The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates

Background

The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates is a unified organization representing 386 credit unions across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, serving approximately 31.5 million members with assets totaling $450.2 billion. Established on January 2, 2025, through the consolidation of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates and the Virginia Credit Union League, The League aims to strengthen the collective voice of credit unions in these states.

Mission Statement: To create an environment that enables credit unions to grow and succeed.

Vision Statement: To be the trusted advocate and preferred source of information for credit unions.

Primary Area of Focus: Advocacy, collaboration, and innovation for credit unions in the southeastern United States.

Industry Significance: By uniting credit unions from four states, The League enhances the collective impact of these institutions, fostering stronger advocacy and resource sharing.

Key Strategic Focus

The League's strategic focus encompasses:

• Advocacy: Representing credit unions at local, state, and federal levels to influence policies and regulations.

• Credit Union Engagement: Facilitating networking, collaboration, and professional development opportunities for credit union professionals.

• Foundation Support: Providing resources for community and professional development through the Credit Union Impact Foundation.

• Service Corporation Excellence: Delivering industry-leading solutions via LEVERAGE, focusing on advocacy, small asset size credit union programs, and key initiatives.

Financials and Funding

As a non-profit trade association, The League's funding primarily comes from membership dues, service fees, and partnerships. Specific details regarding total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed. The capital is utilized to support advocacy efforts, member services, educational programs, and operational expenses.

Pipeline Development

The League does not engage in product development or clinical trials. Its focus is on enhancing services and support for credit unions, including:

• Office of Small Credit Unions: Launched in February 2025 to support credit unions with assets of $150 million and under, offering resources like online training, consultations, and networking opportunities.

• LEVERAGE Collaborations: In September 2024, LEVERAGE, The League's service corporation, partnered with Cooperative Business Services (CBS) and Credit Union Mortgage Association (CUMA) to enhance credit union services.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The League leverages various technological platforms and partnerships to support credit unions:

• Members Core Alliance (MCA): A cooperative core processing platform developed by eight Georgia credit unions, offering cost-efficient outsourcing and compliance simplification.

• LEVERAGE Payment Solutions: Provides back-office debit and credit card support for credit unions nationwide, ensuring seamless card operations and support.

Leadership Team

The League is led by a team of experienced professionals:

• Samantha Beeler: President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, overseeing advocacy and member services.

• Steve Willis: President of Affiliates Consolidated Services and LEVERAGE, leading the service corporation's initiatives.

• Susan Lee: Director of the Office of Small Credit Unions, focusing on supporting smaller credit unions.

• Kyle Fowler: Vice President of Member Alliances, managing the Member ATM Alliance and Member Core Alliance.

• Ross Talbert: Vice President of LEVERAGE Payment Solutions, providing strategic direction for payment services.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

The credit union industry in the southeastern United States is characterized by:

• Market Size: Approximately 386 credit unions with 31.5 million members and $450.2 billion in assets.

• Growth Potential: Opportunities for expansion through mergers and increased member engagement.

• Industry Trends: Emphasis on digital transformation, member experience enhancement, and regulatory compliance.

Competitor Analysis:

Key competitors include other regional credit union leagues such as:

• Cornerstone Credit Union League: Represents nearly 800 credit unions across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, with over 8.4 million members.

• Mid-Atlantic Corporate Federal Credit Union: Serves credit unions in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering financial services and support.

• CUNA Mutual Group: Provides insurance and financial services to credit unions nationwide.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships:

The League has formed strategic partnerships to enhance services:

• LEVERAGE Collaborations: Partnered with CBS and CUMA to offer comprehensive lending solutions.

• Members Core Alliance (MCA): A cooperative effort among Georgia credit unions to provide a shared core processing platform.

Operational Insights

The League differentiates itself through:

• Unified Representation: Combining credit unions from four states to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing.

• Tailored Support: Offering specialized resources for small credit unions through the Office of Small Credit Unions.

• Innovative Solutions: Providing collaborative platforms like MCA and LEVERAGE Payment Solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The League's strategic roadmap includes:

• Expansion of Services: Enhancing offerings for credit unions of all sizes, with a focus on small asset size institutions.

• Digital Transformation: Implementing advanced technologies to improve member services and operational efficiency.

• Advocacy Enhancement: Strengthening efforts to influence policies and regulations favorable to credit unions.

Contact Information

• Website: the-league.coop

• Social Media:

• LinkedIn: The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates

• Facebook: The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates

• X (formerly Twitter): @TheLeagueCoop

• Instagram: @theleaguecoop