The credit union industry is evolving. While many credit unions are consolidating through credit union mergers, others are seizing creative opportunities such as adopting cloud technology to improve efficiencies, focusing on underserved markets, and using partnerships and strategic mergers and acquisitions to grow and bring value to members.
One interesting trend to note is credit unions acquiring banks. Since 2011, 11 transactions have been announced. Most recently Family Security Credit Union of Decatur, Alabama announced its plan to acquire Bank of Pine Hill of Pine Hill, Alabama. Earlier this year Royal Credit Union announced the acquisition of Capital Bank in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Advia Credit Union announced the acquisition of Mid America Bank in Parchment, Michigan.
Since 2011, 11 credit union – bank acquisitions have been announced.
Credit unions are taking action for a number of reasons including to increase their market footprint, scale with vendors and partners, grow non-interest income, and enhance technology. For many credit unions, strategic mergers and acquisitions can be a way to rapidly achieve growth.
Acquiring community banks is a new type of opportunity for credit unions that adds to their share and geographic reach. For the banks, credit unions are a trusted local partner that can continue to serve the financial needs of their customers. More credit union – bank transactions are expected to be announced before the end of 2016.
While acquiring a bank may or may not be the right strategy for your organization, being proactive and developing new strategies for growth is incredibly important in today’s environment. Credit unions are faced with new challenges every day from the rising cost of compliance to the increasing threat of hackers and cyber security issues to generating member-friendly non-interest income. It is abundantly clear that remaining stagnant and going about business as usual is no longer an option. Credit unions that address these challenges head-on and adapt new strategies will continue to grow and serve the needs of their current members and new members.
