LEVERAGE Monthly Newsletter

Members ATM Alliance (MAA) is excited to announce a new partnership with CrossState Solutions, marking a significant step forward in expanding its outreach and services to credit unions nationwide. This collaboration will enhance MAA's ability to connect with credit unions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey affiliated with CrossState, providing them with top-tier ATM and ITM services and solutions.

Through this partnership, MAA will receive support from CrossState Solutions, which will help MAA effectively communicate its offerings and benefits to the association’s extensive network of credit unions.

"We are thrilled to partner with CrossState," expressed Kyle Fowler, Vice President of MAA. "This collaboration allows us to extend our comprehensive set of ATM services to more credit unions and provides a valuable platform to engage with potential clients. The opportunity to participate in CrossState’s events is an added advantage that will facilitate deeper connections and mutual growth."

Monika Edlis, Director of Solutions Engagement at CrossState Solutions, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “We believe this collaboration with Members ATM Alliance is a game-changer for our credit union members. By providing comprehensive ATM managed services, we are not only helping credit unions save money and streamline operations, but we are also enhancing the overall member experience with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled convenience.”

MAA’s partnership with CrossState enables MAA to better serve the needs of credit unions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, enhancing their access to reliable ATM services. This alliance underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the financial infrastructure of credit unions and their members. By joining forces, both organizations can leverage their strengths to drive more excellent value and innovation in the financial services sector.

For more information, please contact Kyle Fowler, Vice President of Member Alliances, at kyle.fowler@lscu.coop or call 678-542-3479.

By Benjamin Weismer, Director of Product Innovation at TruStage

Insurance is a critical component of financial planning, helping provide peace of mind and security for families. For many, purchasing insurance seems daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

Investing in an integration strategy could help streamline your members’ insurance buying journey, making it more accessible and user-friendly for your members. Let’s explore how.

The evolution of integration

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the financial industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As technology reshapes the way we live and work, credit unions recognize the need to adapt and embrace new strategies to meet the changing demands of their members. One such strategy gaining momentum is integrating products and solutions through application programming interfaces (APIs).

Traditional distribution models for insurance were cumbersome and inefficient, presenting numerous barriers for potential policyholders. However, API integration enables financial institutions, including credit unions, to connect their systems and services with external partners, facilitating the seamless incorporation of products and solutions into existing platforms. Consequently, the industry is moving towards a Business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) approach to enhance the customer experience. This shift allows credit unions to swiftly enhance member experiences, especially when partners can pre-integrate APIs into existing platforms.

APIs enable organizations to seamlessly integrate the entire insurance journey, allowing for business growth and increasing the number of protected members. This includes everything from simple quoting and application processing to back-end tasks like documentation and payment collection. Previously complex processes have been simplified through APIs, allowing you to integrate them into your own experiences without handoffs.

Combined with a streamlined product set, this integration is designed to eliminate the need for case management or home office involvement, enabling real-time processing for both members and partners.

Integrating through technology

Leveraging technology is crucial in simplifying the insurance purchase journey for credit union members. In today's competitive financial landscape, it's essential for credit unions to continually innovate if they want to stay relevant and compete against larger financial institutions.

Implementing technology to automate and streamline processes can significantly enhance the member experience. For instance, by leveraging automated underwriting systems and simplifying application procedures, credit unions can make insurance more accessible and straightforward for their members. This approach not only improves efficiency but is also designed to enhance the overall satisfaction of members by reducing the time and effort required to obtain insurance.

Credit union leaders should focus on expanding existing partnerships while also going out and cultivating new opportunities that can bring innovative solutions to their members. By doing so, they can ensure they are providing the most up-to-date and user-friendly services possible.

The benefits of integration for credit union members

Integration offers several benefits for credit union members. Firstly, it simplifies the process of accessing financial products and services. By integrating various offerings under one brand, credit unions can provide a seamless experience for their members, making it easier to navigate and understand the available options. This eliminates confusion and saves time for members, allowing them to make informed decisions about their financial needs. Additionally, integration enables credit unions to leverage digital capabilities, such as online platforms and APIs, to enhance the member experience. This means members can access and manage their accounts, apply for loans, and access other services conveniently and securely from their preferred devices. Overall, integration improves accessibility, convenience, and efficiency, ultimately enhancing the overall credit union member experience.

The commitment of senior leadership

The success of any strategy is heavily dependent on the commitment of senior leadership. Leadership support can play a crucial role in prioritizing the importance of digital transformations within an organization and ensuring they align with the evolving preferences and expectations of members. How credit unions plan to continually innovate for the future will remain top of mind. The key challenge and opportunity for credit unions in the future will be maintaining relevance with consumers at all stages of their lives and through offering seamless, customer-centric solutions.

Investing in integration is essential for credit unions aiming to simplify the insurance journey for their members. By embracing these technological advancements, credit union leaders can make a significant impact on their members' financial well-being and overall experience.

Your credit union’s website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. It's your virtual storefront, open 24/7, ready to provide information, attract new clients, and drive growth. However, just like any physical space, a website can become outdated and less effective. This is why it's crucial to regularly refresh your website to ensure it remains relevant, engaging, and competitive.

Why Refresh Your Website?

1. 1. Enhanced User Experience (UX): A modern, easy-to-navigate website improves user experience, encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore more. Outdated design elements and slow loading times can frustrate users, leading to higher bounce rates and lost opportunities.
2. 2. SEO Benefits: Search engine algorithms favor websites updated regularly with fresh content and modern design practices. A refreshed website can improve your search engine rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
3. 3. Mobile Compatibility: With the increasing use of smartphones, having a mobile-friendly website is essential. Refreshing your website ensures it is optimized for all devices, providing a seamless experience for mobile users.
4. 4. Reflects Current Brand Identity: As your business evolves, so should your website. Updating your site allows you to reflect your brand identity, values, and offerings, ensuring consistency across all platforms.
5. 5. Security Improvements: Older websites are more vulnerable to security threats. Regular updates and maintenance can protect your site from cyber-attacks and ensure the safety of your customers' data.

At Growth by Design, we understand a modern, functional website's critical role in your business's success. That's why we offer tailored web development packages designed to fit the needs of any size credit union. Our packages are crafted to provide maximum value, ensuring your website looks great and performs optimally.

SPARKS (SMALL) PACKAGE - $6,500

• • Choose from four semi-customizable templates
• • Branding with your logo and colors
• • Up to 20 pages of content (products/about/contact/etc.)
• • 25 hours of development
• • One hour of CMS training
• • ADA review - Section 508 and WCAG 2.2 A and AA guidelines

GROWTH PACKAGE - $14,999

• • Complete custom design based on feedback from a kick-off call
• • Four rounds of design revisions
• • Up to 40 pages of content
• • 75 hours of development/design
• • One hour of CMS training
• • ADA review - Section 508 and WCAG 2.2 A and AA guidelines
• • Additional items included ($3,315 value-free):
  • • Blog creation
  • • One contact form

PREMIUM GROWTH PACKAGE - $29,999

• • Two custom designs based on feedback from a kick-off call
• • Unlimited design revisions
• • Unlimited pages of content
• • 200 hours of development/design
• • Two hours of CMS training
• • ADA review - Section 508 and WCAG 2.2 A and AA guidelines
• • Additional items included ($14,000 value-free):
  • • Blog creation
  • • One contact form
  • • Set of calculators (first year free)
  • • NCUA web compliance audit
  • • First year of quarterly ADA audits
  • • Multilingual conversion
  • • Custom store/branch/ATM searchable map
  • • FREE upgrade on monthly maintenance to the next tier for one year (new clients only)

Our comprehensive web development packages are designed for credit unions of all sizes. Whether you're a small credit union looking to establish an online presence or a large credit union seeking a complete digital overhaul, we have the expertise and resources to meet your needs. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, customized solutions that drive results and enhance your digital footprint.

Ready to refresh your website and take your credit union to the next level? Contact Growth by Design today at 770-476-9625, visit us at www.growthbydesign.org, or email us at contact@growthbydesign.org to learn more about our web development packages and how we can help you achieve your goals.

In the face of the escalating threat posed by fraud in Community Financial Institutions (CFIs), having a well-defined fraud combat plan is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. As the financial landscape evolves, so do the tactics fraudsters employ. To avoid these threats, CFIs need a proactive and multi-faceted approach to fighting fraud. This is where Eltropy, a recognized thought leader in the field, comes into play, offering innovative solutions that leverage the power of video banking, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) via text or chat, and secure document collection.

Why is a Fraud Combat Plan Crucial?

• • Mitigating Financial Loss: Fraud can have devastating financial implications. CFIs need to protect their assets and members’ funds. A robust fraud combat plan helps identify and neutralize threats before they result in significant financial losses.
• • Preserving Reputation and Trust: Fraud incidents can erode members' trust in CFIs. A well-executed fraud combat plan demonstrates a commitment to security and safeguards the institution’s reputation.
• • Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Many regulatory bodies mandate that financial institutions have effective fraud prevention measures in place. A solid fraud combat plan ensures compliance with these requirements.
• • Member Confidence: Members expect their financial institution to provide a safe and secure environment for their financial transactions. A proactive fraud combat plan reinforces this confidence.

Eltropy: Pioneering Multi-Channel Fraud Prevention

Eltropy stands out as a leader in the realm of fighting fraud through a multi-channel approach. Their innovative solutions combine cutting-edge technology with industry expertise to provide CFIs with the tools needed to combat fraud effectively.

• • Video Banking: Eltropy’s video banking solutions enable CFIs to engage with their members in a secure, face-to-face digital environment. This not only enhances the member experience but also adds an additional layer of security, allowing for visual verification and identity confirmation.
• • MFA via Text or Chat:  MFA is a powerful tool in fraud prevention. Eltropy’s MFA solutions via text or chat provide an extra level of security by ensuring that members are who they claim to be before granting access to sensitive information or transactions.
• • Secure Document Collection: Eltropy’s secure document collection capabilities streamline the process of gathering essential documents and information while maintaining the highest security standards. This feature ensures that member data remains confidential and protected.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial fraud, CFIs need partners like Eltropy, who are at the forefront of innovation, continually adapting to the latest threats and challenges. With Eltropy’s expertise and solutions, CFIs can not only combat fraud effectively but also enhance their member services in a secure and seamless manner.

For more information about Eltropy and LEVERAGE, visit https://myleverage.com/solutions/eltropy.php or contact a LEVERAGE Business Development Consultant at consult@myleverage.com.

Members Core Alliance (MCA) offers credit unions a solid, reliable, and user-friendly core processing platform developed through the cooperative efforts of peers you already know and trust.

Why Choose MCA?

• • Collaborative Creation: MCA was formed through the collaboration of eight Georgia credit unions, ensuring a platform tailored to your needs.
• • Cost-Efficient Outsourcing: Participating credit unions can outsource their core data processing to a shared platform, streamlining operations and reducing expenses.
• • Compliance Simplification: MCA helps ease the overall compliance burden, allowing you to focus on serving your members.
• • Exemplary Customer Service: MCA provides unparalleled white-glove customer service, personalized, seamless support, and expert care every step of the way.

Partnering for Success

Using a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) structure, MCA centralizes management and has partnered with Sharetec to deliver a comprehensive data processing solution.

Join MCA Today!

Experience the benefits of a cooperative, efficient, and compliant core processing platform created by credit unions for credit unions. For more information, contact Kyle Fowler, Vice President of Member Alliances, at kyle.fowler@lscu.coop or call 678-542-3479.