War Continues with Survey Responses Getting Worse
Apr 24 2026

The war with Iran continued to drive headlines this week as President Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely after failing to reach terms with Iran. As of this writing, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to most commercial traffic with the U.S. continuing its blockade of Iranian ports.

By: John Kirby
Catalyst Vision - April 2026
Apr 21 2026

Trade the Day-to-Day for New Perspectives at Summit | Catalyst’s Bold Path: Instant, Intelligent, Member-Focused Payments | The Real Value of Instant Payments Send: Why Instant Payments are a Game Changer | Registration Open for Catalyst's 2026 Strategic Summit | Webinar: Q2 Insights & Outlooks | Investing in Subordinated Debt – From Board Vote to Close | Catalyst Acquires Strategic Ownership Stake in Neural Payments to Accelerate Payments Innovation for Credit Unions

Trade the Day-to-Day for New Perspectives at Summit
Apr 21 2026

Catalyst channels that spirit of escape into our annual Strategic Summit. From September 22-24, Catalyst invites credit union leaders to step away from ordinary routines and immerse themselves in a can’t-miss event designed for strategic thinking, leadership growth and inspiring conversations.

Catalyst’s Bold Path: Instant, Intelligent, Member-Focused Payments
Apr 21 2026

Catalyst recently hosted a webinar, with experts from Neural Payments, exploring the accelerating shift toward instant payments and the strategic implications for credit unions. The session highlighted a reality that is becoming impossible to ignore: the payments landscape is transforming faster than at any point in modern financial history.

Equities Surge, Oil Calms
Apr 17 2026

The week began with President Trump announcing a total blockade on all traffic to Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz, following a perceived lack of progress on negotiations with Iran. Despite the escalation, markets took it as a sign of progress in negotiations, with the S&P 500 hitting 7,000 for the first time ever on Wednesday

By: John Kirby
The Real Value of Instant Payments Send: Why Instant Payments are a Game Changer
Apr 13 2026

With the FedNow® Service by the Federal Reserve and the RTP® Service by The Clearing House, financial institutions have a way to move funds instantly. At the center of this transformation is Send, the capability that allows institutions to push payments instantly, 24/7/365.

By: Mark Keeling
Investing in Subordinated Debt – From Board Vote to Close: Pricing, Process and Investor Dynamics
Apr 13 2026

Subordinated debt can offer a unique investment opportunity with benefits unlike most other asset classes , but for many credit unions, subordinated debt is still an unfamiliar investment option. For those willing to do the work, subordinated debt can offer attractive yields, portfolio diversification and a way to support the broader credit union movement.

By: Jonathan Jackson, CFA, FRM
Another Erratic Week
Apr 10 2026

Once again, the week’s economic activity was driven by headlines and continued geopolitical tensions between the U.S., Israel and Iran.

By: John Kirby
April 26' Market Overview & Data Report
Apr 03 2026

The monthly Market Overview & Data Report is a comprehensive summary of April's key economic and market metrics that are fundamental to credit union financial management. The report not only summarizes key economic and market data, but also explains how these metrics are relevant to credit unions. It further includes industry peer performance data and assessment, relative value evaluation, and an upcoming economic calendar. It is also an excellent report to include in credit union board and ALCO packets.