Innovation

Innovation goes beyond having the latest technology, it's the degree to which an institution delivers a member experience that is creative, pioneering, and leading the market. Also, creating differentiation based on having unique solutions that benefit society and the environment.

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Why it matters

Innovation matters to credit unions because it has a demonstrated relationship to member loyalty, which translates into better financial performance resulting from higher member retention and share of wallet. Credit union members are generally more loyal than bank customers, but more innovative credit unions have higher member loyalty than credit unions that are perceived to be less innovative.

Creating an Innovation Strategy that Drives Differentiation and Member Loyalty: Results from the 2nd Annual Credit Union Innovation Success Study

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Research in this topic

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Report #660 | Feb 26, 2026
Innovation

2025 FiLab Results: Casap
- Megan Freshour
- Bella Scott
One of the six solutions selected for the 2025 FiLab testing phase focused on improving how credit unions manage fraud disputes, an operational and reputational pressure point that continues to intensify as fraud volumes rise. To address this long-standing challenge, FiLab partnered with Casap to test whether its fraud dispute automation platform can reduce manual burden, improve processing speed and strengthen member trust during high-stakes resolution moments.
Report #658 | Feb 23, 2026
Innovation Attracting and Engaging Younger Members

2025 FiLab Results: Finfluencer
- McKaye Black
- Bella Scott
- Jessica Gamache
- Katie Brown
- Jason Shapiro
- Kimberly Lear
The next generation of members seek out financial guidance online and the question is whether your credit union will be part of that conversation. Filene's FiLab Finfluencer report reveals how 13 credit unions stepped into that space by testing influencer campaigns, and what they discovered may change the way you think about future member growth entirely.
Report #653 | Sep 18, 2025 | Members
Payments Innovation

Global Payment Innovations: A Research Brief for U.S. Credit Unions
- Ann Wessling
*25-Minute Read: Co-designed with the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), this brief aims to deliver an in-depth report that compares leading payment innovations worldwide, analyzes the technological and regulatory drivers behind these advancements, and derives actionable lessons for U.S. credit unions by examining models and regulatory environments from selected countries.
Report #650 | Aug 18, 2025 | Members
Payments Attracting and Engaging Younger Members Artificial Intelligence Innovation

SIMPLE Payments: Six Consumer Payment Trends Credit Unions Must Embrace
- Lamont Black
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.

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Webinar | Dec 17, 2026
Strategy and Planning Payments Attracting and Engaging Younger Members Artificial Intelligence Innovation

Filene's Major Predictions for Credit Unions in 2027
As the year closes, Filene leaders are sharing their boldest predictions to help credit union leaders cut through the noise and focus on what matters most heading into 2027. Join us for a forward-looking session packed with trend insights and practical guidance so you can end the year with clarity and start 2027 with confidence.
Webinar | Oct 15, 2026
Attracting and Engaging Younger Members Innovation Financial Well-being

Seven Innovations. Real Tests. Real Results. How AI, New Platforms, and Bold Experiments Are Shaping the Future of Credit Unions
- McKaye Black
- Megan Freshour
Filene's FiLab ran seven bold experiments testing AI, new platforms, and fresh ideas against the real challenges credit unions face today, and the results are finally in. Join us for an exclusive first look at what worked, what didn't, and what's ready to scale, plus a sneak peek at the innovative tests the FiLab community has selected for 2027.
Blog | Mar 26, 2026
Innovation

Congratulations to i3 Wave 20!
- McKaye Black
- Maddie Gunderson
Wave 20 of Filene's i3 program graduated on March 19th, 2026. Filene's Head of Incubation, McKaye Black and Incubation Manger, Maddie Gunderson celebrated the cohort's hard work and congratulated this incredible group of credit union innovators and leaders. Also, each graduate was able to share their biggest takeaways from their i3 experience.
Blog | Feb 27, 2026
Innovation

Filene's i3 Wave 22: Building the Future of Credit Union Innovation
Now is not the time for credit unions to accept the status quo. Our industry needs passionate innovators with a fire in their belly to build the future. That's exactly what Filene's i3 program is designed to create, and Wave 22 represents the next generation of leaders ready to do just that. Meet the 24 inspiring credit union professionals from across the country who were selected to join this prestigious program and discover why the future of our industry is in good hands.

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Innovation

Why it matters

Research in this topic

2025 FiLab Results: Casap

2025 FiLab Results: Finfluencer

Global Payment Innovations: A Research Brief for U.S. Credit Unions

SIMPLE Payments: Six Consumer Payment Trends Credit Unions Must Embrace

More opportunities

Filene's Major Predictions for Credit Unions in 2027

Seven Innovations. Real Tests. Real Results. How AI, New Platforms, and Bold Experiments Are Shaping the Future of Credit Unions

Congratulations to i3 Wave 20!

Filene's i3 Wave 22: Building the Future of Credit Union Innovation

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