Skip to main content

The Samaha Perspective

Today’s Credit Unions and financial institutions are constantly met with a broad array of changing services, viewpoints, and methodologies to evaluate and implement. With our regularly updated white papers, you can stay informed and ready to act with the latest strategies and best practices.

FedNow: The Future of Real-Time Payments

Why Credit Unions Can’t be Fast Followers

The purpose of this white paper is to educate and inform credit union executives on the benefits and challenges of adopting the FedNow Service, while underscoring the perils of deploying FedNow without proper due diligence, oversight and strategic planning. To this end, the white paper will lean on industry research as well as share experiences from credit unions and credit union service organizations (CUSOs) that have successfully rolled out the FedNow Service to respective membership.

Learn More

Implications of the Proposed Credit Card Competition Act of 2023

How Durbin 2.0 Could Adversely Impact Credit Unions

The Credit Card Competition Act of 2023 (a.k.a. Durbin 2.0) currently being debated in Congress applies to credit-issuing financial institutions with assets over $100 billion. At the crux of this controversial legislation are merchant-related fee changes and new protocols for card issuers. If the bill were to become law, the rippling effects could adversely impact credit unions and community banks.

Learn More

Understanding Fintech Disruptors

Why Credit Unions Have to Act, Not React

While Credit Unions are being challenged by numerous big fintech disrupters, outliers like Amazon, PayPal, Facebook, Google, and Walmart are morphing into viable financial institutions. As consumer banking behavior continues to change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Credit Unions should embrace their grassroots ethos of “people helping people” and connect with fintech operators that share a similar vision and approach.

Learn More

Mergers And Acquisitions

Saving Money and Increasing Member Satisfaction

The long-term trend of Credit Union consolidation through mergers and acquisitions has impacted the way executives and Members view and experience the industry, accounting for much of the decline in the number of U.S. Credit Unions in the past three decades. Credit Union consultants bring expertise and oversight to the merger and acquisition process, providing costs savings, adept vendor contract negotiation, and sound project management strategies.

Learn More

Mastering the Art of Negotiations

Core and Third-Party Agreements Made Easier

With the constantly changing landscape of tools and strategies in the Credit Union industry, it’s essential that executives stay up to date with the latest technology. By finding the right consultancy and implementing best practices, it is not only possible to get more out of vendor relationships, but also create a strong business model that will ensure long-term success.

Learn More

When Should Credit Unions Say “I DO” To Vendors

Vendor Agreements During a Core Conversion

In the Credit Union space, a marriage is akin to a core conversion.  Understanding when a credit union should say “yes” to the vendor “dress” and establishing a true, bi-lateral agreement yields a favorable long-term outcome for all parties, including Credit Union Members.

Learn More

Cost Cutting Initiatives

Auditing and Renegotiating Vendor Contracts

Acting as an unbiased third party, Credit Union consultants can audit and renegotiate vendor contracts in advantageous terms, saving money and resources even in a volatile market. A progressive approach to auditing e-business and technology contracts is required to improve revenue optimization and save on costs.

Learn More

In-House or Service Bureau Initiatives

An Insightful Investigation That Goes Beyond Industry Headlines

Deciding between an in-house or service bureau core data processing platform can be a complex process for a Credit Union, which gives rise to a number of quandaries. Often the decision is based solely on cost, and this can be detrimental for the Credit Union. Consultants that analyze and properly manage the evaluation and negotiation process can save time and money.

Learn More

Key Considerations to Establishing A Member Business Services Program

Insights and Best Practices

While the fundamental banking concepts of retail and business services are similar, they differ in their approach to products, services, and lending. There are key factors to consider when establishing a member services program at a Credit Union. By enhancing operational structure, support products, providing exceptional services, and adjusting core system functions, a Credit Union will be better positioned for success.

Learn More

Preferred And Future Technologies

How to Outpace Industry Evolution

Improving a Credit Union’s technology platform, its core operating system, will provide a competitive edge and increase member satisfaction. Stay ahead of the curve by implementing forward-thinking enhancements across your Credit Union’s technology platforms.

Learn More

Mobile Revolution

Its Impact on Credit Unions

Mobile phone applications will continue to impact the financial services category and how progressive Credit Unions respond will impact their sustainability and growth. Technical consultants with security expertise are well-positioned to navigate emerging mobile applications in the banking sector.

Learn More

Alternative Payment System Solutions

How to Investigate New Services

Credit Unions are often spending too much for their payment solutions and can provide efficiencies for their members by evaluating and considering alternative options. Learn the benefits, pros, and cons of investigating new services while staying compliant with state and federal regulations and addressing security and operational issues.

Learn More