 |
|
In an environment defined by evolving regulations, heightened risk, and growing operational complexity, credit unions need more than an auditor, they need a strategic partner. Credit Union Audit Group, a Credit Union Service Organization owned by LEVERAGE, stands at the forefront helping financial institutions build strong operational foundations while serving their members with confidence. Formed in 2005 and now performing services for more than 245 credit unions across 20 states, Credit Union Audit Group combines national reach with deep industry expertise. The firm’s commitment to excellence has earned it recognition as the eighth largest credit union auditing firm in the nation and the largest credit union auditing firm for credit unions with $40–$100 million in assets in 2025, underscoring its leadership within the industry. Credit Union Audit Group offers a full suite of services, from audit and compliance solutions to management consulting: AUDIT SOLUTIONS COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS OTHER SOLUTIONS As part of LEVERAGE’s family of best-in-class solutions, Credit Union Audit Group continues to lead with a collaborative approach focused on operational excellence, financial integrity, and sustainable growth. For credit unions seeking an experienced advisor dedicated solely to their movement, Credit Union Audit Group delivers the expertise and the partnership needed to move forward with confidence. |
 |
|
LEVERAGE, the service corporation of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, announced that Aux has officially joined LEVERAGE as part of a strategic acquisition. This decision is rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening the operational foundation of credit unions by expanding access to essential back-office support, reducing systemwide complexity, and delivering more aligned, scalable services for the years ahead. This acquisition supports a clear long-term goal: ensuring credit unions of all sizes—particularly small and mid-sized institutions—have the tools, expertise, and infrastructure needed to operate efficiently and continue serving their members with excellence in a rapidly evolving environment. “The board is excited about this new venture and the opportunity it creates to help more credit unions and more people,” said Dave Krause, Board Chair of Aux and President of UniWyo Credit Union. “This strategic acquisition ensures Aux’s strengths continue to grow and benefit the broader credit union community. It is the right step forward for our clients, our employees, and the movement.” “We are excited to welcome Aux into the LEVERAGE family,” said Steve Willis, President of LEVERAGE. “Aux has a well-earned reputation for quality and credit union service. By combining our capabilities, we can offer a more comprehensive and efficient service platform, one that directly supports credit unions’ operational needs while reducing fragmentation across the system.” This alignment reflects a continued commitment to practical, reliable support delivered by experienced teams who understand their day-to-day needs. Credit unions can expect the same trusted services and expertise, now backed by a broader organization working together to support long-term stability and success. “This is a strategic partnership that benefits both organizations and, most importantly, the credit unions we serve,” said Diane Parham, CEO of Aux. “By joining with LEVERAGE, we are creating a more scalable and innovative platform. This collaboration expands our capabilities, enhances service quality, and positions both organizations to bring even more value to our clients in the years ahead.” Credit unions will continue to receive personalized support through dedicated consultants who will guide them through the transition, ensure clarity around expanded resources, and provide customized engagement reporting. Operational efficiencies, cost savings, and coordinated product strategies produced by the unified organization will be reinvested directly into strengthening credit union services. For more information about this strategic acquisition or the expanded services available through LEVERAGE and Aux, please contact integration@the-league.coop. |
 |
|
Common Bond Title is the protector of property rights for real estate loans against property loss or damage due to defects in land titles. They can assist with part or the entire real estate lending journey for credit unions. Benefits for realtors, consumers, and lenders:
“We work with credit union loan officers to make sure their closing packages are done correctly. We can even do their packages for them, so they come back to them compliant – and there’s no issues when they go to their audits.” |
 |
|
LendKey helps credit unions grow and diversify with unique, turnkey lending solutions including a home improvement loan participation program, as well as private student loan and student refinance loan platforms. Home Improvement Loans Student Loan Refinancing Private Student Loans Partner with LEVERAGE and LendKey to unlock new lending opportunities, participate in long-term products with solid returns and build stronger relationships with your members. |
 |
|
Get ready to launch your ENGAGE experience with an evening designed to energize, connect, and inspire! The welcome party, LEVERAGE Networking After Dark, brings together industry leaders, forward-thinking innovators, and driven professionals for a night where meaningful connections happen naturally. Step into a lively atmosphere filled with music, refreshing drinks, and interactive networking opportunities that make it easy to strike up conversations and build valuable relationships. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting future collaborators, this event is all about opening doors and creating momentum for the days ahead. Come for the energy. Stay for the connections. Prepare to ENGAGE. Don’t forget! Exhibitor registration is now open and this year, the Exhibit Hall experience is getting a bold new vision. |
 |
|
Each year, crafty fraudsters find different ways – email, text, phone, and even in-person – to trick consumers out of money. Of the 2.6 million fraud reports, 38% indicated money was lost. In fact, a total of $12.8 billion according to the Federal Trade Commission (Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024). These fraudsters are experts in disguise which is likely why imposter scams are on the rise. They take advantage of consumer trust and introduce the sense of urgency by posing as family members, loved ones, potential romances, financial institutions, law enforcement, among others looking for victims that willingly send money, click on links, or share sensitive information. About 1 in 5 people targeted in an imposter scam lost money according to the FTC. Trending imposter scams include:
Most romance scams involve compelling backstories and full-fledged identities and then manipulate the victim into sending money. These are often the most difficult to convince members they are not real because they have been typically groomed by the scammers for quite a while. Government impersonation scams often show up as a text message, most recently appearing to come from the DMV or local government. The message…unpaid tolls or vehicle registration has expired. Using intimidation and urgency, the consumer is coerced to click a link and pay the fee, so they won’t be fined or even possibly arrested. Of course, the link leads to a fake or spoofed website! Another tactic has a phone call from a so-called government agency (e.g., FBI or secret service). They tell the member their credit union is under investigation, or an employee is a suspect under investigation, and their funds are not safe. Of course, the imposter instructs them to transfer their funds to a holding account controlled by the FBI, withdraw cash and deposit into a cryptocurrency ATM, or wire it to a “secure” account held by the FBI. The fraudsters stress the importance of not sharing information with anyone as it could compromise the investigation. With tech support scams, a computer technician – supposedly from a computer, software or internet company -contacts the consumer. They tell the targeted individual about viruses or malware on their computer, and it is necessary to provide remote computer access to fix it. These scammers might sell useless services, steal card or account numbers, or get access to a computer to install malware for additional fraud later. Fraudulent investment schemes trick individuals into moving funds into fake cryptocurrency opportunities with false promises of high, guaranteed returns and little to no risk. Fraudsters often leverage social media and artificial intelligence (AI), to gain trust and steal funds, leaving victims with significant financial losses. Another imposter scam that can negatively impact your reputation are where scammers impersonate one of your very own employees. The scammers report they’ve identified unusual transactions on the member’s account and may ask to verify if they authorized the transactions. When the member says no, they ask for confidential information to authenticate access. This allows the fraudsters to access their online account and conduct their own transactions. And, as fraudsters get more sophisticated, they are implementing smarter technology like AI and deepfakes to make threats even more difficult to detect. Help educate members to be on the lookout for red flags like:
Of course, encourage your members to always report suspicious activity to the credit union as soon as possible. With consumer fraud escalating, you should ensure all employees are trained on scams, know how to recognize them, and can recommend action steps to assist members. Don’t be fooled! Take the necessary steps to enhance your employees’ ability to be your first line of defense. For additional insights or related risk resources, check out the TruStage Business Protection Resource Center at www.trustage.com/bprc. Insurance | Financial Services This summary is not a contract and no coverage is provided by this publication, nor does it replace any provisions of any insurance policy. Please read the actual policy for specific coverage, terms, conditions, and exclusions. 202601 © TruStage |