The CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) unites thousands of credit union leaders in our nation’s capital at the year’s biggest credit union advocacy event. The GAC is recognized as the premier event for political impact, and features keynote presentations from high-profile leaders, political figures and media influencers. It is an important opportunity to connect and learn from progressive thinkers and doers, as well as engage with legislators and regulators on key issues.
This year, EPL had a strong presence at the conference, and our team networked with credit union leaders and showcased our exciting product offering. We also had the chance to attend several workshops and presentations to learn more about the issues that directly affect our customers.
We absorbed a vast amount of critical information, but of course—there were specific themes that arose more often than others. Below, we have compiled our top three takeaways from the GAC that we believe credit unions need to be aware of:
1. Cybersecurity Preparedness
This year’s conference featured a keynote speech delivered by award-winning broadcast journalist and author of Lights Out: A Cyberattack, a Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath, Ted Koppel, on the topic of cybersecurity preparedness.
It is imperative that credit unions prevent, detect and prepare for potential security breaches using contemporary technology. Speaking candidly with technology vendors about your expectation of receiving the highest level of security against breaches will help them create and manage disaster preparedness plans that map out your credit union’s response to any incident. As it happens, current regulations mandate that vendors provide advanced and holistic safeguards to protect your member data.
However, in order to be effective, the plan needs to define immediate and longer-term objectives for operations and communications to ensure sustained confidence from regulators and members. In addition, you should train your management team and staff on how to respond to any such matter.
2. Advocacy is Everyone’s Job
Core solutions providers will play an important role in developing the technology tools and platforms that meet the expectations of new generations of members. Adapting to mobile and desktop requirements is only the first step. Technology is changing rapidly and what satisfies today likely will be outdated within a few years. Evolving with, not in spite of, market demands will be key to the success of the credit union industry as a whole.
3. Speeding Up Auto Loan Approvals
President & CEO of CU Direct, Tony Boutelle, said in an interview at CUNA’s GAC that as auto sales continue to increase, many credit unions still take longer than other financial institutions to approve loans. New car sales are estimated to reach 17.7 million this year—a drastic increase from the 11 million sold in 2009 during the recession. 49 million used cars are likely to be sold this year, Boutelle predicted, although consumer confidence may slow down slightly as the November election approaches.
It has been revealed in a study by Google that consumers desire “micro-moments” or the ability to make instant decisions about such things as purchases no matter where they are. Therefore, it would behoove credit unions to take advantage of organizations that offer them a variety of services that use technology to help speed up lending in several areas, including auto loans. Such services allow you to offer a branded shopping service to members who are considering a vehicle purchase.
These are just three of many takeaways from our perspective—what we are really interested in is what you think! What other issues discussed at the GAC that affect your credit union were important to you? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or via email at wayne.benson@epl.net.
EPL Staff
EPL, Inc.
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