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Research Report

Next-Level Growth: Credit Union Opportunities in a Changing Market

Credit unions are under pressure from every angle—rising deposit costs, competition from fintechs and big banks, and rapidly shifting member expectations. This report from Cornerstone Advisors and Blend reveals a framework designed to help credit unions move beyond “shiny object” projects and overcome blockers that stall progress, from regulatory fears to execution gaps. Hear insights from credit union leaders on the front lines of transformation and learn practical strategies to drive sustainable growth, deepen member relationships, and compete in a digital-first market.

What You'll Learn in This Report

  • Transform digital into your primary growth engine. Use data and personalization to build onboarding and engagement journeys that boost product adoption in the first 60 days and beyond. 
  • Reimagine branches for a hybrid world. Explore micro-branches, virtual branches, and universal banker models that expand reach while keeping costs in check.
  • Overcome sales stigma and unlock frontline growth. Reframe sales as service, equip staff with the right tools and prompts, and build incentives that deepen relationships instead of pushing products.
  • Apply AI where it matters. Go past basic chatbots to predictive analytics, automated decisioning, and AI-enabled workflows that reduce friction, speed funding, and improve member outcomes

Report Stats At a Glance

62%

 

of credit union executives list new member growth as a top concern.

45%

 

of credit unions have deployed chatbots by 2025.

74%

 

of credit unions, on average, followed through on planned online banking platform deployments over the past three years.

Ready to See Real Results With Your Financial Institution?

Solutions from Cornerstone Advisors

Cornerstone Advisors - Core Systems - Conversion and Implementation

Digital

We help you drive measurable value from your digital investments. Our expert team partners with you to deliver end-to-end support across your key digital initiatives—from strategy to execution. Whether you're modernizing legacy platforms, optimizing digital contracts or scaling new technologies, we ensure every step is aligned to your business objectives. With decades of experience and deep industry insights, we help you make smarter digital decisions and turn your technology partnerships into a true competitive advantage.

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Performance

Cornerstone’s Performance solutions provide a wide range of consulting expertise to help clients identify opportunities to increase efficiency and productivity across their entire organization, whether it’s enhancing the digital experience or optimizing payments. We leverage these services with our proprietary tools, including Performance Vault and Analytics Vault. Armed with unparalleled insider data analytics and benchmarking intel, your bank or credit union will gain the confidence to make sound, data-driven decisions.

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Strategic Planning

Our Strategic Planning services will help your leadership answer the big questions—where are we, where could we be, how do we get there and what’s the impact. Our seasoned consultants will work with you to develop a strategic plan that will empower your organization to achieve tangible “right now” results, as well as build a roadmap for ongoing value creation and success.

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About Cornerstone Advisors

For over 20 years, Cornerstone Advisors has delivered gritty insights, bold strategies and data-driven solutions to build smarter banks, credit unions and fintechs. From technology system selection and implementation to contract negotiations, vendor management, performance improvement programs, strategic planning, merger integration and enterprise program management, Cornerstone combines its expertise with proprietary data and research to help financial institutions thrive in today’s challenging environment. For more information, visit www.crnrstone.com, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube, and subscribe to GonzoBanker® for our opinionated take on all things banking.