David Braun
Author's posts
5 Reasons Why Credit Unions Should Consider Partnerships with Big Data Companies in 2019
Big data is exactly what it sounds like – a vast amount of structured and unstructured information, collected from an increasingly diverse set of digital and traditional sources. For credit unions, every interaction with members, every loan processed, fee collected, call center, or branch interaction is an opportunity to collect data which when aggregated, becomes …
3 Things You Should Know About Doing Business Internationally in Today’s Climate
The US may be the largest economy, but the 15 fastest growing economies are in Africa or Asia with Ethiopia topping the list with a projected GDP of 7.9% for 2019. For comparison, the US GDP was 2.2% in 2018. Access to these fast-growing markets is one of the primary drivers for international expansion. In …
CFO Focus: How To Boost Your Credit Union’s Non-Interest Income
Four tips for investing in credit union service organizations as a solid way to build your bottom line without increasing fees. Credit unions are relying more on non-interest income to grow. Over the past 10 years, non-interest income as a percentage of gross income has risen from 19% in 2008 to 27% in 2018, according …
CUbroadcast Interview: Capstone on Disruptive Innovation at the NACUSO Network Conference
Data analytics, artificial intelligence, member experience – these were a few of the exciting ideas discussed at the NACUSO Network Conference this year. Edelweiss Harrison, Vice President at Capstone, had the opportunity to exchange ideas with innovative credit union and CUSO leaders at the conference this year in San Diego on April 14-17, 2019. She …
Capstone Talks M&A at PSCU Member Forum with CUbroadcast
Capstone’s Managing Director, John Dearing, had the opportunity to attend the PSCU Member Forum in Austin, Texas. During this event PSCU’s CEO Chuck Fagan spoke about the CUSO’s values, growth trajectory and strategic plans to “deliver unparalleled member experience.” He also highlighted the acquisition of CU Recovery, which Capstone guided PSCU on in 2018, and …
Capstone Strategic Promotes Edelweiss Harrison to Vice President
As Vice President, Edelweiss Harrison will continue leading strategic mergers and acquisitions and external growth programs for middle market companies while expanding her role in business development. Capstone Strategic, Inc., a leading advisory firm specializing in not-for-sale, strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for the middle market, announced today that Edelweiss Harrison has been promoted to …
Credit Union Membership Growth Reaches Record High – 3 Ways to Build on This Success
Credit unions continue adding members at a record pace. Membership grew by a record-high 4.5% as of end-2018 (up from 4.1% in 2017)], fueled by strong U.S. economic performance, an optimistic outlook on the U.S. economy, low unemployment rates, and high levels of consumption. With 116.2 million members across all 5,375 federally-insured credit unions in …
Robust Middle Market Mergers & Acquisitions Activity in 2018, But Some Caution Moving into 2019
Capstone Strategic’s survey shows mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity remained robust with 52% executing deals in 2018 up from 44% in 2017. While 38% observed more activity in both 2018 and 2017, fewer (11% vs. 27%) are 100% certain they will pursue M&A in 2019. Leaders from various industries generally reported a positive picture of …
Capstone Helps Credit Unions Add Rocket Fuel to Growth at NAFCU’s Strategic Growth Conference
We all know growth is vital to the success of credit unions, but achieving growth in today’s environment can be challenging. This week Capstone’s John Dearing has been discussing new ideas with forward-thinking credit union leaders at the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Union’s (NAFCU) Strategic Growth Conference in Greenville, South Carolina. Today, March 21, …
Need a Place to Stay Tonight? Airbnb Has You Covered with HotelTonight Acquisition
Ahead of the company’s IPO, Airbnb has agreed to purchase HotelTonight, a booking service for last-minute travelers. While the purchase price is undisclosed, HotelTonight was valued at $463 billion two years ago. The acquisition was made to capture the growing demand for same-day bookings, according to Chief Executive Brian Chesky. HotelTonight will be kept as …
