In part two of our conversation with Samantha Beeler, president of the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates, we debate taxation and advocacy efforts, discuss the complexities of finding, sourcing and integrating fintech, and unearth a bold vision for the credit union movement’s near and longterm future.

Highlights:

00.30: The unspoken truth about credit union taxation: That some credit union CEOs would be willing to trade the tax exemption for access to capital markets and simplified M&A regulations.

03.57: Alternative tax options and opinions.

07.12: How smaller credit unions need greater focus, support, and investment, as they serve their members and communities in unique ways.

09.22: Questioning the myth that scale solves all problems, particularly relating to fintech.

14.10: Hopes and thoughts on what the future for America’s Credit Unions could look like following Jim Nussle’s retirement announcement.

17.57: Beeler’s vision for the future of the credit union system.

Resources:

• www.the-league.coop The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates

Thanks for listening to the 22 Minutes in Lending podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#CreditUnions #Advocacy #DontTaxMyCreditUnion

Samantha Beeler, President of the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates, joins 22 Minutes in Lending for an unfiltered conversation about the pressures and possibilities facing credit unions today. From board governance to regulatory uncertainty, Samantha shares how credit unions can respond with clarity, collaboration, and confidence—and why “doing business as usual” might just be the greatest form of advocacy.

Highlights:

01:39: What drove the integration of Virginia into the League, the benefits and risks of multi-state leagues, and the economies of scale it offers for not only the league, but the credit unions it serves.

05:09: Discussions around board strength, and director’s understanding as a concern, noting that many directors feel overwhelmed re. cybersecurity, AI, and broader tech trends.

09:02: Recapping the recent NCUA upheaval and what credit unions should expect next in the regulatory environment.

11:54: Whether it makes sense to simplify the regulatory framework and have a single regulator for all financial institutions, citing examples from other countries.

18:49: Advice on how credit unions can navigate the current regulatory environment of rapid change and uncertainty.

Resources:

1. www.the-league.coop The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates

Thanks for listening to the 22 Minutes in Lending podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#CreditUnions #Advocacy #DontTaxMyCreditUnion

Millions of consumers are overpaying on their auto loans, yet few know refinancing is an option. In this episode, Nicholas Goraczkowski, president of iLending, lays out the opportunity for credit unions to boost loan portfolios, improve member financial health, and capture market share in a booming auto refinance space.

Key takeaways:

00.58: Nick explains the primary reasons consumers don't refinance auto loans—lack of awareness and fear based on negative mortgage refinance experiences.

02.52: Insights on the $1.7 trillion auto loan market, and how borrowers seek refinance not just for interest savings, but primarily for payment flexibility.

05.13: Why refinanced auto loans typically outperform indirect auto loans.

06.25: Definition of "back-end" products (loan protection) and how shifting loan-to-value ratios impact approvals and risk management.

09.24: Impact of Federal Reserve interest rate policies on refinance demand, and an overview of the strategic adjustments lenders are making for 2025.

12.13: How credit unions can benefit from fintech partnerships to attract new member segments without cannibalizing existing business.

14.21: Why efficient, accurate retitling processes are crucial to refinancing success and how iLending approaches this.

17.22: Nick’s best practices on transparently selling optional loan protection products, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

21.35: Key factors shaping the auto refinance market, including vehicle values, leasing trends, and the competitive landscape.

Resources Mentioned:

• www.ilendingcarloanrefinancing.com iLending

Thanks for listening to the 22 Minutes in Lending podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#CreditUnions #Fintech #22MinutesInLending #AutoLoans