In our last edition of the New York Minute for 2025, we’re wishing you a happy holiday season from the Association! Plus, see charitable giving, industry leader recognitions, and more. Get the latest credit union news in our weekly newsletter!
Happy Holidays from The Association!
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the continued support, collaboration, and trust you place in the New York Credit Union Association. The holiday season provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the connections that strengthen our movement and the communities we serve.
Throughout the year, your commitment to financial well-being, community impact, and cooperative values has remained the driving force behind our collective success. Together, we have advanced advocacy efforts, supported members across the state, and reinforced the principles that make credit unions a trusted and vital part of New York’s financial landscape. Thank you for being an integral part of this community and for the partnership that allows us to move forward with purpose and confidence. Your engagement and leadership continue to shape a stronger future for credit unions and the members who rely on them.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with peace, reflection, and well-earned relaxation. May the year ahead bring health, happiness, and continued success.
Warm regards, Bill William J. Mellin, President & CEO New York Credit Union Association
Broadview FCU Rises to Record Community Need with $500,000+ in Giving
Broadview Federal Credit Union demonstrated its deep commitment to community support by distributing more than $500,000 through its annual Holiday Sharing and Leadership Giving programs. During the 2025 holiday season, Broadview executives and employees delivered $250,000 worth of gifts and essential items to more than 5,000 individuals and families across New York State, marking the culmination of a Holiday Sharing tradition spanning more than 30 years.
With requests for assistance at an all-time high due to economic pressures, SNAP benefit reductions, and a recent government shutdown, Broadview stepped up with donations of toys, warm clothing, cookware, toiletries, and other necessities for families, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and children. More than 80 nonprofit organizations participated, identifying individuals in need and providing personalized shopping lists.
In addition, Broadview’s Leadership Giving Program donated $324,000 to 60 nonprofits on behalf of the credit union’s management team. Together, these efforts highlight Broadview’s people-first mission and its role as a reliable partner for communities during times of heightened need.
New York Credit Union Leaders Certified as Development Educators
The National Credit Union Foundation has certified 40 credit union leaders as Credit Union Development Educators after completing its signature Development Education (DE) program, the movement’s only 2025 virtual class. Among this distinguished group are two New York credit union professionals:
The virtual DE program provided an accessible and engaging alternative to the traditional in-person experience, allowing participants to dive deeply into the “why” behind credit unions. Through interactive speaker sessions and collaborative exercises, attendees explored credit union structure, emotional intelligence, advocacy, and the importance of advancing financial well-being.
Join us in congratulating Amanda, Deiredra, and all members of the 2025 DE class!
From TruStage: Fintech Forum Webinar Recording Available
Missed TruStage’s fintech forum on stablecoins? The on-demand recording of “Digital Dollars, Real Impact: Stablecoins and the Future of the Credit Union Ecosystem” is now available to watch. This timely webinar explores one of the most talked-about developments in digital finance and what it could mean for credit unions in the years ahead.
Designed for credit union leaders, compliance professionals, and strategy teams, the session breaks down what stablecoins really are and how they’re beginning to reshape payments, member expectations, and operational considerations. Viewers gain insight into the evolving regulatory landscape, potential use cases, and key questions credit unions should be asking as digital assets continue to gain traction.
Credit unions are encouraged to watch the full recording to better understand the opportunities and implications of stablecoins for the cooperative financial system. Click below to access the recording!
This week in the New York Minute, we’re covering year-end reminders for our members and celebrating respected industry leaders retiring this year. Plus, learn about credit unions supporting their community this holiday season. Get the latest industry news from across the state in our weekly blog.
From CU in New York: Association’s Year-Long Legislative Battle- Comprehensive Advocacy Efforts Face Final Test
Throughout the 2025 legislative session, the New York Credit Union Association has conducted a comprehensive advocacy campaign to advance legislation supporting credit union members while protecting the industry from statutory overreach. The Association’s multifaceted efforts now face their ultimate test as Governor Hochul decides the fate of 161 bills awaiting her action.
Comprehensive Advocacy Strategy
The Association’s 2025 legislative work encompassed the full range of advocacy activities to serve New York’s credit union community:
Championed member-friendly legislation to expand credit union services and reduce operational burdens
Opposed bills that would impose unnecessary statutory requirements on credit unions
Engaged proactively with bill sponsors to seek amendments and carve-outs protecting credit unions
Testified at committee hearings to educate lawmakers about credit union operations and member benefits
Built coalitions with consumer groups, business organizations, and other financial services stakeholders
Submitted detailed position papers analyzing legislation’s impact on credit union members and operations
Educated members about pending legislation and mobilized grassroots advocacy efforts
Four Bills at The Top of the Opposition List
While the Association’s advocacy agenda included supporting numerous pro-credit union measures, four bills required particularly intensive opposition efforts due to their potential negative impact on credit union operations:
S6953B – The RAISE Act (Artificial Intelligence Regulation)
The Association worked extensively with Senator Gounardes’ office, committee staff, and stakeholder groups to seek appropriate exemptions for financial institutions. Despite the Association’s detailed advocacy explaining how the bill’s training requirements and compliance obligations could disproportionately burden credit unions, the legislation advanced without adequate protections for member-owned cooperatives. Similar legislation has been vetoed across the country and with the talk of federal legislation voiding state AI legislation, the future of RAISE is uncertain. This legislation is pending the Governor’s signature, and the Association (along with many other business groups) is actively advocating for a veto.
S929 – New York HIPA (Health Information Protection)
The Association’s advocacy team engaged intensively with Senator Krueger’s office and stakeholders to push for explicit carve-outs for financial institutions and insurance carriers. The Association’s analysis demonstrated how the broad language could inadvertently capture credit unions processing health-related information, creating duplicative privacy requirements that conflict with existing federal frameworks. The Association has joined a large coalition requesting this bill be vetoed.
S1353B – Coerced Debt Relief
The Association mounted perhaps its most comprehensive opposition campaign around Senator Cleare’s coerced debt legislation. The Association worked with bill sponsors, committee staff, and stakeholder groups to seek amendments that would protect legitimate collection activities while still addressing genuine economic abuse. Despite extensive engagement, the bill’s expansive definition of “coercion” remained problematic for credit union operations. Hopefully if this is signed into law, subsequent chapter amendments will ease some of the burden.
S8416 – FAIR Business Practices Act
The Association engaged extensively with Senator Comrie’s office and the Attorney General’s staff to seek modifications to the legislation’s vague standards for “unfair” practices. The Association’s advocacy emphasized how credit unions’ cooperative structure and member-focused mission distinguish them from for-profit institutions, warranting different treatment under enforcement provisions.
The Stakeholder Engagement Challenge
The Association’s advocacy work requires careful navigation of complex stakeholder dynamics by balancing supporting consumer protection goals while ensuring credit unions aren’t inadvertently harmed by well-intentioned legislation. This requires extensive engagement with consumer advocacy groups, legislative staff, and other financial services organizations to build understanding of credit union operations and member benefits.
Federal Validation of the Association’s Balanced Approach
NCUA’s recently announced Deregulation Project validates the Association’s balanced advocacy approach. While the federal credit union regulator works to eliminate obsolete and burdensome requirements, the Association has consistently advocated for legislation that supports credit union members while opposing measures that would create unnecessary statutory burdens. This alignment between federal burden reduction efforts and the Association’s state-level advocacy reinforces the Association’s strategic approach.
What the Association’s Comprehensive Advocacy Achieved
The Association’s sustained advocacy efforts throughout 2025 accomplished multiple critical objectives:
Advanced member interests through support of beneficial legislation
Protected operational flexibility by opposing or seeking amendments to problematic bills
Educated lawmakers about credit union operations, member benefits, and cooperative principles
Built upon relationships with legislators, staff, and stakeholder organizations
Demonstrated thought leadership on complex financial services policy issues
Mobilized grassroots engagement from credit union members and leaders
Confirmed the Association as the authoritative voice on credit union policy in New York
The Final Test
Now, after months the Association’s comprehensive advocacy work supporting good bills and opposing problematic ones, key decisions rest with Governor Hochul.
Lessons in Comprehensive Legislative Advocacy
The Association’s 2025 campaign demonstrates the sophistication required in modern legislative advocacy. The Association successfully managed a complex portfolio of legislative priorities, supporting measures that benefit members while opposing those that would impose unnecessary burdens. This comprehensive approach enhanced the Association’s credibility and effectiveness with lawmakers and stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
The Association’s advocacy work extends beyond individual legislative sessions. Whether specific bills are signed or vetoed, the relationships built, expertise demonstrated, and credibility established during 2025 will benefit future advocacy efforts. For New York’s credit unions, the Association’s advocacy efforts represent a strategic, balanced approach to legislative engagement that advances member interests while protecting operational viability, demonstrating the Association’s commitment to ensuring that policymakers understand both the cooperative difference and the unique value credit unions bring to their communities.
Enjoy this insight? Subscribe to the Association’s CU in New York blog for more expert opinions on the latest news affecting the credit union industry from Jeremy Newman!
Recent Retirements: A Fond Farewell to Credit Union Leaders
This year, the New York credit union community bids a heartfelt farewell to an exceptional group of leaders whose careers have helped shape the strength, stability, and service-driven mission of our movement. These individuals have dedicated decades to serving members, mentoring teams, navigating change, and strengthening communities across the state. Their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the credit union philosophy of people helping people have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.
As they step into well-earned retirements, we extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to the following leaders for their many contributions:
Shawn Hayes – TrailNorth FCU
Wayne Winkler – Mid-Hudson Valley FCU
Ron Flaherty – TEG FCU
Sam Scro – Auburn FCU
Bohdan Kurczak – Self Reliance FCU
Tom Neumann – First Source FCU
Jody Vosburg – Allegany First FCU
Mary Ann Williams – Oneida County FCU
We thank each of these leaders for their service and wish them health, happiness, and fulfillment in their next chapter.
Member Reminder: Update Project Zip Code!
With advocacy efforts active at both the federal and state levels, now is the perfect time for credit unions to ensure their Project Zip Code (PZC) information is accurate and up to date. Project Zip Code is a secure, user-friendly tool that helps quantify the collective impact of credit unions by matching member counts to congressional districts, state legislative districts, and counties.
This data is uploaded to America’s Credit Unions’ Project Zip Code system and combined with information from credit unions nationwide, providing a powerful resource to support advocacy, education, and relationship-building with lawmakers. All information is completely secure, and no individual member data is accessible outside your organization.
Beyond advocacy, PZC offers operational value by allowing credit unions to analyze member distribution geographically, helping inform decisions related to branch locations, ATMs, and shared branching. Keeping your data current ensures your credit union’s voice is accurately represented when it matters most.
To update your information or learn more, visit America’s Credit Unions’ Project Zip Code website and take a few minutes to confirm your data. If you require assistance, please contact the Association’s Member Relations team at member.relations@nycua.org.
First New York FCU’s 2025 Toilet Paper Drive Take Down
First New York Federal Credit Union set a new record in 2025 through its annual Toilet Paper Drive in partnership with Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, collecting an impressive 19,154 rolls of toilet paper to support families and individuals across the Capital Region. The campaign culminated in the highly anticipated Toilet Paper Take Down Event on December 9 at First New York’s corporate headquarters, where towering “trees” of donated rolls were dismantled and packed for delivery.
The donations were transported to Catholic Charities’ five food pantries and two soup kitchens, helping address a critical gap for hygiene items that cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits. Community leaders, staff, volunteers, and media gathered to witness the effort, which continues to grow each year as need increases by 15–20 percent annually.
SeaComm FCU Supports Food Pantries Across Northern New York
SeaComm Federal Credit Union is helping ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season by donating a total of $9,000 to food pantries throughout Northern New York. The funds will support local organizations working tirelessly to meet increased demand for food assistance during a time when many families are facing rising costs and economic uncertainty.
Among the recipients are trusted community partners such as the Neighborhood Center, JCEO, Urban Mission, and other local food pantries that provide essential services to individuals and families in need. These donations will help stock shelves, expand outreach, and ensure vital resources remain available throughout the winter months.
SeaComm’s contribution reflects the credit union’s long-standing commitment to community well-being and its belief that local support makes a meaningful difference. By investing directly in organizations on the front lines of hunger relief, SeaComm continues to live the credit union mission of people helping people, especially during the season when compassion and generosity matter most.
Act Fast: Your Free Webinar Codes Expire Soon
Friendly reminder: your complimentary webinar codes are set to expire on December 31, and there’s still time to put them to good use. These free codes give members access to an extensive library of on-demand webinars covering timely topics such as compliance, lending, marketing, operations, leadership, and more. Whether you’re looking to stay current on regulatory updates or strengthen professional skills across your team, there’s valuable content available.
Using your codes is simple. Just click below and look under “Access Your Promotional Codes” to redeem them. Webinars can be viewed on your schedule, making it easy to fit professional development into even the busiest year-end calendars.
Don’t let this benefit go unused. Take advantage of the Association’s educational resources before your codes expire and start the new year informed, prepared, and ahead of the curve.
In the latest New York Minute, we’re celebrating charitable giving and holiday cheer from credit unions across New York state! Then, hear industry insights from the experts at TruStage and InfoSight360. Get this week’s credit union updates in our blog!
Sunmark Credit Union Announces ICU Day Award Recipients
Sunmark Credit Union celebrated the spirit of International Credit Union Day by recognizing outstanding ICU Award honorees—individuals and organizations who exemplify the credit union philosophy of people helping people. Through the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation, now in its seventh year of hosting the ICU Day Awards, two individuals and four nonprofits were selected for their meaningful contributions to local communities.
People Helping People Award recipients each receive a Foundation donation to support their mission:
The Susan V. Siegel Community Service Leader Award was presented to Seth Harris, an educator whose work continues to create enriching experiences for children. The “It’s Cool to Be Kind” Student Award went to Shreya Sharath for founding GleeBoxx, a student-led initiative providing thoughtful care packages to those in need.
Thank you to Sunmark for their generous donations, and to these honorees, who represent the credit union mission of people helping people every day!
Sidney FCU Supports Hunger Relief Through “Open an Account, Open a Table” Initiative
This holiday season, Sidney Federal Credit Union is turning everyday banking into community impact through its “Open an Account, Open a Table” initiative. Thanks to members who opened new SFCU checking accounts, the credit union has already contributed to four organizations dedicated to supporting families facing food insecurity:
Each account opened directly fueled donations, helping provide warm meals, holiday comfort, and hope to households across the region. SFCU staff personally visited each organization to deliver contributions and learn more about their work. Join us in celebrating Sidney FCU for making the holidays brighter for neighbors who need it most.
Visions FCU Spreads Cheer to Veterans and Service Members
Visions Federal Credit Union continued its tradition of seasonal giving with this year’s Treats for Troops initiative, an effort focused on uplifting service members and veterans across the communities Visions serves. Through a strong partnership with local organizations and generous participation from members and neighbors, the initiative made a significant impact.
Together, volunteers collected approximately 400 pounds of donated candy and wrote more than 400 heartfelt cards, each one offering appreciation, encouragement, and comfort to active-duty military and veterans throughout Central New York, the Southern Tier, and New Jersey.
The Treats for Troops initiative is another example of how Visions FCU leads with gratitude, especially during the holiday season.
From TruStage: AI Is Changing the Game. Is Your Credit Union Ready to Play?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to enable decisions, provide products and services, and carry out key functions and transactions. AI is also becoming more integrated into your processes and the practices used and followed by your vendor partners.
However, AI isn’t perfect. You need to be aware of security, privacy, and ethical practices as it relates to how AI is being used. And, not surprisingly, not everyone is using AI for good intentions – for example, bad actors are now using deepfakes – highly realistic synthetic AI media – to enhance phishing and vishing at a higher frequency to defraud financial institutions, your employees, and even your members.
As AI becomes more prevalent, so also should your AI governance. Check out this TruStage Artificial Intelligence Risk Overview to consider the potential risks, challenges, and proactive practices to better safeguard your organization.
Have you taken the first step in making your compliance journey smoother? Registering for your InfoSight360 account is like opening the door to a whole new world of support and resources. With this account, you can easily access tools that help you stay on top of all the rules and regulations that come your way. It’s like having a guide by your side, ensuring that you’re ready for whatever challenges the new year may bring. Don’t wait too long; getting started now can make all the difference later!
As you prepare for the year ahead, think about how InfoSight360’s flagship products can make your life easier. InfoSight, CU PolicyPro, and RecoveryPro are designed to tackle different aspects of compliance, making sure you have everything you need at your fingertips. Plus, with our new Learning Management System (LMS), you can ensure you and your team are always in the know. These tools are here to help you breeze through the compliance process!
Let’s leave the challenges of 2025 behind and step into a brighter, more organized future. With the right resources and support, you can focus on what truly matters: serving your community and achieving your goals. Compliance doesn’t have to be a headache. Instead, it can be a straightforward part of your daily routine, thanks to InfoSight360. So, get ready to embrace a year filled with clarity, confidence, and success! Learn more at InfoSight360.
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This week in the New York Minute, we’re announcing student applications for the 2026 Scholarship Program! Then, see which credit union was recognized for its community engagement, and see up-to-date information on technology use for credit unions. Get this week’s industry updates in our blog!
2026 Scholarship Program: Student Applications Now Open!
Student applications are officially open for the 2026 Scholarship Program, and participating credit unions are encouraged to share the opportunity with their college-bound members.
Students who are members in good standing at a participating credit union and planning to attend an accredited 2–4 year college, university, or trade program are eligible to apply. The process is simple: applicants must complete the 2026 Scholarship Application, obtain a Credit Union Verification Code, and submit three separate documents—a completed application, high school transcript, and essay.
Applications close January 9, 2026 for student submissions, and awards will be announced to credit unions in late April to early May. Learn more on the application page below!
TruNorthern FCU Earns Bronze MAC Award for Community Engagement
Congratulations to TruNorthern Federal Credit Union, which has been honored with a Bronze Award in Community Engagement by the Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC). This marks TruNorthern’s first MAC Award—a milestone achievement that recognizes its commitment to living the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”
The award highlights TruNorthern’s partnership with Holiday Helpers, through which the credit union donated over $2,400, volunteered more than 24 hours, and supported 15+ local families during the holiday season. The recognition reflects the dedication of TruNorthern’s staff, volunteers, and community partners.
WOCCU Releases New White Paper on Ethical AI for Credit Unions
The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) has released a new white paper, Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Artificial Intelligence in Credit Unions, offering a comprehensive roadmap for deploying AI in ways that uphold credit union values of fairness, transparency, and member trust. The 60-page paper translates OECD AI Principles into practical steps for boards, executives, compliance teams, and IT leaders.
The paper outlines key opportunities—improved service speed, stronger risk management, and personalization—alongside ethical risks such as bias, privacy concerns, and lack of explainability. It includes a model implementation plan, five real-world use cases, and seven major recommendations, such as adopting an enterprise Ethical AI framework, strengthening data governance, and establishing continuous monitoring and feedback loops.
Credit unions can download and read the full white paper to support responsible innovation grounded in cooperative values using the link below.
Cybersecurity in Credit Unions: A Shared Responsibility for a Trusted Future
In today’s digital-first financial environment, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue — it’s a shared responsibility that touches every corner of a credit union. From IT teams and compliance officers to operations managers and frontline staff, everyone plays a role in helping protect member data and building institutional trust.
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and regulations become more complex, credit unions must evolve their approach to cybersecurity and be vigilant in monitoring for threats. This requires moving beyond reactive defense and embracing a proactive, organization-wide strategy that aligns with the values of transparency, trust and community service.
Understanding the threat landscape
Cyber threats are no longer isolated incidents — they are persistent, ever evolving and increasingly targeted. For credit unions, the most common threats fall into three categories:
Confidentiality: Phishing attacks and data breaches can expose sensitive member information, leading to reputational damage and regulatory penalties.
Integrity: Cybercriminals may alter or corrupt data, undermining the accuracy of financial records and decision-making systems.
Availability: Ransomware and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks can disrupt access to critical systems, affecting member services and operational continuity.
These threats are amplified by the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the growing use of third-party vendors and the increasing interconnectivity of financial systems. Staying ahead of these risks is critical. Investing in threat intelligence and cybersecurity skills, conducting regular risk assessments and ensuring that cybersecurity is embedded into every aspect of operations is a necessity for credit unions to maintain their most important relationship — their relationship with their members.
The regulatory landscape: Complex and evolving
Several states have enacted privacy laws that give consumers more control over their personal data. These laws vary widely in scope and enforcement, creating a patchwork of compliance requirements that credit unions must navigate. States like California1 and New York2 have gone further, requiring organizations to provide proof of compliance and obtain explicit consent before handling sensitive data.
This regulatory complexity is driving demand for cyber insurance and increasing the need for robust compliance programs. But beyond legal requirements, member expectations are also rising. Today’s members want to know that their data is safe. They expect transparency, accountability and responsiveness from their financial institutions.
Meeting these expectations requires collaboration across departments. IT teams must work closely with compliance, legal, risk management and member services to ensure that data is collected, stored and used responsibly. It is important that everyone in the organization understand and feel a sense of obligation to uphold the basics of data privacy and be empowered to act as a steward of member trust.
Bridging the cybersecurity talent gap
One of the most pressing challenges facing credit unions is the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, and the demand continues to grow. This shortage puts pressure on existing teams and makes it harder for smaller institutions to maintain a strong security posture.
To address this, many credit unions are turning to virtual chief information security officers (CISOs), managed security services and automated tools that can help small teams do more with less. These solutions can be effective, but they must be implemented thoughtfully and supported by ongoing training and oversight.
There’s also an opportunity to build a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce. Women and minority groups remain significantly underrepresented in the field. Credit unions — known for their community focus and member-first values — are well positioned to lead the way in recruiting and developing talent from a broader range of backgrounds.
Partnerships with local colleges, workforce development programs and industry associations can help build a pipeline of future cybersecurity professionals. Internships, mentorships and scholarships may also play a key role in attracting and retaining talent.
Cybersecurity as a cultural imperative
For credit unions, cybersecurity is not just about technology — it’s about culture. It’s about creating an environment where every employee understands their role in protecting organizational, employee and member data and feels empowered to act when something doesn’t seem right.
This cultural shift starts with leadership but must be reinforced at every level. Training programs should go beyond compliance checklists and focus on real-world scenarios and should be conducted regularly to stay current with evolving threats and changes in credit unions. Communication should be clear, consistent and tailored to different roles within the organization. Success should be measured not just by the absence of incidents, but by the presence of awareness, accountability and continuous improvement.
Building resilience through collaboration
Cybersecurity is a team sport. It requires coordination across departments, collaboration with vendors and engagement with industry peers. Credit unions can benefit from participating in information-sharing networks, attending industry conferences and staying informed about emerging threats and proven practices.
To build true cyber resilience, credit unions should:
Invest in layered security architectures that protect against a range of threats.
Develop and test incident response plans that include communication protocols and recovery strategies.
Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities and track progress.
Leverage automation and AI to enhance threat detection and response.
Foster a culture of continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration.
A call to action for the entire organization
Cybersecurity is no longer the sole responsibility of IT — it’s a shared mission that requires engagement from every department and every individual. Whether you’re a compliance officer reviewing policies, a teller interacting with members or a board member setting strategic priorities, your actions contribute to the credit union’s overall security posture.
By working together, credit unions can not only protect their members and meet regulatory requirements; they can also strengthen the trust that defines their mission and sets them apart in the financial services landscape.
Work with partners to stay informed
Navigating today’s evolving risk landscape requires more than vigilance — it demands strategic foresight. From shifting litigation trends to increasingly complex compliance requirements, credit unions must stay agile and informed.
While every credit union faces its own distinct challenges, TruStageTM is here to provide support. TruStage’s Emerging Risks Outlook offers valuable insights into the key risks and trends that are likely to impact the industry. It’s a resource designed to help you stay ahead, strengthen your risk management strategy and safeguard your institution’s future.
Learn more about our tailored business solutions at www.trustage.com and explore helpful resources in our Business Protection Resource Center. You can also reach out to a TruStage risk consultant at riskconsultant@trustage.com or call 800.637.2676.
The resources are created by TruStage based on our experience in the credit union, insurance, and risk management marketplace. It is intended to be used only as a guide, not as legal advice. Any examples provided have been simplified to give you an overview of the importance of selecting appropriate coverage limits, insuring-to-value, and implementing loss prevention techniques. No coverage is provided by this resource, nor does it replace any provisions of any insurance policy or bond. Please read the actual policy for specific coverage, terms, conditions, and exclusions. Corporate Headquarters 5910 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705
CUP, CSS-8362417.1-0925-1027
Brianda Rojas-Levering, TruStage Brianda brings significant experience helping organizations with legal and regulatory issues including vendor management, contracts, risk, disaster recovery and business continuity, and cybersecurity compliance.
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Happy holidays from your Association! This week in the New York Minute, hear from our President & CEO, see a leadership update, register for the World Credit Union Conference, and more. Get all the latest New York credit union updates from across the state in the weekly New York Minute blog.
A Holiday Message from President & CEO William J. Mellin
Happy Thanksgiving!
As you gather with friends and family to celebrate the holiday, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your dedication, leadership, and unwavering support for New York’s credit unions—and for the credit union movement as a whole—have made this year truly meaningful.
Over the past year, we’ve navigated new opportunities and challenges, embraced change, and continued to strengthen the communities we serve. Despite obstacles, your resilience and commitment have driven real progress. Because of your work, our movement is stronger, more connected, and better positioned to serve members across the state.
Thank you for the collaboration, energy, and passion you bring to everything you do. It’s an honor to work alongside you in service of our shared mission.
From my family to yours, wishing you a warm, joyful, and safe Thanksgiving!
Sincerely, Bill
Mid-Hudson Valley FCU Introduces New President & CEO
Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union has named Razi Qadri as its new President and CEO, an exciting leadership transition for the 93,000-member credit union. Qadri brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services, most recently serving as COO and CIO at Lake Trust Credit Union. His career also includes leadership roles at Lake Michigan Credit Union, Flagstar Bank, and Daimler Chrysler Corporation.
Known for championing innovation, teamwork, and exceptional member experiences, Qadri will lead MHV into its next chapter with an emphasis on digital enhancements, meaningful community impact, and forward-thinking financial solutions. Members can expect a leader committed to empowering financial futures, while embracing the people and traditions that make the Hudson Valley unique. Qadri holds a master’s degree from Wayne State University.
Congratulations to Razi Qadri on this new role at MHVFCU!
Registration Open for the 2026 World Credit Union Conference
Registration is officially open for the 2026 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC), taking place July 19–22, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. Hosted by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) in partnership with the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA), this global gathering will bring together more than 2,500 credit union professionals from 60 countries.
The WCUC 2026 itinerary features:
Three keynote speakers
28 breakout sessions
Thought-leading content on advocacy, digital transformation, AI, membership growth, and emerging trends shaping the global credit union movement.
This is the premier opportunity to expand your international network, learn from top industry voices, and collaborate with peers committed to the cooperative mission. Whether you’re focused on innovation, regulatory insights, or leadership growth, the conference offers powerful takeaways.
Click below to learn more and register for WCUC 2026.
Many credit unions use the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle Electronic Lien Transfer (ELT) System to file their liens. The NYS DMV reminds credit unions that the ELT system should also be used to release liens. For more information, check out the NYS DMV website (Add or Remove a Lienholder | NY DMV) and the ELT user manual (ELT-1: Electronic Lien Transfer Program (PDF)).
Department Of State Issues Holiday Season Warning To Shoppers About Buy Now, Pay Later Financing
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is urging shoppers to use caution with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financing this holiday season, citing growing concerns about unintended debt accumulation. BNPL allows consumers to split payments into installments, often interest-free if paid on time, but late or missed payments can trigger steep fees, high interest rates, and potential credit score impacts.
As BNPL becomes more widely used, especially among young adults, many consumers are stacking loans across multiple platforms, resulting in large combined monthly bills. Studies show BNPL can encourage overspending and impulsive purchasing, with defaults rising nationwide.
To stay safe, officials recommend:
Reviewing all payment terms
Budgeting carefully
Tracking multiple plans
Automating payments
Avoiding impulse buys
Consumers should also understand how BNPL may affect their credit, as policies vary by lender. New Yorkers needing assistance can contact the Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220 or file complaints online. The Division also shares regular consumer protection tips on Facebook and Instagram.
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