Strategy and Planning

Strategy and planning are crucial for credit unions to remain competitive and resilient in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. A proactive approach helps them anticipate changes, identify growth opportunities, and align operations with long-term goals to better serve members and adapt to challenges.

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Why it matters

Strategy and planning are essential for credit unions to thrive in today’s rapidly changing financial landscape. By developing a clear, forward-looking strategy, credit unions can align their resources, operations, and member services with long-term goals, ensuring they stay competitive and resilient. Strategic planning enables credit unions to anticipate market trends, regulatory changes, and shifting member needs, while also identifying opportunities for growth and innovation. This proactive approach not only strengthens the credit union's ability to serve its members effectively but also fosters organizational agility in responding to challenges and disruptions. Filene has the resources and solutions to help your credit union to strategically plan for the future.

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Research in this topic

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Report #656 | Dec 11, 2025 | Members
Board Governance Strategy and Planning

Mergers: Lessons from Success & Failure
- Amy Hillman
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 #654 | Sep 25, 2025 | Members
Strategy and Planning Board Governance Culture

Mergers: Why & What?
- Amy Hillman
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?
Report #647 | Jun 27, 2025
Innovation Strategy and Planning Attracting and Engaging Younger Members

FiLab: Credit Union Landscape Report
Disruption has shifted from a trend to reality—our new norm! As growth continues to slow and consumer expectations accelerate, CUs are being pushed to rethink how they operate, innovate and deliver distinct value. FiLab's new CU Landscape report offers a powerful snapshot of today's most pressing challenges—and the clearest opportunities to move forward. This overview is the first in a series to help CUs make sense of the disruption, prioritize what matters and discover pathways forward.
Report #646 | Jun 24, 2025 | Members
Board Governance Strategy and Planning Culture Benchmarking and Key Performance Indicators

Credit Union Governance Risk Assessment Tool
- Amy Hillman
Is your credit union's governance helping you lead with confidence—or holding you back? Take this quick, 14-question assessment to uncover strengths, identify gaps and provide you with tailored insights to enhance your board's effectiveness.

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Blog | Oct 17, 2025
Attracting and Engaging Younger Members Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Planning Innovation Financial Well-being

big.bright.minds. 2025: Transformative Sessions Await
Explore what to expect at Filene's biggest annual member event, big.bright.minds. 2025, happening from December 2–4 in Nashville, TN. Discover key presentations from our Filene Fellows that will equip your credit union to thrive in an evolving financial landscape.
Blog | Oct 9, 2025
Strategy and Planning Innovation

Webinar: Roadmap to Excellence—Understanding Your Membership Options at Filene
Review webinar materials from Roadmap to Excellence: Understanding Membership Options at Filene hosted October 7th, 2025.
Blog | Sep 5, 2025
Attracting and Engaging Younger Members Strategy and Planning Financial Well-being

Webinar: The State of Credit Union Marketing—Trends, Challenges & Opportunities
- Caroline Vahrenkamp
Review webinar materials from "The State of Credit Union Marketing: Trends, Challenges & Opportunities," hosted September 4th, 2025.
Blog | Aug 29, 2025
Board Governance Strategy and Planning

Strengthening Your Board for the Year Ahead: Curated Research for Credit Union Leaders
- Jenny Armistead
As your board wraps up strategic planning, the real work begins—staying informed and engaged with the issues that will shape your credit union's future. Filene's new Curated Research for CU Board Members page offers quick, powerful insights designed to help board members make informed and more confident decisions as you plan for the year ahead.

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Strategy and Planning

Why it matters

Research in this topic

Mergers: Lessons from Success & Failure

Mergers: Why & What?

FiLab: Credit Union Landscape Report

Credit Union Governance Risk Assessment Tool

More opportunities

big.bright.minds. 2025: Transformative Sessions Await

Webinar: Roadmap to Excellence—Understanding Your Membership Options at Filene

Webinar: The State of Credit Union Marketing—Trends, Challenges & Opportunities

Strengthening Your Board for the Year Ahead: Curated Research for Credit Union Leaders

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