For decades, the credit union industry has gathered around a shared belief: collaboration is our superpower. Yet, traditional conference design doesn’t always unlock the full potential that can come from a large gathering. CU Unplugged challenges that model, and in doing so, introduces something entirely new to the industry.
THE 'tude
Credit washing is a growing problem that is impacting the entire financial services sector, from lenders to credit bureaus. Fraud in general is on the rise. Data from the Identity Theft Resource Center showed over 365,000 identity theft cases in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
In 2026, a growing number of credit unions are proving something the industry has long suspected but rarely measured well: sustainable success is not accidental, cyclical, or purely market driven. It is designed.
Small credit unions—hyper-local, member-owned cooperatives—serve underserved communities with personal service, better rates, lower fees, and loan approvals big institutions often deny. Yet their survival is in doubt.
As Congress approaches the Jan. 30 government funding deadline, military families are once again preparing for uncertainty.
Next week, the Senate Agriculture Committee will mark up legislation on digital assets and the future of crypto markets. Legislation that, if advanced, would be considered a significant win for President Trump’s economic and innovation agenda.
Credit unions already operate under a statutory interest-rate cap that is far lower than what applies to banks and other lenders. For decades, federal credit unions have been generally limited to an interest rate of 15% (currently 18% under a temporary allowance) on loans – a policy reflecting the credit union mission of putting people over profits. This long-standing cap, combined with credit unions’ not-for-profit structure, ensures that credit unions strive to offer affordable credit to their member-owners.
Most credit union stories do not begin in a boardroom. They begin at a kitchen table, with a family trying to make sense of a mortgage payment, a car repair, or a small business idea. Credit unions exist for those moments. And that is why the rules that govern them matter.
2025 was a defining year for credit union advocacy – marked by victories, hard-fought defensive battles, and a renewed commitment to unity across our movement. From Capitol Hill to communities nationwide, credit unions proved that when we engage, coordinate, and speak with one voice, we are a formidable force. Together, we turned challenges into triumphs and laid a strong foundation for the year ahead.
Every year, many Americans celebrate the joy of family and relief from work the holidays bring. Apart from the hustle and bustle, the holiday season is a special time to be with loved ones, engaging in family traditions and rituals, and making memories that will last a lifetime. However, not everyone gets to partake in the holiday gatherings.