Quality Service With Results

Samaha Associates knows how to develop, manage, and execute a plan better than any company I have ever worked with. I would recommend them highly to any credit union that needs assistance with implementing new or existing technology.

Mr. Jose Lara, SVP
SchoolsFirst FCU

About Us

Press Room

Samaha Associates' Alternative Payment Solution Plan Equals Big Savings for Credit Unions

CHINO HILLS, CALIF. (September 6, 2011)—In a concerted effort to educate Credit Unions on progressive, cost-saving opportunities, Samaha Associates Managing Partner Adam Denbo has published a new white paper entitled “Why Credit Unions Should Adopt Alternative Payment System Solutions.” Read More

Samaha Associates' CEO Sabeh Samaha and Managing Partner Adam Denbo featured in the May 2011 issue of Credit Union Business magazine

I was speaking with Sabeh Samaha, CEO of Samaha Associates, recently. He is a technology and e-Business consulting guru who knows his way around mergers, acquisitions, core systems, business resumption planning, revenue optimizations and negotiating vendor contracts. Since he has his finger on the pulse of the industry, we frequently have exploratory conversations about best practices. The topic this time around was not about how Credit Unions can increase efficiency by not spending money on technology; rather it was the opposite: time to invest. Read More

Hudson Heritage Federal Credit Union and Samaha Associates Form Strategic Alliance

MIDDLETOWN, NY (May 12, 2011) Hudson Heritage Federal Credit Union has contracted with Samaha Associates, a consulting firm specializing in core system search and selection. “The consultants at Samaha Associates have over 100 years of combined experience in the credit union and banking industries. Their reputation and client list speak for themselves. We’re happy to be working with them,” said Michael Ciriello, President & Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Heritage FCU. Read More

Prioritizing IT Projects: An Empirical Application of an IT Investment Model

Information Technology projects are organizational investments that anticipate positive returns. When viewed as such, the development of a diversified “portfolio” of projects helps reduce risk from a single project failure, and results in an overall positive return. Positive returns on IT projects are usually indirect, since they have value only insomuch as they enable the accomplishment of larger organizational goals. We present here a model that integrates elements of risk, cost, and internal rate of return that can be applied to individual IT projects. The model produces a numerical score that can be used to rank potential IT projects. Projects with higher scores return more value to the organization, and therefore should be given a higher priority. We apply the model using the IT project portfolio of a large state-charterd Credit Union. The results indicated that the credit union was prioritizing projects with more visibility but lower returns that other projects with less visibility but that offered greater returns. The implications of applying the model in other organizational settings are discussed. Read More

Samaha Associates forms Strategic Partnership with Shapiro Partners

CHINO HILLS, CALIF. (March 21, 2011) In a concerted and continued effort to enhance respective service and product offerings, industry leading e-commerce and technology consultants Samaha Associates is expanding its national operations by joining forces with Shapiro Partners, a celebrated management consulting firm well versed in all disciplines required to assist Credit Union management directives. This merging of skills and expertise will provide credit unions with unmatched advocacy and experience. Read More

Mutual Belt-Tightening

Credit Union Management magazine: Amid signs that the economic crisis may be easing on some fronts, strain is starting to show in the inconspicuous but all-important relationship between Credit Unions and their core processors as hard times take a toll on both parties. "Your processor should be strong strategically," insists Sabeh Samaha. Read More

The Innovation Quandary

Credit Union Business magazine: "Financial institutions are actively pursuing strong revenue performance processes, developing online customer retention processes, increasing deposit generation activities and determining how to best integrate an online banking platform with call centers and mobile phone banking." says Sabeh Samaha. Read More

A Dozen Misconceptions of What IT Can & Cannot Do

Credit Union Management magazine: Before you start shopping for hardware or software, the first step should be establishing internally the Credit Unions business strategies and how technology can support them. Technology can replicate most business practices and processes as long as the credit union is willing to make the necessary investment. Read More

Samaha Associates Oversees Four Core Conversions & Merger Projects

In its pivotal role as respected and sought after technology consultants, Samaha Associates is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the core conversion for Technology Credit Union ($1.2 Billion in assets); Alliant Credit Union’s Kaiperm merger project ($5.7 Billion); Xceed Credit Union’s Tiger FCU merger project ($800 Million); and California Coast’s First Future merger project ($1.8 Billion). Read More

Lending Solutions in Rough Waters

Credit Union Business magazine: The mortgage crisis brings troubled waters to the CU industry, but like a lighthouse shining in the frightening dark, experts offer advice to steer your CU in the right direction and guide you safely home. Their preparation strategies are essential to maximizing efficiency while waiting out the storm. "Consumer lending is the innermost core... it is the DNA... the double helix of the credit union," says Sabeh Samaha. Read More

Symitar Annual Educational Conference & Technology Expo

Samaha Associates CEO Sabeh Samaha was invited to deliver a one-hour presentation on "How to Establish a Member Business Services Program at Your Credit Union" at the Symitar Annual Educational Conference & Technology Expo which will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA from August 25 to 29. After Sabeh's presentation, which is scheduled for Friday, August 29, from 10:30 to 11:30, he will release a corresponding White Paper: "How to Establish a Member Business Services Program at Your Credit Union". Read More

Samaha Associates' CEO Debuts The Art of Negotiation White Paper At CUNA CFO Council

In front of a receptive audience, Samaha Associates CEO Sabeh Samaha debuted his latest White Paper entitled "The Art of Negotiation: Core and Third-Party Agreements Made Easier" during a presentation for the CUNA CFO Council. Read More

CU's Brace for Core Changes

Credit Union Magazine: For Credit Unions, leaving a legacy behind may be the best way to optimize interoperability, business, and member services across channels. Many Credit Unions use legacy core processing systems without a true open architecture and the functionality credit unions need today. All Credit Unions should have a virtual branch. You should be able to do everything at a virtual branch that you can do at a physical branch," says Sabeh Samaha adding "including online loan applications and requests for checks and plastic cards." Read More

Technology Flops - Avoiding the Sting

Credit Union Business magazine: How can you ensure that your Credit Union's implementation of technological advances results in a graceful swan dive as opposed to a painful belly flop? Take a clue from the past where former flops hold the keys to making that flawless 10.0 off the diving board. Industry experts critique the replay so your CU can perfect its technique. Read More

Samaha Associates

1745 Rancho Hills Drive Chino Hills, CA 91709
Toll Free: (855) 722-6242
Phone: (909) 597-2020
Fax: (909) 494-5538