Catalyst’s Strategic Summit, October 21-23, is designed to do more than just inspire; it equips attendees with the tools, insights and strategies they need to act decisively. Alongside an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, this year’s breakout sessions will provide credit union leaders with practical, actionable takeaways and opportunities to connect directly with industry experts. These sessions are crafted to support strategic planning, spark impactful conversations and guide attendees through the most pressing challenges and opportunities in today’s financial landscape.

Payments breakout: building a holistic solution

On the payments side, Catalyst Chief Operating Officer Brad Ganey and other experts will lead a dynamic two-hour session that highlights Catalyst’s holistic approach to payment solutions. The first segment will be an in-depth exploration of the full suite of payment services Catalyst offers, with presentations from VP of Correspondent Services, Justin Lutes and VP of Payments Products & Innovations, Glenn Wheeler. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how these interconnected solutions can streamline operations, strengthen member engagement and position credit unions to thrive in an increasingly digital-first payments environment.

Mick Oppy, CEO of Catalyst partner Neural Payments, will dive into the importance of peer-to-peer payments and removing friction in the payments ecosystem. His insights will underscore the critical role innovation plays in maintaining a competitive edge and enhancing member experience. The payments team will close with a Q&A session, ensuring attendees leave with clarity and actionable next steps for their own payment plans.

Strategic value: Payment solutions are at the core of member services and retention. This session will equip attendees with a blueprint for evaluating current systems, identifying integration opportunities and planning strategically for the next wave of instant payments innovation.

Asset management & liquidity breakout: navigating interest rates

On the financial services side, Catalyst Chief Investment Officer, Mike McGinnis and his team will deliver a comprehensive two-hour session dedicated to helping credit unions navigate the challenges of a falling interest rate environment. With rates expected to shift, financial leaders must be prepared to make proactive adjustments to protect balance sheets and sustain growth. 

Catalyst’s financial services team will cover:

• Investment and liquidity strategies – Catalyst experts will kick things off with a discussion on investment strategies and key considerations during a falling interest rate cycle. They will also explore how loan participation sales can be leveraged to support liquidity flows, offering attendees practical tools to strengthen their credit union’s financial position.
• Risk, hedging and capital planning – The focus will then shift to risk management, derivative hedging strategies and capital planning. Presenters will provide guidance on how to protect net interest margins, mitigate risk and consider subordinated debt as a tool for maintaining strong capital levels.

Strategic value: In uncertain rate environments, planning is everything. This breakout session gives leaders forward-looking tools to anticipate challenges, effectively scenario-plan and make confident capital and liquidity decisions that support long-term organizational health.

Actionable takeaways for every leader

These breakout sessions are intentionally designed to help credit union decision-makers turn insight into strategy. Whether it’s identifying the next step in payments innovation or preparing financial frameworks for financial uncertainty, participants will walk away with concrete strategies ready to apply in boardrooms and planning sessions.

By combining forward-thinking keynotes with deep-dive, practical breakouts, Catalyst’s Strategic Summit delivers unmatched value. For credit union leaders seeking to strengthen their strategic planning and chart a confident course forward, these sessions will prove both impactful and essential – making now the perfect time to register and secure your spot.