Navigating the new risk landscape: Why modern GRC strategies are essential for credit unions

In today’s dynamic financial environment, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) has evolved from a behind-the-scenes function to a strategic cornerstone for credit unions.

As cyber threats become more advanced and regulatory expectations continue to rise, credit unions must embrace a proactive, integrated approach to risk management. Yet, only 38% of financial institutions report feeling “very confident” in their ability to maintain compliance while managing risk effectively.

This confidence gap underscores the need for modern GRC strategies that go beyond basic regulatory checklists.

4 trends fueling the GRC evolution

Credit unions are rethinking their GRC strategies in response to a shifting risk landscape. Four major trends are driving this transformation:

1. Integrated Risk Management

Credit unions are moving away from fragmented risk practices and adopting integrated frameworks that align with organizational goals. This approach improves visibility, speeds up response times, and supports smarter decision-making.

2. Heightened Regulatory Demands

With evolving FFIEC guidance and increasing scrutiny around data privacy and cybersecurity, credit unions must demonstrate not just compliance, but resilience. Regulators expect continuous monitoring, documented controls, and active board-level involvement.

3. Strategic Focus on Cybersecurity

Cyber risk is now a strategic issue. Current regulatory guidance requires boards to be well-informed about their institution’s cybersecurity posture. Credit unions are embedding cybersecurity into their GRC programs to ensure a comprehensive view of risk.

4. Efficiency Through Technology

Automation and digital platforms are streamlining GRC processes, reducing manual workloads, and enhancing accuracy. Credit unions leveraging GRC technology gain agility and reduce audit fatigue.

Jack Henry™ supports credit unions

Jack Henry’s GRC solutions are built to help credit unions confidently navigate today’s risk environment – meeting you where you are and guiding you toward where you need to be.

Our solutions are designed to:

• Integrate GRC into a unified, proactive risk strategy.
• Simplify compliance with automated tracking, centralized documentation, and expert support.
• Strengthen cybersecurity with embedded controls and board-level visibility.
• Improve operational efficiency by reducing manual tasks and streamlining audits.
• Align risk management with strategic goals to support long-term growth and member trust.

To help you thrive, we offer:

• Certified expertise
  Access a team of cybersecurity and IT compliance professionals who understand the unique challenges credit unions face. We help you navigate FFIEC directives and safeguard member data.
• Flexible, scalable support
  From outsourced ISO services to policy development and risk assessments, our solutions are tailored to your needs—delivering expertise, ease, and efficiency.
• Smart technology integration
  Our GRC platform simplifies compliance tracking, automates reporting, and centralizes documentation, helping you reduce guesswork and improve workflows.
• Strategic risk alignment
  We help you build a GRC framework that aligns with your credit union’s risk appetite, asset size, and operational complexity—ensuring that compliance efforts support your broader mission.

Ready for what’s next?

As GRC continues to evolve, credit unions that embrace integrated, tech-enabled, and expert-supported approaches will be better equipped to manage risk, meet regulatory demands, and build lasting trust with members.

The future of GRC is here. Is your credit union ready?

Connect with a Jack Henry GRC professional today to confidently stay ahead of emerging risks and regulations.

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