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
For many credit unions undertaking a branch transformation, the physical environment may change with respect to placement of free flowing teller pods, automated sections of the branch where self-service is available and 24/7 self-service access options (i.e., ATMs outside of the branch). When undertaking a branch transformation, it is important that members are not overwhelmed by the process. “Branch transformation can’t go to the extreme,” said Sabeh Samaha of Samaha Associates, a Chino Hills, Calif.-based credit union consulting firm. “Today there is a move toward product rather than transaction and sales more than branch operations, but pulling too much of the human element out of the branch is a bad thing.” Read More
The nature of mergers has changed. For the larger, acquiring credit union, there was a time when mergers meant more opportunity, a bigger book of business and growth into a new region. Today, mergers are happening more so out of necessity with the NCUA looking to avoid the complete dissolution of a failing credit union. As a result, key components are often overlooked due to misconceptions. Read More
For credit union executives planning a core banking system conversion, feelings of fear and stress are common.Throw another factor into the mix, like a merger, and the conversion process becomes that much more overwhelming and complex. The $1.5 billion Stanford FCU in Palo Alto, Calif., and the $681 million First Community FCU in Parchment, Mich., said they were able to sail through their core system conversions. Both give substantial credit to their hiring of Samaha Associates, a consulting firm in Chino Hills, Calif., that specializes in credit union core system conversions. Read More
Technology and e-business consultants Samaha Associates attended the recent Credit Union for Kids Wine Auction held in Dana Point, Calif. The Chino Hills-based firm said it has long supported this worthy cause and this year decided to something extra special. “This is an important event, and we have made donations in the past participating in both the silent and live auctions,” said Samaha Associates Managing Partner Adam Denbo. “This year we decided to purchase the all-inclusive trip to Disney World and donate it back to the same worthy cause in a special and personal way.” Read More
Credit unions enjoyed a rapid increase in deposits long before populist rhetoric over bank fees crescendoed into National Bank Transfer Day, a grassroots movement urging consumers to remove their money from banks. SNL data show aggregate growth of deposits at banks and credit unions from year-end of 2006 remained steady until about the beginning of 2009 before diverging. At that point, credit unions opened up a gap in deposit growth compared to banks, based on 2006 levels. Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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