Study Reveals Key CU Concerns In 2025

 

MILWAUKEE—What are credit unions most concerned with in 2025?

A new study from accounting firm Wipfli reveals the movement has growing concerns about the economy, regulation and fraud, but are still confident they will experience solid growth this year.

Wipfli surveyed over 100 C-level executives at credit unions across the U.S. in its State of Credit Unions report.

Credit union leaders shared their top growth strategies, priorities and concerns. Among the key findings:

• 96% of the credit union leaders surveyed expect their institutions to grow in the next 12 months
• 75% said the economy/regulatory environment is a major factor affecting their strategic priorities — up from 49% last year
• Cybersecurity (including fraud) was the top concern
• 49% of respondents said fraud is increasing in their institutions, up from 35% last year
• 76% detected unauthorized access to their networks or data last year
• 58% said improving digital customer engagement is a top strategy; data analytics/AI was a close second, cited by 57% of respondents
• 90% of financial institutions use AI-based tools or plan to adopt them in the next 12 months