In our latest New York Minute, explore upcoming educational and event opportunities from the Association, Visions FCU, and InfoSight360! Plus, nominations for the Association’s Board of Directors open this Friday, and read expert insights from TruStage. Get the latest industry news in our weekly newsletter!
Register Now: Elevating Credit Union Leaders Conference Series

The Elevating Credit Union Leaders Conference Series is designed for professionals ready to grow their leadership impact within the credit union movement. This four-part series includes three virtual sessions and one in-person event, offering flexible access to high-value leadership development.
Session Schedule
Virtual: March 18, July 14 & December 2
In-Person: October 7, Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel
Participants will explore essential leadership topics, including transitioning from manager to mentor, navigating leadership challenges, and mastering strategic communication. The series also dives into the mindset and core qualities required to lead effectively in today’s evolving credit union environment.
Expert insights will be shared by Mark Arnold, Founder & CEO, and Shawn Temple, Chief Strategy Officer of On the Mark Strategies. This program is ideal for managers, supervisors, young professionals, and emerging leaders. Register by March 11, 2026 to save your spot.
Association Board of Directors Nominations Open Friday, February 13

The nomination period for the Association’s Board of Directors will begin Friday, February 13. This is a key opportunity for dedicated credit union leaders to help guide the Association’s mission and shape the future of the credit union movement.
This year, there are three expiring director seats and one open seat:
- Two seats in Asset Tier 1 (up to $250 million)
- Two seats in Asset Tier 2 ($250 million and over)
Key Dates
Nominations open: Friday, February 13
Nomination deadline: Wednesday, April 15
Election period: Friday, May 8–Thursday, June 4
To be eligible, candidates must be supported by the leadership of their credit union and committed to fulfilling their leadership responsibilities if elected. Additionally, the nominees’ credit union must be a member of the Association in good standing.
More details on the nomination process will be available on our website starting February 13.
Save the Date: Visions Voice at GAC

Heading to America’s Credit Unions GAC this year? Add Visions Voice to your agenda for a high-impact networking and learning experience. Hosted by Visions Federal Credit Union, this exclusive event kicks off the conference with timely insights on advancing member financial wellness.
Event Details
Date: March 1, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Washington Convention Center, Room 103 AB
The session, led by Ty Muse, President & CEO of Visions FCU, focuses on Building Member Financial Wellness Through Collaboration. Attendees will hear from nationally recognized speakers Rodney E. Hood and Jean Chatzky.
Guests will enjoy lunch, giveaways, networking, and practical takeaways. Save your spot today!
Up Your Compliance with InfoSight360 Compliance Officer Bootcamp

As credit unions face increasing compliance complexity, the InfoSight360 Compliance Officer Bootcamp delivers the foundational training today’s compliance professionals need to succeed. This comprehensive program goes beyond individual regulations to focus on how to approach compliance work, like covering regulatory interpretation, research techniques, audits, training requirements, marketing and advertising compliance, fraud investigations, complaint programs, and third-party due diligence.
Designed as an annual program with quarterly, three-hour sessions, the Bootcamp is led by experienced compliance professionals who understand the real-world demands of the role. Participants will build confidence, clarity, and a deeper understanding of how compliance supports the entire credit union organization.
This training is ideal for both new and developing compliance professionals seeking a strong operational foundation. Registration is open through March 15, 2026, but space is limited. Invest in confident, capable compliance leadership today.
What 2026 Economic Trends Mean for Credit Union Strategies
By Steve Rick, Director and Chief Economist, TruStage

As 2025 winds down, credit unions are looking ahead to a year that promises both opportunities and challenges. Economic signals suggest 2026 will not be a repeat of the last decade’s boom times, but it won’t be a disaster either.
Inflation: Higher, but manageable
Inflation will likely climb above the Federal Reserve’s two percent target, reaching 3.2 to 3.3 percent in early 2026. Why? Tariffs. Many firms have absorbed tariff costs so far, but they’ll eventually start passing those costs along to consumers. For credit unions, this means members will feel the pinch in everyday expenses, and lending strategies will probably need to adapt.
Interest rates: Cuts are coming
The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points in December, and they may cut another 50 basis points in 2026. The Fed is pulling its foot off the brake and easing out of restrictive territory. For CUs, lower rates could stimulate demand for auto loans and other credit products. That’s good news for loan growth, but it also means tighter margins on deposits.
Economic growth: Slow, not stalled
Despite inflationary pressure, I am not forecasting a recession in 2026. Instead, expect below-trend growth. For credit unions, this translates into a stable but cautious environment. Members may not be spending aggressively, but to keep the car analogies going; they’re unlikely to slam the brakes entirely.
Stock market: Lofty highs and looming risks
The S&P 500 has soared 16 percent year-to-date, 49 percent over the last two years, and 84 percent over the last five years. That’s created a wealth effect for the top 10 percent of Americans who own most stocks. But there could be trouble looming. Margin debt has ballooned to $1.1 trillion, up 34 percent in a year. If markets correct sharply, consumer confidence could take a hit, and members might pull back on spending and borrowing.
Valuation concerns and the AI factor
The Shiller P/E ratio is 41, the second highest level ever. The Shiller Ratio (CAPE) measures stock market value by comparing current prices to the average of 10 years of inflation-adjusted earnings, with higher ratios signaling lower future returns.
Much of the market surge is tied to the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks and AI optimism. If AI fails to deliver the productivity gains investors expect, a bubble could burst. While I don’t foresee a crash, there are parallels to past speculative periods. For credit unions, a market downturn could mean members shifting focus to savings and liquidity.
Nightmare scenarios: What could go wrong?
I’m not forecasting doom, but I am watching several risks: trade wars escalating beyond tariffs, geopolitical shocks such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict spreading, commercial real estate stress with office vacancies and refinancing challenges, and falling home prices in states like Texas, Florida and California, which could ripple into consumer confidence.
Any of these could trigger a recession or at least a sharp slowdown. For CUs, that means preparing for potential spikes in delinquencies and shifts in member behavior.
What it all means for credit unions
The big picture? 2026 looks like a year of moderate inflation, easing rates and cautious growth. Credit unions should expect members to feel cost pressures while benefiting from lower borrowing costs. Loan demand—especially autos—may rise, but margins will tighten. Market volatility could influence member sentiment, making liquidity and risk management critical.
I am not forecasting a recession—just a little bit below-trend economic growth. For credit unions, that’s a call to stay nimble, focus on member needs and prepare for a year that’s more about managing risk than chasing record growth.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of TruStage.
TruStage is the marketing name for TruStage Financial Group, Inc. its subsidiaries and affiliates. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wis.
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