March 10th, 202609Unveiled Before 600+ Credit Union Leaders at Filene’s Chair Breakfast at GAC, New Research Center to Help Credit Unions Break Through the Noise
Madison, WI – Last week in a packed ballroom at the America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), Filene Research Institute shared some exciting news: the announcement of a new research center focused entirely on Differentiation & Storytelling, set to launch in July 2026. This new center will explore how brands win loyalty, how narratives shape behavior, and how financial organizations become memorable in ways that genuinely change consumer decisions.
Filene’s...
March 10th, 2026039Irvine, CA – Origence, a leading provider of lending technology solutions, announced acclaimed entrepreneur, branding expert, and “Shark Tank” star Daymond John will be a keynote speaker at its Lending Tech Live ’26 conference, taking place June 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California.
Bringing more than 25 years of hard‑won business experience, John will share insights from his journey as a founder and CEO, highlighting lessons learned from both his biggest wins and toughest setbacks. He attributes much of his success to cultivating the right mindset and consistently applying...
March 9th, 2026010WASHINGTON, DC – Eighteen credit union champions were inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in honor of their significant contributions to the credit union industry. The ceremony took place at the Marriott Marquis on Tuesday, March 3.
The Credit Union House Hall of Leaders Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the credit union movement at the local, state, or national level. These individuals inspire others through their passion, motivate the movement through their vision, and provide encouragement through bold leadership. Their impact spans all stages of professional development,...
March 9th, 2026014New cohort joins a network of 400+ innovation alumni charged with solving the industry’s most pressing challenges
Madison, WI – Credit unions face a defining moment. Rising member expectations, fintech disruption, and rapid technological change demand leaders who don’t just manage the present, they build the future. Filene Research Institute is answering that call, announcing today the 24 credit union professionals selected to join Wave 22 of its highly competitive i3 program, a one-year innovation leadership experience that has produced some of the industry’s most forward-thinking executives.
Unlike traditional professional...
March 9th, 2026011Washington, D.C.– Justin Hupfer, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) and CEO of PolicyWorks, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICUL, was recognized with the 2026 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) on Saturday evening.
This prestigious award honors a credit union league/association professional who has demonstrated visionary leadership at the state and national levels. This includes delivering superior results organizationally and financially, developing services and programs for credit unions, fostering cooperation within the...
March 9th, 202609Washington, D.C. – William J. Mellin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA), was recognized with the 2026 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) on Saturday evening.
This prestigious award honors a league president who has demonstrated visionary leadership at both the state and national levels, delivered superior organizational and financial performance, strengthened services for credit unions, fostered cooperation within the system, and exemplified integrity and commitment to purpose.
Mellin began his tenure with the New York...
March 9th, 2026018Irvine, CA, – Origence, a leading provider of lending technology solutions, today released a comprehensive research paper titled "Smart Credit Union Lending for Inclusive Growth: A roadmap for credit unions to serve more members, grow loans and build long-term success in the Southeast." As 55% of U.S. credit unions report declining membership, this report provides actionable insights for credit union leaders navigating slowing membership growth, rising risk, and evolving expectations of members.
As credit unions face an aging member base and heightened competition, this report offers a roadmap for sustainable growth through smarter...
February 27th, 2026027Advancing innovation, strengthening partnerships, and powering growth for credit unions nationwide.
Irvine, Calif.– Origence, the leading lending technology solutions provider for credit unions, closed 2025 with $62 billion in total fundings, up 17% from 2024, and signed 89 new or expanded credit union contracts. Together, the network of CUDL credit unions maintained their position as the nation’s largest auto lender as an aggregate for the fifth consecutive year.
Growth was supported by advancements in AI-driven automation and strategic partnerships aimed at driving efficiency and enhancing member experiences. Origence’s...
February 25th, 2026129Embedded financing initiative broadens credit unions’ reach and strengthens their presence in the fast‑growing home improvement market.
Irvine, CA – Origence, the leading credit union lending technology company in the U.S., announced that its subsidiary, FI Connect, has expanded its embedded financing program to include home improvement lending. This expansion opens a new, strategically significant channel for credit unions, giving them direct access to home renovation loan opportunities sourced through established contractor networks.
By integrating financing directly into the contractor sales process whenever and wherever buyers...