Insights from Catalyst

Non-maturity deposits are a critical component of every credit union. One of the key benefits of these deposits is that they offer a fairly stable, low-cost source of funding, while also helping offset asset risk. But, just how much risk can be offset, and how stable are these funds?

Through the second quarter of 2020, credit unions experienced an increase in liquidity from slower lending and increased shares. Additionally, credit unions are now experiencing a lower net interest margin. One of the culprits is the mere 0.08 percent they’re earning on overnight cash balances, compared to almost 1.50 percent at the end of 2019.

Although we are living in unprecedented times, our economic environment does feel remotely familiar. It was during the Great Recession that we last experienced such historically low rates, and even though 10 years have passed, many of us still remember it all too well.

Credit union balance sheets look much different than they did at the beginning of 2020. As a result of government stimulus and the economy entering recession, deposit growth exceeded expectations through the first half of the year. High deposit growth combined with low loan demand resulted in excess liquidity on most credit unions’ balance sheets.

Budget time will be here again soon, which means you have an opportunity to demonstrate your credit union’s preparedness for potential stress events and scenarios.