At the beginning of November, I attended VentureTech22 in Frisco, Texas. The show aims to drive digital transformation and innovation in the credit union industry, giving fintechs a platform to present their technologies to an audience of credit unions, credit union service organizations (CUSOs), credit union leagues and league service corporations, as well as fintech investors.

The 2022 World Cup is quickly approaching, and many soccer legends are participating in their final world cup games. One of them is Lionel Messi—a soccer (or football, for those not in the U.S.) professional that has inspired millions of soccer fans around the globe.

Although reports indicate that the U.S. produced 528,000 jobs in July, those paying attention to recent headlines are well aware that the economy is on the cusp of another recession. Inflation is at its highest peak in 40 years, and tightened rates from the Fed pose a threat as we look to 2023.

We all know the credit union philosophy is “people helping people.” Credit unions across the country and worldwide are committed to supporting their members and communities by doing whatever it takes to lend a helping hand. Many credit unions regularly and freely give praise and recognition by sharing a member shout-out or a community spotlight. Something they’re not always so quick to do? Brag on themselves.

There is no better time than the present for credit unions to establish their presence in the virtual world and position themselves above the competition. As society continues to embrace all things digital, the metaverse has emerged as a promising digital avenue, providing a network that merges physical and virtual worlds and is intertwined with social connection.

If your fintech or business deals with credit unions, the Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) should be on your list. Over 4,000 attendees made the trip to Washington, D.C. and hundreds of exhibitors were ready to share their technology, form meaningful connections – and finally, collaborate in person.

Key marketing strategies focus on member data, increasing online brand presence and leveraging social media.

The proliferation of financial service channels has fundamentally changed the way credit unions approach marketing to members and prospects. No longer can marketing strategies be based simply on engaging and friendly in-branch promotions.

How credit unions can leverage community-focused experiential marketing in the age of COVID-19

People love connections. This is partly due to our basic emotional need for belonging and identity. But how can a community stay connected in light of the pandemic? This is a big challenge for credit unions, whose very foundation is built on a sense of community and local connections. In the credit union industry, initiating a positive experience for members requires empathy and listening to their needs. However, before a successful experience can be created, the organization must first understand how member behavior changes and what is most valuable to them.   

A few of weeks ago I attended VentureTech 21, advertised as a “fintech showcase for the entire credit union industry”. More than 200 people packed the room at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas to watch 14 fintechs give 15-minute demos, with the aim of securing funding from and/or partnerships with credit unions and CUSOs. The audience included representatives from 48 credit unions, 21 CUSOs, 17 credit union leagues and league service corporations, five venture capital firms and a few journalists. Some of the fintechs that demoed at the event were already operational and had a strong client portfolio, while others had just gone live or were about to in the coming months.

2 areas of consideration for enhancing your credit union’s digital presence in 2022

While the age of the average credit union member remains in the mid-40s, it is important to recognize that this age range is no longer held strongly by Gen X. Instead, the eldest millennials—otherwise known as the first digital natives—are turning 40 this year, and their expectations should not be taken lightly. A quick Google search paints a picture that has been discussed for years in the financial services industry related to these preferences: easy online account opening, a user-friendly mobile app and the ability to transfer between accounts seamlessly and instantly.