In Your Best Interest: An ALM First Podcast

We talk with Nate Robertson about what it takes to run a truly global credit union for State Department members and Americans living abroad, from shutdown uncertainty to the everyday friction of banking systems that were never built for foreign addresses. We dig into how a new leadership team uses liquidity planning, revamped lending, and smarter digital tools to return real value to members who a...

We share how Workers Credit Union rebuilds trust and profitability by running like a startup while tightening governance and bringing employees into the work. We break down how culture, AI policy, and disciplined asset liability management turn bold ideas into real execution for members.  • adopting a startup operating style to move fast and fix fast  • building a hybrid leadership culture with de...

We map a fast-moving year for credit unions with Defense Credit Union Council's President and CEO, Anthony Hernandez. From defending the tax exemption to tackling credit card legislation, launching CU Unplugged, and deepening partnerships that deliver real education and value, the focus stays on veterans, member outcomes, and moving faster than the narrative.  In this episode, we explore: Ear...

Financial leadership requires more than vision—it demands discipline, process, and clarity amid complexity, as Dr. Jamie Ledin explains through her framework of five leadership practices. She shares practical strategies for creating clarity in chaos, having hard conversations quickly, and preparing teams for uncertainty through disciplined leadership. • Perspective is crucial for financial leaders...

Merger integration represents the most challenging phase for credit unions pursuing strategic partnerships, requiring careful attention to people, processes, systems, and communication strategies to ensure success. • Credit union mergers require extensive planning beyond the initial agreement  • Integration typically takes at least six months, even with similar core systems • Cultural integration...

Credit unions face a massive leadership transition as 40% of CEOs retire by 2030, yet only 54% of boards have succession plans in place, creating both challenges and opportunities for reimagining executive leadership. • Wave of retirements includes not just CEOs but also C-suite leaders and board members creating multi-level leadership turnover • Internal CEO candidates often lose to external ones...

In celebration of Black History Month, we explore the AACUC Future Fund, a groundbreaking initiative transforming financial inclusion in the credit union movement. Since 1999, the African American Credit Union Coalition has been a pioneering force in fostering diversity and creating lasting positive impacts across communities. Through its four key pillars—internships and leadership development, sm...

This episode delves into the current trends and strategic considerations in the credit union merger landscape, highlighting the importance of preparation and adaptability in navigating the evolving M&A environment. The discussion emphasizes the significance of scale, proactive strategies, and understanding regulatory implications for successful future mergers. • Exploring the increasing trend...

How can aligning purpose, strategy, and culture propel your organization to new heights? Join us as we chat with Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners, who shares her transformative journey from humble beginnings to the helm of leadership. Jessica reveals her mission to quantify culture through data and the stunning results of her collaboration with Stanford University—organi...

Ready to unlock the secret to impactful charitable giving within the credit union community? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Renée Sattiewhite from the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) and Jason Haley from ALM First. Together, they reveal the innovative AACUC Charitable Donation Account Fund and how it promises to revolutionize support for vital initiatives. Learn firs...

Welcome to this episode of, In Your Best Interest, an ALM First podcast. Have you ever wondered how financial institutions can stay ahead of uncertainties and manage competitive pressures? Join us as Jessica Coulis and Ben Schexnayder reveal the secrets of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and its critical role for many institutions. Through personal stories and professional insights, they detail h...

Discover the transformative world of credit union securitizations with insights from Travis Goodman, a principal at ALM First. Have you ever wondered how the credit union industry navigates the complexities of securitizations? Today, we're diving into the world of securitizations in credit unions with ALM First Principal Travis Goodman. Travis and his team have assisted with more than half of...

Get ready to witness banking revolutionized as Jackie and Sonia from Amplify Credit Union unveil their bold stride toward a fee-free future. Discover the power of a financial institution that tosses out the fee playbook, carving a path for others to follow and shifting the landscape for generations to come. They share the remarkable story of Amplify's evolution from an IBM employee-founded or...

Discover the strategies financial titans are employing to steer through the stormy seas of today's economy with our guest, Mark Meyer, the insightful leader at the helm of Filene Research Institute. As we tackle topics like the effects of high inflation and shifting consumer behaviors, Mark sheds light on the need for adaptability and data-driven decision-making. The conversation promises key...

Join us for a look at the mortgage market's current state as we team up with Jake Silvey, Director of Mortgage Pipeline Hedging at ALM First. From the seismic shifts of post-recession interest rates to the dizzying heights of 2023's market values, we explore  strategies that keep lenders afloat. Learn how fine-tuning operations and slashing overhead are critical maneuvers for riding the...

Unlock insights to successful executive search and talent retention with industry insiders Deedee Meyers and Tom Sievewright in the latest episode of "In Your Best Interest." Discover how the high-stakes game of recruiting top players in financial services demands a blend of strategic foresight and competitive compensation. We delve into the urgency of initiating CEO searches with ample...

Organizational priorities, new challenges and rising expectations continue to evolve for CEOs and other leadership team members. As a leader, it’s more important than ever to stay optimistic as you help ensure your team is ready to tackle whatever’s next. Join two experienced leaders from ALM First and DDJ Myers as they share insights from successfully growing their businesses, brands and personal...

Higher rates are generally good for depository balance sheets, income statements and franchise values. But what is the path forward for loan originators in the current environment? In this month’s podcast, Kevin Shaner, Managing Director of ALM First's Loan Transaction Network joins us to discuss best practices in the lending arena along with insider tips to help your institution evaluate loa...

Financial institutions should consider M&A as a strategic growth option. The key to an effective transaction is ensuring ensure board members and the C-Suite are on the same page. In this month’s podcast, David Ritter, Managing Director at ALM First, talks about the environment for M&A activity and how boards and executives can come together to achieve growth objectives. 

It's a classic banker's dilemma: borrowers want long loans, with today's low interest rates, and banks want to be as short as they can. In a volatile rate environment, we tackle the challenge of risk management and managing your balance sheet, as we discuss hedging strategies with Robert Perry, principal at ALM First.