DOVER, N.H.—Lighthouse Credit Union has launched “Beacon Forum,” which it described as a new thought leadership series created to spotlight the “transformative ideas shaping the future of financial services and community well-being.”
According to the $1.9-billion credit union, the inaugural Beacon Forum was held at its headquarters and brought together credit union executives and technology leaders to “explore one of the industry’s most urgent topics: the integration of AI into financial services.”
The forum featured keynote remarks from Dr. Lamont Black, former Federal Reserve economist and associate professor of Finance at DePaul University—who also is affiliated with Filene–and Karan Kashyap, co-founder and CEO of the AI platform Posh.
A ’Launchpad’
“Beacon Forum is a launchpad for transformative action,” Lighthouse CU CEO Chris Parker said in a statement. “The insights shared by Dr. Black and Karan Kashyap exemplify the kind of forward-thinking leadership we need—rooted in expertise, in how credit unions should embed AI into every facet of its business model. This approach will not only enhance efficiencies and improve operations, it will also strengthen the member experience in line with the credit union’s commitment to community service.”
Designed With a Mission
According to Lighthouse CU, the forum was designed with a mission: to bring together visionaries, changemakers, and community leaders for candid conversations on the intersection of finance, impact, and innovation.
“With an emphasis on emerging trends, inclusive practices, and responsible banking, the series serves as a compass for navigating today’s dynamic financial landscape—while staying rooted in member service and empowering communities,” Lighthouse Credit Union said.
The Impact of Ai
With a theme centered on “The Impact of AI in the Credit Union Industry,” Lighthouse CU said the inaugural forum focused on strategies to remain competitive, improve efficiency and productivity, with the goal of creating a more purposeful and personal member experience.
According to the credit union, Black shared insights and tools to improve enterprise-wide productivity with AI.
“His keynote explored the responsibilities and opportunities financial institutions face in a time of rapid disruption and how AI can level the playing field for credit unions,” Lighthouse CU said. “Black emphasized how AI has the potential to help credit unions redefine their role in a rapidly evolving landscape.”
Enhancing Experience
Kashyap, a fintech strategist and advocate for economic equity, shared how AI can enhance the member experience through personalization and increased efficiencies, according to the credit union.
Broader Initiative
Lighthouse CU said the event marked the beginning of a broader initiative to amplify the ideas shaping the future of financial services and community well-being.
Upcoming Beacon Forum events will expand into varied formats—keynotes, panels, and podcasts—featuring thought leaders across multiple disciplines including economics, social impact, technology, and policy, the credit union said.