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The NCUA reports that 64% of new credit union members show zero activity beyond opening their account. That's not a growth problem — it's an activation problem. And in this episode, we get into exactly how to fix it. Joining host Joshua Barclay are Matt Fehrmann, CIO of Kohler Credit Union, and Har Rai Khalsa, CEO and co-founder of Swaystack. Together, they bring real-world experience and concrete...

With thousands of credit union-related conversations under his belt, CU Broadcast host Mike Lawson has his finger on the pulse of the industry like few others.  So we asked him point blank: after everything you heard in 2025, what should be top of mind for credit union leaders heading into next year? His answer? A wake-up call. In this episode, Mike Lawson and host Joshua Barclay dissect the uncom...

Most financial institutions are swimming in risk right now: cyber threats, regulatory pressure, liquidity concerns, fast-moving competitors, and the accelerating impact of AI.    But as Ed Vincent, CEO of Lumio Solutions, explains, the biggest threat isn't any of those individually. It's the fragmented data sitting behind them.   In this episode, Ed breaks down why community banks and credit union...

Most credit unions talk about digital transformation as a tech problem. But the real differentiator is not software. It is a strategy that starts with your people and your teams.   According to McKinsey, about 70 percent of digital transformation initiatives fail to meet their goals, creating massive waste and stalled progress for financial institutions.   This episode cuts through the noise by fe...

Tired of hearing about costly, disruptive core conversions that sideline credit unions when they need to compete most? There's a better way forward. In this episode, host Joshua Barclay sits down with Brynn Ammon, President of Credit Union Solutions at Jack Henry, to explore how extending—not replacing—your core system could be the competitive advantage your credit union needs. You'll discover: Ja...

What do 300 high schoolers, a treacherous dirt road, and an epic keg party have to do with your bank's data strategy? Everything, according to Joshua Barclay and Nick Del Francia from BusinessNext. In this unique episode, Joshua shares a wild story from his Connecticut party-throwing days to illustrate banking's biggest challenge: it's not about your products (everyone sells the same checking acco...

Most credit unions are trapped in AI paralysis. It's not because they don't want the competitive advantage, but because they're terrified of what happens when regulators come knocking. In this tactical episode of Banking on Experience, host Joshua Barclay sits down with Ray K. Ragan, Chief Information Officer at Securityplus Federal Credit Union, to solve the AI compliance puzzle once and for all—...

What if the secret to member retention isn't more data—but better use of it? In this live episode of Banking on Experience, we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing credit unions today: keeping Members engaged in an era of limitless options and vanishing loyalty. You'll learn: Why 44% of new accounts go inactive within a year—and how to reverse it The high cost of fake personalization Real-w...

Bank of Idaho made headlines with its $245 million acquisition deal with Glacier Bancorp—a bold move at a time when community banks are battling rising regulatory pressure, digital disruption, and funding challenges. In this episode, Chairman, President & CEO Jeff Newgard shares: The key factors that drove the decision to sell The toughest leadership challenges during the transition How he approac...

Real-time payments are revolutionizing how money moves—faster, easier, and more seamless than ever. But with speed comes risk. Fraudsters aren't just small-time scammers anymore; they're running sophisticated, AI-powered crime rings that target credit unions and community banks in real time. So, how do financial institutions fight back? In this episode of Banking on Experience, host Joshua Barclay...

Banks and credit unions are sitting on a goldmine of data—so why aren't they using it to drive real growth in their marketing motions? Too often, financial institutions collect massive amounts of customer insights but struggle to turn them into personalized marketing strategies that actually convert. The key isn't just having data—it's knowing how to use it. In this episode, we sit down with Phill...

Did you know that nearly half of new accounts—44%—go inactive within the first year? That's not just lost revenue—it's a major threat to long-term growth for banks and credit unions. The culprit? A broken onboarding process.  Too many financial institutions skip relationship-building and jump straight into cross-selling, leaving members and customers disengaged and more likely to churn. So what's...

Marketing budgets are being slashed. Competition is fiercer than ever. Proving ROI? It's an uphill battle. Are you ready to transform your marketing from a cost center into a growth engine? In this episode of Banking on Experience, we're joined by James Robert Lay, CEO of the Digital Growth Institute and host of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, boasting over 450 episodes of insider strategie...

Digital transformation isn't just a buzzword—it's a survival strategy.  But here's the catch: 70-80% of digital transformation projects fail.  Why? Because many credit unions and banks unknowingly rent their digital future from vendors, leaving them trapped by hidden fees, outdated systems, and lack of control. In this episode of Banking on Experience, we sit down with Dylan Shaver, Chief Revenue...

Credit unions are making waves not just locally, but globally!  The need for people helping people extends far beyond U.S. borders, and we're about to take you on a journey that will expand your understanding of just how impactful this movement is. In the latest episode of Banking on Experience, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Reuter, CEO of the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions.  F...

Think small credit unions can't thrive in a post-pandemic economy? Think again. If you believe they can't be at the forefront of innovation, it's time to reconsider. In this episode, we're joined by Jed Meyer, CEO of St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, who is rewriting the playbook for small-to-midsize credit unions.  Jed is challenging the status quo, growing, and innovating at a rapid pace—all whi...

Are you struggling with the complexities of getting crucial certifications and grants for your credit union?  We're excited to welcome Shirley Senn, Chief Consulting Officer for CU Strategic Planning, a key figure in the credit union movement. With a passion for saving small credit unions and serving the underserved, Shirley has dedicated her career to helping financial institutions thrive. In thi...

Healthcare costs are skyrocketing, and the pandemic has intensified both mental and physical health crises. Traditional healthcare plans often fall short, leaving many to endure high-interest loans or forgo essential treatments. In this crucial episode of Banking on Experience, we explore how innovative fintech solutions and credit union collaboration are stepping in to address these challenges. J...

Ever feel like AI is just a buzzword? This episode is where the rubber meets the road. We're diving into how AI can elevate your bank or credit union by growing your member base and deepening your existing relationships. Get ready for a no-nonsense AI breakdown with real-world applications that could up-level your approach to growth. Our guest today is Mitch Rutledge, CEO and Co-Founder of Vertice...

In this episode, we dive into the rapidly expanding world of cannabis banking—a sector buzzing with opportunity yet tangled in regulatory constraints. Despite the broad legalization across states, federal hesitancy leaves many entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry struggling to find financial footing, caught in a limbo of being either unbanked or underbanked. Enter the vanguard of the Credit Unio...

Is legacy technology stifling innovation at your bank or credit union? In this transformative episode of the Banking on Experience Podcast, we delve into the heart of technological stagnation that plagues many financial institutions. Join us as we engage with the minds behind Janusea, the company at the forefront of breaking down the barriers imposed by outdated core systems. Kyle Stutzman, CEO an...

As credit unions and their members face an intensifying landscape of challenges, from stringent audits to strategic mergers, this episode sheds light on the crucial decisions shaping the industry's future. I Join Joshua Barclay and John Taylor, alongside growth engineer John Dearing from Capstone Strategic, as they dissect controversial merger impacts, forecast economic shifts, and unveil cutting-...

Dive into the realm of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, where innovation isn't just a buzzword – it's a way of life, thanks to their groundbreaking innovation lab. Witness firsthand how Michigan State University Federal Credit Union sets the standard in the credit union landscape through relentless innovation and strategic foresight. Gain unparalleled insights from the CEO herself,...

Are you up to date with the latest consumer lending trends for credit unions and banks in 2024? We've invited a renowned industry expert to demystify emerging consumer lending trends and reveal opportunities for your credit union or bank. Meet our guest, Jade Beckman, the Vice President of Consumer Lending at Mountain America Credit Union, steering credit card services, loan options, and member-ce...

  Are you ready to see what artificial intelligence can really do for your Credit Union or Community Bank, beyond the buzzwords and the hype? Forget the jargon and the tech-speak; this episode is tailored for Credit Union and Community Bank professionals who want to harness the power of AI without getting bogged down by complexities. We're cutting through the noise to focus on what AI really means...