL) standard. CECL became effective for most credit unions Jan. 1, 2023.
Advocacy and partnership: The mission and vision for America’s Credit Unions
America’s Credit Unions formed January 1st of this year following the member-approved merger of the Credit Union National Association and the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions. Just days into the New Year, the Board of Directors of America’s Credit Unions has been busy, meeting several times and settling on the mission that will guide the association forward. The mission of America’s Credit Unions is to advocate for and advance an environment where credit unions thrive.
Opinion: Credit unions are “friends” on your financial journey Original
Navigating life isn’t always easy, especially when you’re lying awake at night wondering if you’ll be able to afford to buy your dream home, fund your children’s education or retire when you’re young enough to enjoy it. Questions like these can weigh on you emotionally, causing shame, fear and anxiety. The great news is that you have a friend right here in Virginia who can walk you down a bright path toward financial security.
The CUInsight Experience podcast: Randall Smith - Be curious (#169)
Thank you for tuning in to episode 169 of The CUInsight Experience podcast. This episode is brought to you by PSCU, the nation’s premier payments CUSO and an integrated technology solutions provider. Visit PSCU.com to learn more and discover PSCUTV, a new thought leadership platform hosted by PSCU Chief Growth Officer, Brian Scott. Each episode explores top-of-mind insights in the credit union industry.
Opinion: More allies needed in fight against pediatric cancer Original
September brings with it a special focus on a cause close to the hearts of many Hampton Roads families: pediatric cancer awareness. With more than 15,000 children diagnosed and 1,500 dying annually, cancer is the No. 1 cause of death by disease in children in the U.S. The month is a time for us to reflect not only on the challenges that young patients and their families face, but also on the incredible capacity of communities to rally together for a common purpose.
The CUInsight Experience podcast: Bob Trunzo - New beginnings (#162)
In episode 162 of The CUInsight Experience podcast, host Randy Smith, a co-founder of CUInsight.com, sits down with Bob Trunzo, President and CEO of TruStage, (formerly CUNA Mutual Group). After the recording of this episode Bob announced his retirement. You can read all about that here and learn who will be taking the reins from Bob this fall. Congratulations Bob! This episode is brought to you by CUES, the credit union industry’s leading talent development solutions provider.
Thriving through uncertain, awkward, and trying times
More than a year and a half after our lives changed with COVID, we all continue to adapt to the dynamic landscape. Just like anywhere else, at Chartway, we have daily discussions about how to best serve our members, our communities, and our team throughout it all. Our conversations range from the health circumstances of our members and team members, ever-changing consumer behaviors, and ensuring we continue to deliver on our promises.
Kindness counts in trying times . . . and beyond
Throughout the past year, our world has navigated the COVID-19 global health pandemic, political and social unrest, and a historic collapse of the job market. With no precedent to guide us through these trying times, our vibrant culture – driven by team members who love what they do –mattered more than ever. It’s what has allowed all of us at Chartway to act with kindness, vigor, and grit – and not in a textbook or operating manual kind of way. It’s been service from the heart.
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 Brian
Contact Brian, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack