Research & Thinking
To accelerate insights and transform your organization.
Browse our research & thinking
By Topics in Action
Mergers: Lessons from Success & Failure
By Questions
Webinar: AI and Executive Leadership: How CU Execs Should Approach AI Strategy
The AI Adoption Journey: A Survey of Credit Union Leaders
Generative AI: How Credit Unions Can Adopt Gen AI to Benefit Employees and Members
The Evolution and Impact of AI in Credit Unions
Webinar: The Evolution and Impact of AI in Credit Unions
Credit Union Governance Landscape
Credit Union Boards: Resources for Effective Governance
Effective board governance is essential for credit union sustainability and health. From board evaluation practices to board composition, Filene has curated resources for credit union leaders seeking to learn more about strategies to improve board governance.
Formalizing the Art of Board Composition
A board of directors can make or break the success of a credit union. Yet credit unions sometimes find board governance lacking or inadequate for meeting their challenges. This report provides research-based recommendations for improving board composition, including formalizing recruitment and evaluation to help credit unions leverage more from their boards of directors.
Webinar: AI and Executive Leadership: How CU Execs Should Approach AI Strategy
The AI Adoption Journey: A Survey of Credit Union Leaders
Generative AI: How Credit Unions Can Adopt Gen AI to Benefit Employees and Members
The Evolution and Impact of AI in Credit Unions
Webinar: The Evolution and Impact of AI in Credit Unions
Credit Union Governance Landscape
Credit Union Boards: Resources for Effective Governance
Effective board governance is essential for credit union sustainability and health. From board evaluation practices to board composition, Filene has curated resources for credit union leaders seeking to learn more about strategies to improve board governance.
Formalizing the Art of Board Composition
A board of directors can make or break the success of a credit union. Yet credit unions sometimes find board governance lacking or inadequate for meeting their challenges. This report provides research-based recommendations for improving board composition, including formalizing recruitment and evaluation to help credit unions leverage more from their boards of directors.
How We Focus
Centers of Excellence
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Center of Excellence Design for Digital
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Center of Excellence The Next Generation of Member Growth
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Center of Excellence Leadership, Strategy & Governance
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Center of Excellence The Credit Union of the Future
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Center of Excellence Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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Center of Excellence Community Social Impact
Our Latest Research & Thinking
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Report #657 | | MembersEngaging the Next Generation: A Strategic Imperative for Credit Unions in the Social Media Era
Gen Z is anxious about money and seeking answers on social media, often from finfluencers who are entertaining but not always accurate. This report shows how credit unions can fill that gap with credible, authentic content. Based on analysis of 270,000+ posts across credit unions, banks, digital natives, and finfluencers, it reveals what performs best on social media platforms, and how storytelling, humor, and short-form video build engagement and trust with the next generation of members. -
Report #656 | | MembersMergers: Lessons from Success & Failure
Credit unions are merging at an unprecedented pace, and this report uncovers why strategic partnerships are reshaping the future of the industry. Leaders reveal how ego and culture often determine success or failure, and why thoughtful, member-centered preparation can turn a merger into a powerful catalyst for long-term growth and impact. -
Report #655 |The Role of Credit Unions in Affordable Housing Innovations
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 | | MembersMergers: 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?