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Revolutionizing finance through innovation, truth, and cooperation.

Kim Lear | Founder, Inlay Insights
Filene's cutting-edge research and proven innovations empower you to unlock your credit union's future.
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Advancing financial well-being by strengthening credit unions

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Research & Thinking

Research is our middle name, but there is so much more to it than you might think
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Innovations & Incubators

The future of financial services is changing and credit unions have always been innovators
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Communities & Networks

Be part of something bigger where your contributions are your superpower
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Events & Activities

Team up and collaborate with hundreds of your peers here; it's what credit unions do
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Questions

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Join us in asking and answering today's big questions.

Report #635 | Members
Artificial Intelligence Innovation

A Blockchain and Digital Asset Primer for Credit Unions

*25-minute read—This blockchain primer provides an overview of the key aspects of blockchain technology and digital assets, and the various ways blockchain has been used to date. The primer also gives an overview of how decentralized finance is already being used in financial services and some of the ways credit unions can begin to leverage this technology.
Report #404 | | From the Archives Members

Blockchain Beyond Bitcoin: Insights for Credit Unions

  • Bruce Cahan

Blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies are revolutionizing the way people perceive and interact with money. Credit unions should focus on gleaning value from these technologies to grow their business.

Report #647 |
Innovation Strategy and Planning Attracting and Engaging Younger Members

FiLab: Credit Union Landscape Report

Disruption has shifted from a trend to reality—our new norm! As growth continues to slow and consumer expectations accelerate, CUs are being pushed to rethink how they operate, innovate and deliver distinct value. FiLab's new CU Landscape report offers a powerful snapshot of today's most pressing challenges—and the clearest opportunities to move forward. This overview is the first in a series to help CUs make sense of the disruption, prioritize what matters and discover pathways forward.

Blog |
Board Governance Strategy and Planning

Strengthening Your Board for the Year Ahead: Curated Research for Credit Union Leaders

As your board wraps up strategic planning, the real work begins—staying informed and engaged with the issues that will shape your credit union's future. Filene's new Curated Research for CU Board Members page offers quick, powerful insights designed to help board members make informed and more confident decisions as you plan for the year ahead.
Report #645 | Members
Board Governance

Credit Union Boards, Govern Thyself

*15 Minute Read: Discover what today’s most experienced credit union board chairs and CEOs say boards must do to govern not just their credit unions—but themselves. This brief reveals powerful insights and best practices to help boards elevate their strategic impact through stronger self-governance.

Blog |

Q4 Quarterly Action Plan

Dive into upcoming research, join conversations on the hottest topics facing credit unions today and learn more about connecting with industry leaders at Filene events. Click to view our full plan below to see what's coming from Filene throughout Q4!
Blog |

Q3 Quarterly Action Plan

Dive into upcoming research, join conversations on the hottest topics facing credit unions today and learn more about connecting with industry leaders at Filene events. Click to view our full plan below to see what's coming from Filene throughout Q3!

Latest Research from Filene

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Report #655 |

The Role of Credit Unions in Affordable Housing Innovations

  • Mai Nguyen
  • Eileen Miamidian
  • Joshua Newton
  • Grant Ruroede
  • William Fulton
  • Kate Zegans
This five-part Housing Innovation Series provides an essential roadmap for addressing the critical lack of affordable housing and homeownership in communities. These reports detail a range of actionable financial strategies, focusing on innovative approaches to funding housing supply—such as specialized development financing, regional investment funds, and creative land acquisition—and explore new mortgage models and shared equity arrangements to expand long-term access and affordability.
Report #654 | Members
Strategy and Planning Board Governance Culture

Mergers: Why & What?

Mergers are reshaping the credit union landscape—scaled operations, broader product offerings, market expansion, and new technology are just some of the drivers. But even with clear goals, the path is complex and the true value can take years to realize. That’s why our latest research brief, "Mergers: Why and What," explores the most important question credit union leaders must ask before taking action: Why pursue a merger in the first place?
Report #653 | Members
Payments Innovation

Global Payment Innovations: A Research Brief for U.S. Credit Unions

  • Ann Wessling
*25-Minute Read: Co-designed with the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), this brief aims to deliver an in-depth report that compares leading payment innovations worldwide, analyzes the technological and regulatory drivers behind these advancements, and derives actionable lessons for U.S. credit unions by examining models and regulatory environments from selected countries.
Report #652 | Members
Attracting and Engaging Younger Members Financial Well-being

The Vice Economy: The Modern Temptations Threatening Gen Z’s Financial Future

Gen Z faces rising financial anxiety despite strong wage growth and low unemployment. Research points to two major contributors: social media–driven overconsumption and the expansion of online gambling. This report examines how credit unions can mitigate these risks by offering tailored education and support to strengthen young members’ financial stability.
Report #651 | Members
Financial Well-being Culture Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarking and Key Performance Indicators

Amplifying Your Credit Union’s Mission: Financial and Community Impacts of Being a CDFI

There are nearly 500 CDFI-certified credit unions nationwide, all dedicated to strengthening their communities and expanding financial inclusion. This brief takes a closer look at both the opportunities and challenges of CDFI certification and what it means for credit unions, their members, and the communities they serve.

Blog

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Events

2026 Events Calendar
Event |

Filene's Chair Breakfast at GAC

Marriott Marquis, Washington, DC - Liberty Ballroom (Level M4)

Filene members are invited to register now for Filene's Chair Breakfast at GAC, our largest member appreciation event annually.
Research Event |
Attracting and Engaging Younger Members Artificial Intelligence

EDGE 2026

Dallas, TX

Registration is now open for Trellance's EDGE 2026 event, in partnership with CUDX and Filene. This event aims to inspire and ignite innovative thinking by showcasing the latest advancements, cutting-edge trends and emerging technologies, thus enabling attendees to envision and create the future of financial services.