Two Roads to Loan Participation: Direct Placement or Automated Platform
Nov 17 2024

Loan participations offer credit unions a flexible and strategic way to manage loan portfolios, diversify risk and enhance liquidity. Today’s market provides sellers with multiple avenues to reach potential buyers. The two primary approaches are direct placement and placement in a marketplace.

By: Mike McGinnis
Recalibration Step 2
Nov 08 2024

The Fed unanimously voted to cut the benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 4.50% - 4.75%. According to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the move was the second step in the Fed’s recalibration of monetary policy (the first step being September’s rate cut). 

By: Sarina Freeland
November Market Overview & Data Report
Nov 01 2024

The monthly Market Overview & Data Report is a comprehensive summary of November’s key economic and market metrics that are fundamental to credit union financial management. The report not only summarizes key economic and market data, but also explains how these metrics are relevant to credit unions. It further includes industry peer performance data and assessment, relative value evaluation, and an upcoming economic calendar. It is also an excellent report to include in credit union board and ALCO packets.

Distortions or Reality
Nov 01 2024

There was lots of discussion leading up to the monthly job report due to the hurricanes and ongoing Boeing strike occurring during October. No one was quite sure how these situations would play out in the labor market.

By: Sarina Freeland
Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity: The Good and the Bad
Oct 17 2024

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM), a timely reminder of the ever-present online security threats. Fortunately, as cybersecurity tactics continue to evolve, emerging technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), present new methods of effectively combatting them.

By: Diana Hennel
Strategic Summit 2024 Highlights Embracing Innovation and Building for the Future
Oct 17 2024

Catalyst’s Strategic Summit was packed with engaging sessions, insightful speakers and forward-thinking strategies designed to help credit unions tackle today’s challenges. In the heart of the Texas Hill Country at the La Cantera Resort & Spa, we welcomed credit union leaders, young professionals and industry experts.

Summit Speaker Steven Houle Helps CUs Prepare for 2025 Economic Landscape
Oct 17 2024

Last week at the inaugural Strategic Summit, Catalyst’s Vice President of Advisory Services, Steven Houle, delivered an insightful analysis of the current economic landscape and its potential trajectory for 2025.

The Halloween Effect: How Interest Rate Cuts Impact Credit Union Assets and Liabilities
Oct 17 2024

Halloween brings incantations of ghastly displays and haunting celebrations; similarly, financial markets seem to be concocting a brew of transformation. The recent slashes to interest rates have brought significant changes for credit unions, especially with regard to their assets and liabilities.

By: Aaron Martini
October Market Overview & Data Report
Oct 01 2024

The monthly Market Overview & Data Report is a comprehensive summary of October’s key economic and market metrics that are fundamental to credit union financial management. The report not only summarizes key economic and market data, but also explains how these metrics are relevant to credit unions. It further includes industry peer performance data and assessment, relative value evaluation, and an upcoming economic calendar. It is also an excellent report to include in credit union board and ALCO packets.

Origence and Catalyst Bring Faster Payments to Credit Union Indirect Lending
Sep 25 2024

Credit unions leveraging Origence’s subsidiary, FI Connect, can now utilize the FedNow Service via Catalyst, enabling instant loan funding and significantly accelerating transaction speed and efficiency.