Remote access is no longer a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. Credit union members from all generations are increasingly smartphone reliant and the products and services available to them need to integrate into that world. Where remote deposit capture was once the sparkling gem of new tech, it's old hat now. Credit unions looking to provide their members even the most basic services need to offer remote and highly personalized banking services in order to stay competitive. Utilizing a modern, state-of-the-art core processor is the first step.

When credit unions build their annual strategy for the coming year, it's often focused on looking at last year's plan and tweaking it for the future, what systems or services can they get more legs from, what will they need to consider upgrading for the future? This year is different. This year has upended everything in one fell swoop: branches shut down, employees worked remotely, members lost jobs and income, the market demanded immediate options for contactless payments and transactions. While many felt this year has been a setback, we see this year as a great opportunity to redefine the future.

Around the world, people are choosing to keep their distance from each other. They're foregoing family visits and hangouts with friends. They're cancelling parties, skipping inessential shopping, and delaying trips. In any other situation, it could be seen as selfish and probably rude. But in this time of crisis, it's really an act of great care. While there is no actual law forcing them to stay home, they're doing it because they are helping protect those that are more likely to suffer from this disease. It's an act of love. It's a way to show each other that we care, that we have each others back.

Businesses are showing support too. Stylists are sharing videos to help clients cut their own hair. Gyms are streaming popular classes so members can keep up with their fitness routines. Restaurants are sharing their secret recipes so patrons can cook their favorite dishes from the safety of their homes. Businesses are finding ways to help their customers because it's the right thing to do--to support each other. So what can your credit union do to show your members you are there for them, even when you can't actually be there for them? We have a few ideas.

If you haven't heard the phrase “OK boomer” yet.... don't admit it to a teenager or young adult. It has become a common retort on apps such as Instagram, Twitter and most especially TikTok, where it's hashtag has been viewed more than 18 million times as a way to mock older generations for making outdated statements (such as not knowing what TikTok is). For teens and young adults, calling everyone older than them "boomers" is a retaliation towards adults in their life who refer to anyone younger as "millennials" with the negative connotations surrounding that descriptive. People don't like to be categorized with over generalizations... credit unions should remember this when it comes to talking to their members about new technology.

There will always be something better, newer and more exciting in the pipeline for technological enhancements in the world of finance.  With so many fintech companies in the marketplace - more than 2,000 fintech firms entered the market between 2008 and 2018, according to a Deloitte study- the options can be overwhelming. There’s a continual demand for new technology. This demand isn't just from millennials, but the general banking population as well, as their comfort level increases and new tech catches on. Unfortunately you may be struggling to meet these demands as an financial institution. You want your credit union to stay ahead of the competition by offering the latest and greatest in mobile and digital capabilities. But it's also equally important to keep abreast with what is on the horizon and be prepared when the time comes to implement these new services. Being up to date allows you to stay marketable and competitive by being exciting and attractive to new members.

Americans are continuing to join credit unions in record numbers, for a variety of different reasons. They may join for an affinity, their occupation or because its a part of  their community. This number has continued to grow over the last 5 years, with currently more than 1/3 of the US population having joined a credit union. In fact, according to a recent report from Callahan and Associates, the first quarter of 2019 saw 118.6 million people were members of a credit union, up from 114.1 million the previous year. The first-quarter of 2018 hit a record number for growth with a 4.3% increase in membership, and while numbers for the Q1 2019 are down a little, credit union membership is still strong.

There is now a whole economy of cybercrime developing specifically targeting the financial services sector and its consumers. Phishing, Credential Stuffing and other web-based attacks have had a huge cost and impact on the industry...to the tune of nearly $3 million per minute! What can be done to protect your members and their information from a cyber attack and minimize the expense if one should happen? A combination of technology and education can be your best defense.

When selecting a core provider, there is more to consider than features and functionality. There are quantitative factors that should be considered, and these numbers will help guide a credit union's decision in the selection process. Choosing the right core for your credit union can be overwhelming, but looking at the numbers and data can help the right core platform become more obvious. When shopping for core systems, obey the numbers, and your credit union will find the right fit.

In the realm of credit union core technology, there are some key data processors that are leading the pack. It’s no surprise that according to Callahan & Associates 2019 Core Report, the two biggest providers in the industry have continued to hold a lion share of the market with 42.9%, supplying core platforms to nearly 2,500 credit unions. As big players continue to grow, the number of credit unions has dropped. There are 219 fewer credit unions, year over year, totaling 5,596 for the industry as a whole (Q2 2018). Besides the "big two", there are other core providers in the industry that simply cannot be ignored. The top dogs typically cater to billion dollar CUs and even hold 83.3% of that market, but when it comes to small to medium-sized credit unions, niche core providers are making their impact. Here’s how some core providers add value and support for credit unions and their members. 

Switching core providers is a huge undertaking. Whether your existing system is outdated, or your credit union is simply dissatisfied with its capabilities, it may be time to consider a new core provider. With so many providers on the market, it can be difficult to narrow down the options to a list of key players. Here are three ways your credit union can identify, rank and choose a new core data processor.