Articles by Bill Merrick

Done right, a core processing conversion can be more than a technology upgrade. It can transform a credit union.

In 1932, John Maynard Keynes ignited a debate among economists and policy makers that still burns to this day. In a letter to the Times of London, Keynes proposed using federal deficit spending to reduce the length and severity of the Great Depression. Is that the best approach to tackle today's economic challenges?

Kim Sponem's leadership sabbatical in Australia unearthed lessons U.S. CUs can apply.

A Wisconsin CU CEO on sabbatical in Australia finds clues for dealing with challenges facing U.S. CUs.

Walk into your branches as if it were the first time and you didn't speak English.

Alternative, or supplemental, capital could allow credit unions to raise money from outside the institution and use it as a capital buffer.

Fallout from the economic crisis increases the need for alternative capital. Even well-capitalized CUs are limiting growth due to fear of capital constraints. But to use alternative capital, CUs would have to demonstrate management savvy and discipline.

The recession has idled scores of U.S. factories. When the gates close, CUs become members' financial safety net.

Can you spot the troubled debt restructuring in these scenarios?

This year at GTE Federal Credit Union, Tampa, Fla., no employee will get a raise, promotion, or 401(k) match. But nobody's complaining.