Newsroom

March 01, 2021

CU professionals: Connect with peers through NAFCU Networks

NetworksLooking to stay connected to industry peers and get invaluable insights to tackle challenges facing your institution? Check out the NAFCU Networks – online communities developed exclusively for credit union professionals to cultivate discussion, collaboration, and growth.

Each of the seven networks – complimentary for NAFCU members – is designed by a steering committee of credit union professionals who serve in those roles, ensuring relevant discussion threads, exchanges, resources, and insights. The networks, first launched in 2018, have now reached more than 13,000 total registered members. Here's a look at the networks:

CEO Network

As part of the association’s ongoing commitment to help the credit union industry grow stronger and bring professionals together amid the coronavirus pandemic, NAFCU launched the CEO Network. The platform gives credit union CEOs a chance to connect with their peers and work through challenges, discover powerful new ideas, and share knowledge. Visit the newest addition to the network lineup to find discussion posts on topics ranging from hosting virtual annual meetings to important coronavirus employee precautions and guidelines.

CFO Network

After hearing from member credit union CFOs that they needed a space to network and learn from others serving in the role, NAFCU launched the first network, the CFO Network, in conjunction with its 2018 CFO Summit. Some of the recent discussion posts on this network have shared operational insights related to board and supervisory committee compensation, internal audit outsourcing, the NCUA’s risk-based capital proposal, and more.

Compliance, Risk & BSA Network

Ensuring compliance across the organization is a priority for credit unions, but it can be a challenge. NAFCU launched this network to give compliance professionals the latest regulatory and legislative updates; a resource library of templates, reports, and training; and a space to connect with others in charge of managing risk, compliance, and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) programs. Visit the platform – the largest of the networks – to gain insights on economic impact payments (EIPs), online mortgage payments, fraud committees at credit unions, and more.

Lending Network

Lending is an integral part of credit unions' success and income. This network acts as a vital resource, specifically amid the coronavirus pandemic and economic recession, as consumer trends, credit needs, and lending strategies have drastically changed. Loan payment disbursement, 100 percent paperless loan purchase funding, and HMDA reporting are some of the key lending topics to be found in recent discussions.

Marketing & Growth Network

This platform supports lending and other aspects of growth and allows credit union marketing professionals to share insights on marketing strategies, business development, and member experience. Recent discussion posts tackle topics such as vendor partner recommendations, branch guidelines, and offering 2021 pre-qualification offers. Interested in serving on the steering committee for the Marketing & Growth Network? Contact NAFCU Senior Member Experience Strategist Allyson Gale directly at agale@nafcu.org.

Human Resources Network

Designed specifically for credit union human resource professionals, this network was created to serve as a platform where topics such as hiring strategies, employee engagement plans, career path programs and more can be discussed in one place.

Cybersecurity & IT Network

This network tackles the difficult challenge of strengthening institutions' systems and protecting members' financial data. The platform allows IT professionals to discuss topics such as relevant IT training for credit union staff, risk assessments to identify assets, threats, and potential vulnerabilities, and current guidance from the Federal Trade Commission.

The NAFCU Networks are free, member-only resources. Register now to join a NAFCU Network, or email info@nafcu.org for assistance. Representatives from NAFCU-member credit unions may use their NAFCU website login to access the network.