NEW YORK — Credit union executives gathered in New York City for a two-day financial forum that included a visit to the New York Stock Exchange, discussions with financial services experts and presentations on strategic growth, emerging technologies and new opportunities for credit unions.
The invitation-only Credit Union Financial Forum was organized by the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) in partnership with Advisors Equity Group (AEG) as part of DCUC’s CU Collaborations initiative.
According to DCUC, the event was designed to connect credit union leaders with industry experts and provide opportunities to exchange ideas, explore potential partnerships and identify strategies for strengthening their institutions and improving member service.
“Our new ‘DCUC Collaborations’ series transforms DCUC membership into more practical value by bringing credit union leaders together with peers and industry experts,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president and CEO and a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. “These focused conversations help leaders work through challenges, explore new opportunities, and return home with an idea worth pursuing and a relationship they can call on.”
Visit to New York Stock Exchange
The forum opened with a VIP tour of the New York Stock Exchange, where participants visited the trading floor and attended the closing bell ceremony.
The day’s program also included a presentation and discussion led by Rodney Hood, former chairman of the National Credit Union Administration and former acting comptroller of the currency.
Hood participated in a fireside chat before attendees gathered for a dinner hosted by AEG.
DCUC said the smaller format of the gathering was intended to encourage detailed discussions among credit union executives and industry partners, allowing participants to compare experiences and consider how new financial products and strategies might benefit their institutions.
“DCUC continues to shape credit union conversations around new ideas and candid discussions, rather than rehashing old ideas,” said Jim Hayes, president and CEO of State Department Federal Credit Union. “DCUC understands the value of those conversations and takes the initiative to make them happen. That is a meaningful benefit of membership and an important investment in the strength of our movement.”
Second Day Focuses on Innovation, Growth
The forum continued Oct. 20 at Morgan Stanley’s worldwide headquarters, where Hernandez and Michael T. Rossi, president and co-founder of AEG, delivered opening remarks.
According to DCUC, the day’s sessions addressed several topics:
- Innovation and strategic growth: Annexus experts offered perspectives on innovation, capital markets, strategic growth and index solutions.
- Executive compensation: Rossi led a discussion of alternative approaches to executive compensation and charitable donation accounts.
- Emerging technology: Farouk Jivani, CEO of Zeroe, discussed organizational readiness for emerging technologies.
Morgan Stanley also hosted a luncheon, providing additional opportunities for participants to network and continue discussions.
Credit Union Leaders Cite Value of Collaboration
Peter Rice, president and CEO of Hanscom Federal Credit Union, said the opportunity to exchange ideas with other executives and industry partners was among the forum’s most valuable elements.
“The chance to visit the floor of the New York Stock Exchange was a memorable highlight, and the opportunity to connect with fellow leaders and industry partners gave the gathering lasting value,” Rice said.
“DCUC is showing leadership by creating settings where we can challenge our thinking, share ideas, and consider how new approaches could improve the member experience. Those relationships help individual credit unions become stronger and keep the entire movement moving forward.”
Part of Broader DCUC Initiative
DCUC said the New York gathering reflects its broader effort to make peer learning and industry partnerships a more significant benefit of association membership.
Through CU Collaborations, the organization seeks to connect credit unions with industry partners and subject-matter experts in settings that encourage discussion of practical solutions to operational and strategic challenges.
“Credit unions have always been strongest when we help one another succeed,” Hernandez said. “DCUC’s role is to create opportunities that turn shared purpose into action. When a conversation leads to a better service, a new partnership, or a different way to solve a problem, it strengthens both the institution and the people it serves.”
