Why the future of cooperative finance depends on diversifying our digital dependencies. For decades, credit unions have guarded fiercely against the consolidation trends that swept through the banking sector. Yet quietly—and perhaps unintentionally—the same thing is happening in the technology stack that powers the movement. Core providers, card networks, and fintech middlemen are merging, acquiring,...
In the often-overlooked arena of cooperative finance, few leaders have inspired as enduring a legacy as Thomas (Tom) Lent. As President and CEO of Southland Credit Union in Orange County, California, Lent has spent nearly two decades coaching his team through remarkable growth and quietly championing the credit union movement. His planned retirement in 2026...
Every movement has its quiet architects—the leaders who shape culture and strategy not with noise, but with a steady hand and a clear vision. Eric Petracca, President and CEO of iQ Credit Union, is one of them. His path from teller to the corner office is not just a story of professional ascent; it’s a...
Anchored in financial discipline, community focus, and statewide relevance
Credit unions were never meant to be mini-banks. Yet too many are managing their balance sheets like institutions designed for Wall Street, not Main Street. Somewhere along the way, the movement’s financial engine became more cautious than catalytic. It’s time to reframe lending not as a risk, but as a responsibility—and revisit a once-obvious idea:...
Harper & Otsuka’s Return to the NCUA Slowed
$28.7B in Assets. Nearly Two Million Members. One Unified Vision. In a merger that looks less like acquisition and more like cooperative evolution, Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) and First Tech Federal Credit Union have agreed to combine as equals. When finalized—pending NCUA approval and member affirmation—this partnership will yield a $28.7 billion credit union...
$19.2 Billion in Assets. One Million Members. One Giant Leap for Cooperative Finance.
An Alaskan-rooted leader pivoting a $1.5 B credit union toward next-level member impact Las Vegas-based One Nevada Credit Union (ONCU) has made a quietly significant leadership move. With over $1.5 billion in assets and a membership base hovering around 74,000–78,000 Nevadans, ONCU has tapped long-time executive Steve O’Donnell as its new President/CEO, succeeding Paul Parrish after his retirement....