Conversations, priorities, and strategies: Looking ahead to 2026
America's Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson joined A CU Seat at the Table to highlight takeaways from his conversations with credit union leaders and how they informed the organization's strategy for the year ahead.
Listening to industry leaders
When Simpson joined America's Credit Unions, he prioritized meeting with industry leaders. He noted his biggest takeaway from those conversations with credit union CEOs of all asset sizes was the sheer difficulty of their jobs. However, he pointed out the particular challenges facing small credit union leaders.
"They're wearing all the hats," he said. "They can't diffuse the pressure off to wide team members."
Simpson added that he's amazed at what credit union leaders have faced and accomplished, but remarked that "it's not getting easier."
Priorities for 2026
America's Credit Unions recently released its 2026 advocacy priorities. Simpson said he thinks of it as three buckets: defense, enhancement, and proactivity.
"Often there are issues that come to you that you did not create. Tax is an example of that," Simpson said, alluding to the need for a strong defense.
Additionally, he focused on a couple of legislative and regulatory changes that would help credit unions. He highlighted board modernization, which is currently being considered in Congress, and the importance of regulatory enhancement.
"We need our regulatory environment to be reminded that one-size-fits-all regulation doesn't work," he said.
The importance of advocacy
Simpson was asked about today's political environment and how to win in times like this. He referred to his time working for Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Hatch's close friendship with Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), even though their major political differences.
"I don't think that behavior today, the ecosystem, rewards that," Simpson said.
He added how that impacts America's Credit Unions, other industry advocates, and credit unions themselves. However, he emphasized the important role that credit unions play in advocacy. Simpson pointed to the value of credit unions showing up and telling their story.
"These lawmakers need to never forget who hires them," Simpson said.
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