Insights from Catalyst

Welcome to Catalyst Strategic Solution's blog - Insights from Catalyst. Here, read what thought leaders have to say about credit union news, trends and industry happenings. Have a blog idea, want to contribute or need to know more? Contact the Communications Team

  • Garbage In, Garbage Out: The Importance of Quality Data

    March 20, 2023 | Jacob Bennett

    Credit unions are an essential part of the financial services sector, serving millions of people around the world. Therefore, it is crucial they operate with the highest level of accuracy to make sound business decisions and provide the best possible services to their members.
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  • Prepare for Growth in 2023

    February 21, 2023 | Mark DeBree, CFA

    As 2023 unfolds, credit unions remain focused on expansion and growth, even though liquidity has tightened, and share growth has slowed. While near-term growth may be difficult to achieve, market indications suggest that share growth will rebound later in 2023 or early 2024.
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  • Interest Rate Risk Reigns Supreme as Regulatory Priority

    February 13, 2023 | Aaron Martini, CTP

    Since the Fed began increasing the fed funds rate 11 months ago, credit unions across the country have been heavily impacted by the rapid ascent of interest rates. Credit unions experienced some benefits to the rise in rates, but challenges emerged as well. Therefore, it is no surprise that interest rate risk (IRR) tops the list of NCUA’s 2023 Supervisory Priorities.
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  • Subordinated Debt Investment Analysis: 5 Key Metrics

    December 13, 2022 | Jonathan Jackson, CFA, FRM

    Investing in subordinated debt may offer an attractive yielding asset for your credit union’s balance sheet. Prior to investing in subordinated debt, however, it is important to perform thorough due diligence. Five key areas can help your subordinated debt investment analysis: growth trends, loan quality, earnings capacity, liquidity and planned use of the funds.
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  • Rates are Going Up – What’s Next?

    September 01, 2022 | Paul Shorkey, CFA, FRM

    Over the second quarter of 2022, interest rate risk has seen pronounced movement, with many credit unions concerned about the impact on the NEV Supervisory Test. The 0.75% increase in the Fed Funds Target Rate at the June Federal Open Market Committee meeting, due to a hot CPI print, came to the markets somewhat unexpectedly (another followed in July).
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