Last week at the NACUSO Reimagine Conference, I walked away feeling more energized than ever about the future of credit unions—and the CUSOs that are helping drive it forward, especially the emerging CUSOs in the credit union industry.
Celebrating big ideas and bold innovation
A huge congratulations to GoodBuy for taking home the Next Big Idea award! Their concept not only wowed the judges but sparked meaningful conversations about how we can continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our movement. It's always exciting to see fresh ideas take center stage, and GoodBuy’s vision is one worth watching. Emerging CUSOs in the credit union industry are paving the way for such innovative ideas.
Why emerging CUSOs matter
Over the past few years, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to supporting not only established CUSOs but especially new and emerging ones. There’s something incredibly special about helping those just starting to bring bold, innovative solutions into the credit union space. These are the voices that challenge the status quo, see opportunities where others see roadblocks, and ultimately, help us all reimagine how we serve our members. Emerging CUSOs in the credit union industry are great examples of these bold voices.
Catalyst for collaboration
One organization doing incredible work in this space is Curql Collective—a collaborative network that connects credit unions with fintech partners through strategic investments and innovation support. Curql is helping ensure that great ideas don’t just get noticed—they get the chance to scale and succeed.
Early stage magic
CUSOs have always played a vital role in collaboration and innovation—but there’s a unique magic in those early-stage ideas. That’s where the energy is. That’s where transformation begins. And that’s where I’m finding my passion.
What comes next
If Reimagine reminded me of anything this year, it’s that the credit union industry is far from done evolving. The path forward is being paved by partnerships, fresh thinking, and the courage to do things differently, thanks to the impact of emerging CUSOs in the credit union industry. I’m proud to be part of that journey—and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
