CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
Filene’s research comes to life through actionable tools and resources, focusing on issues that matter most to the credit union industry. In 2019, our signature report, “The Credit Union of the 21st Century” showcases the socio-economic, technology and regulatory trends that will impact credit union members, employees and business models now and in the future. In 2020, based on insights shared by our members, we will begin launching new Research Centers of Excellence, starting with the centers exploring diversity, equity and inclusion and consumer financial lives in transition.
REAL-WORLD INNOVATION
Accelerating innovation while reducing risk is the lifeblood of our incubation work. Our “Reaching Minority Households Incubator” transitioned from research into action in 2019. Through hands-on workshops across the country, Filene delivered implementation plans on two market-ready products: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Lending and Small Business Lending. Our innovation is going even farther in 2020 with step-by-step launch guides, online curriculum, end-to-end support and opportunities to explore new and emerging fintech products to connect credit unions with their members.
POWERFUL CONNECTIONS
When we are connected, our impact grows. Tapping into the power of human connection to strengthen credit unions via academics and fintechs, emerging credit union leaders and credit union high performers came together in 2019 to seek truth, share their voices and grow as leaders within their organizations. Not only will these communities get stronger in 2020 but the legacy of experimenting with new ideas, testing innovations and developing top talent for credit unions will continue.
THANK YOU
2020 will be a year of more. More cutting-edge research. More real-world innovation. More events and communities to connect credit union professionals together and transform the cooperative finance industry. Filene will do all this while being fiscally responsible, because we are here for the future of credit unions. It’s what we do.