Credit Union Conversations

Youth banking is transforming how credit unions engage families and prepare the next generation for financial success. In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter sits down with Alexey Krasnoriadtsev, CEO and co-founder of boucoup, to explore innovative family banking solutions that are changing the game for credit unions. Alexey shares his remarkable journey from Soviet-era Be...

Commercial lending negotiations require a different approach than consumer lending in credit unions. In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter talks with Steve Young, veteran relationship management professional at MBFS, about the art of business lending. Steve shares his journey from baseball to becoming a trusted advisor in the credit union space. They explore key differenc...

Gen Z banking preferences take center stage as Mark Ritter, host of Credit Union Conversations, interviews his son Ethan Ritter, a University of Pittsburgh finance student. This episode explores what credit union membership means to younger consumers and reveals surprising insights about mobile banking apps and digital engagement. Ethan shares candid perspectives on financial technology expectatio...

Insights on New York City travel by Credit Union Conversations host Mark Ritter and guest Azra Samiee reveal authentic experiences beyond typical tourist attractions. In this engaging episode, Mark shares his journey from small-town Pennsylvania to becoming a NYC enthusiast, while Azra, a 13-year Brooklyn resident, offers insider recommendations. Discover Brooklyn neighborhoods and restaurants gui...

Credit union lending strategies take center stage as host Mark Ritter of Credit Union Conversations welcomes Erik Harwood from Sun East Federal Credit Union. Erik shares insights on navigating today's commercial lending landscape and adapting to the normalized liquidity management environment of 2025. The conversation explores innovative residential mortgage lending programs, including Sun East's...

Azra and Mark introduce Inclusiv's new business lending program for credit unions in New York state.  WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ How CDFI credit unions can launch or expand their small business lending programs through Inclusiv's eight-week Small Business Capital Initiative training that covers regulations, portfolio development, and community outreach strategies. ✅ The benefits...

“We don't do agricultural lending." That's the common phrase uttered across America, but why? Phil Love, the leader of Pactola, and Mark Ritter delve into the benefits of agricultural lending, how to approach it, and the advantages for lenders. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ How agricultural lending empowers credit unions to support small businesses in farming communities. ✅ The role of...

Are you ready to revolutionize your Credit Union with cutting-edge AI? How can Pankaj Jain's expertise in technology and entrepreneurship transform your digital lending? Welcome to Credit Union Conversations , where we unpack the future of finance with industry trailblazers. Join host Mark Ritter as he dives deep with Pankaj Jain, exploring AI innovations from Synaptic to Algebrik, building trust...

Discover the credit union trends that are driving success in today’s credit unions. Join host Mark Ritter on Credit Union Conversations as he and Keith Koval explore credit union loan volume growth and business lending participation loans, shaping the industry. This episode explores the evolving landscape of credit unions, highlighting trends that are transforming member services and community imp...

Want to stay ahead in the Credit Union industry? Curious about how Frank Diekmannn has shaped Credit Union Media? Join Mark Ritter on Credit Union Conversations and Frank Diekmannn, the visionary behind CU Daily, to unpack the evolution of Credit Union Media. From Trade Publications to navigating Press Releases, this episode uncovers the grit behind Credit Union Success. Expect a candid discussion...

Calling all College Football fans, are you ready to kick off the season with some bold predictions? Want to know who’s topping the Big 10 and SEC? Join us on this episode of MBFS Quick Hits, where Mark Ritter and Keith Koval from MBFS dive into the gridiron action. From Pittsburgh to Penn State, we’re breaking down the teams to watch, like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. Grab your game day gear and t...

Mark and his two guests, Mike Radway and Todd Harper, go deep with a history lesson on the passing of HR 1151. This legislation paved the way for credit union growth in the past 25 years. Both Todd and Mike worked in the office of Rep. Paul Kanjorski at the time, who spearheaded the legislation. Every credit union employee who hasn't learned about this law should listen to why we have the successf...

Are you looking to boost your credit union’s loan portfolio? Want to stay ahead in the competitive world of financial services? In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter, CEO of MBFS, sits down with Todd Stauffer, our seasoned Relationship Manager in Western Pennsylvania, to share insights on succeeding in commercial banking. From navigating market trends to leveraging speed...

Welcome to Credit Union Conversations, where we explore the latest in the credit union industry with host Mark Ritter. Today, we’re thrilled to have Rachel Snyder from CU Business Group diving into how credit unions can excel in business lending. From education and training to building strong small business relationships in your community, we’ll cover strategies to grow your portfolio and tackle c...

Join Mark at Credit Union Conversation today as we talk to Todd Stauffer, a seasoned relationship manager in the world of credit unions, about his career journey and insights on business lending and financial services. With years of experience working with credit unions and big banks, Todd shares his unique perspective on what drives success in the industry and how relationship managers can build...

Want to learn how credit unions thrive through collaboration? Curious about leading a low-income designated institution? In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter sits down with Andy Jaeger, CEO of Credit Union of New Jersey, for an insightful 1-on-1 conversation. From his unexpected start in the credit union industry to driving financial wellness and youth engagement through...

Are you interested in the latest trends in the participation marketplace? Want to learn how credit unions are changing the lending landscape? In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter chats with Tom Halliday, Vice President of Lending Sales at MBFS, to discuss the state of consumer lending in mid-2025. From the surprising member-focused approach of credit unions to the import...

Ready to dive into the wild world of credit union predictions? Want to know what’s next for the financial landscape in 2025? Join host Mark Ritter and COO of MBFS Jeff Lyons in this lively episode of Credit Union Conversations as they toss out bold forecasts for the rest of the year! From the chaotic twists of the NCUA board saga to the buzz around potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reser...

Welcome to Credit Union Conversations. Host and CEO of MBFS, Mark Ritter, dives into the world of business lending with Chief Administrative Officer Ellen Thorn.  In this episode, they reflect on MBFS’s impressive growth from $750 million to nearly $3 billion in assets and explore Ellen’s professional journey to her pivotal role at MBFS. You’ll gain insights into building strong third-party r...

Ready for a lighthearted break from business as usual? In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter sits down with MBFS COO Jeff Lyons for a fun and casual chat about summer vacations, Lisbon and the Netherlands, favorite conference destinations, the pros and cons of swag giveaways, and how their childhood summers compare to today’s parenting. Whether you’re into golf, beach day...

Chris and Mark go deep on what it is like to make the jump to your own attorney practice and small business. What's it like to work full-time and build a real estate portfolio? Credit unions around the country can connect with Chris at riceparklaw.com.  IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: Meet Chris Rice (01:49) Chris Rice's professional background journey (07:25) Chris shares his experience work...

MBFS CEO Mark Ritter and a guest from his team catch up on the latest happenings at MBFS, the credit union industry, and other odds and ends. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction: Meet Craig Page (02:54) New ways of making a positive customer experience (05:44) Outdated ways of advertising, the Sunday newspaper and Black Friday shopping (08:42) The new ways of networking and connection: LinkedIn...

Are you ready to rethink how young people approach money and build lasting financial confidence? Welcome to Credit Union Conversations, hosted by Mark Ritter, CEO of MBFS, a business lending CUSO serving clients across the United States and Puerto Rico. In this episode, Mark is joined by Todd Romer, who partners with credit unions to leverage his "Do Money Differently" financial education approach...

MBFS CEO Mark Ritter and a guest from his team catch up on the latest happenings at MBFS, the credit union industry, and other odds and ends. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Craig Page shares his professional background and responsibilities (01:57) Mark introduces a new, shorter episode format featuring MBFS team members (04:30) Mark and Craig discuss their moves from suburbia to rural areas (06:49) MBFS...

THE MBFS COO and resident SBA expert joins Mark today to try to make sense of the 2025 regulatory chaos. What's going on with the SBA? What changes are afoot? Are they good or bad for credit unions? IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro (01:48) Jeff Lyons’ professional background and what has happened with SBA with the onset of the new administration (05:30) Discussion of lending fees and zero subsidy&nb...