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Q1. What are some strategies for credit unions to increase their relevancy with younger consumers? Learn More

Q2. What is happening with stablecoin and how might it impact credit unions? Learn More

Q3. What are the key focus areas for credit unions to prepare for meeting the future needs of members and their communities? Learn More

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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Events & Activities

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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 |

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!

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.

Topics in Action

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The big ideas, trends and insights helping credit unions adapt strategically and stay relevant with today's consumers.

Latest from Filene

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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.
Report #650 | Members
Payments Attracting and Engaging Younger Members Artificial Intelligence Innovation

SIMPLE Payments: Six Consumer Payment Trends Credit Unions Must Embrace

The future of payments is here, and credit unions must move fast to keep up. The SIMPLE Payments framework reveals six important trends reshaping how members pay and interact with money. This brief shows how credit unions can embed payments into daily life, deliver real-time experiences, and thrive in a digital-first world.
Report #649 |
Innovation

Year Three FiLab Results: IDgo

To kick off the third round of tests, FiLab partnered with IDgo as one of six solutions for the 2025 testing phase. IDgo is a digital identity authentication solution that helps financial institutions verify members quickly, securely and efficiently. Here we explore IDgo's potential to improve call center authentication by saving time, reducing fraud risk and creating a better experience for both members and staff compared to existing methods.
Report #648 |
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Financial Well-being Culture

Results Overview of Filene's Center of Excellence for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

This report highlights the impact from our Center of Excellence for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Led by Dr. Quinetta Roberson, the work from this center focused on tackling challenges in accessing both talent and products and services in the financial services industry, and conduct applied research on DEI practices in credit unions as a model for the larger financial services sector.
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

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Events

Research Event |

CRASH big.bright.minds. 2025

Nashville, TN

Ready to grow your leadership potential and crash the most innovative credit union industry event and network with the biggest and brightest minds? Apply now to Crash big.bright.minds. 2025 in Nashville—an exclusive, high-energy experience designed to ignite your career, expand your network and connect you with fellow future leaders!
Research Event |

big.bright.minds. 2025

Nashville, TN

Filene's biggest annual member event, brought to you by Origence, is bringing together the most innovative credit unions with the brightest minds in the industry on December 2–4, 2025. Registration is now LIVE!