This week in our blog, we’re sharing highlights from the 2026 America’s Credit Unions’ Government Affairs Conference. Plus, the Association President & CEO’s recent honor, registration deadlines for the Emerging Credit Union Leaders Conference Series, and more! Get this week’s credit union news in our New York Minute blog.
America’s Credit Unions’ GAC 2026 Events & Highlights
New York’s credit unions showed up in a big way at the 2026 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., with a record 160+ attendees representing our state.
The following New York credit unions attended the conference and represented our state powerfully:
New York’s credit unions kicked off the conference on Sunday night with the “Let’s Connect New York” Reception, where credit union leaders and advocates gathered for cocktails, small bites, and meaningful conversation before heading to Capitol Hill. The energy set the tone for a strong week of advocacy.
Monday morning featured a New York CEO Breakfast fireside chat between Association Chief Advocacy Officer Amy Kramer and America’s Credit Unions Senior VP of Advocacy Greg Mesack. The Opening Flag Ceremony followed, with Association President & CEO William J. Mellin and Association Board Chair Eric Hepkins proudly representing New York.
During the Legislative Briefing Luncheon, opening remarks were delivered by Association Chief Operating Officer Chris Pajak, followed by a panel featuring Association Chief Advocacy Officer Amy Kramer, Association Vice President of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Jeremy Newman, and America’s Credit Unions Head of Legislative Advocacy Brad Thaler.
Tuesday and Wednesday were dedicated to Hill visits, as New York advocates met directly with lawmakers to promote the credit union mission and advocate for pro-credit union policy.
Thank you to the following lawmakers for meeting with our members:
Check out photos from the event:
Association President & CEO William J. Mellin Honored with Farley League Leadership Award
The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) has recognized William J. Mellin, Association President & CEO, with the prestigious 2026 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award.
This national honor celebrates a league president who demonstrates visionary leadership at the state and national levels, strong organizational and financial performance, commitment to cooperation across the credit union system, and integrity, purpose-driven service.
Mellin, who began his tenure with the Association 32 years ago and has served as President & CEO since 2000, oversees the Association and its affiliated entities, including OwnersChoice Funding, UsNet Shared Branching, and the New York Credit Union Foundation.
Under his leadership, the Association has continued advancing the credit union mission statewide: advocating, educating, and uniting credit unions that collectively serve 7 million members and hold more than $130 billion in assets.
Congratulations to Bill on this well-deserved national recognition!
Act Now: Register for Elevating Credit Union Leaders Conference
Time is running out! The deadline to register for the Elevating Credit Union Leaders Conference Series is Wednesday, March 11.
Virtual sessions take place on March 18, July 14, and December 2, while an in-person session will be at the Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel on October 7.
Designed specifically for credit union professionals and ideal for managers, supervisors, young professionals, and emerging leaders, this series helps participants:
- Evolve from managers to mentors
- Overcome leadership challenges
- Strengthen strategic communication skills
- Develop the mindset of influential leaders
Featured speakers include Mark Arnold, Founder & CEO, and Shawn Temple, Chief Strategy Officer of On the Mark Strategies. This program is your opportunity to expand your impact within your credit union!
Don’t wait! Secure your spot before March 11.
TruStage® to Issue Stablecoin for Credit Unions
TruStage has announced plans to launch TruStage Stablecoin (TSDA), a fully reserved U.S. dollar stablecoin designed specifically for credit unions. TSDA aims to modernize digital payment infrastructure for credit unions worldwide that work with TruStage.
Developed in collaboration with Block Time Financial, the initiative will:
- Maintain 1:1 cash backing for stability
- Support settlements and disbursements
- Enable faster loan funding
- Improve peer-to-peer and cross-border payments
- Reduce transaction friction and costs
With growing regulatory clarity around stablecoins, this pilot program is launching in the first half of 2026 and represents a significant development for community-based financial institutions.
NY Attorney General Issues Warning for ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams
The Office of the New York Attorney General has issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about increasingly sophisticated “pig butchering” scams.
These schemes typically begin on social media, dating apps, or unsolicited texts and move to encrypted platforms like WeChat or WhatsApp. The goal of these scammers is to build trust through fake personal or professional relationships and introduce fraudulent investment opportunities, often in cryptocurrency. Victims are shown fabricated account gains before being asked to deposit substantial sums. Eventually, withdrawals are blocked, and scammers disappear.
Red flags include:
- Requests for secrecy
- Pressure to invest quickly
- Demands to wire money or use Bitcoin ATMs
- Interference when banks question transactions
Attorney General James urges New Yorkers to research investment offers, avoid irreversible payment methods, consult trusted advisors, and report suspected scams. Victims can file a complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755.
Staying vigilant protects both individuals and the communities we serve.
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