This working group, in a roundtable format with moderators, will feature peer-to-peer credit union executive exchanges on best practices for facilitating stronger small business banking strategies across five key topics for serving this market within a member-first model:
- Digital Member Experience & Fintech Partnerships – The discussion will kick off with how credit unions can modernize small business banking through smarter technology and ecosystem collaboration, including how to compete with fintechs offering seamless digital experiences, choosing partner vs. build—deciding where to collaborate for digital lending, payments, and analytics; leveraging embedded finance to integrate business tools and financial products within business workflow.
- Smarter Lending: AI, Data & Alternative Credit Models – The discussion will center on modern underwriting and advisory powered by data and automation, including AI use cases in underwriting and portfolio monitoring; leveraging non-traditional data for small business credit decisions; balancing automation with relationship banking; and avoiding bias and maintaining compliance in AI-driven lending.
- The Regulatory & Risk Environment for 2026 – The focus of this discussion will be on understanding supervisory priorities, cybersecurity mandates, and opportunities within SBA programs; SBA program barriers and pending reforms for CUs; managing vendor and fintech partner risk; and compliance automation to move beyond manual processes.
- Real-Time Payments, Cash Flow Tools & Small Business Enablement – The discussion will center on building the next generation of treasury, payments, and cash-flow management solutions; helping small businesses manage cash flow and working capital; connecting accounting, invoicing, and CU accounts; and the rise of “financial operating systems” for SMBs.
- The Evolving Member Relationship – This conversation will focus on strengthening purpose-driven banking and expanding reach to underserved small businesses, including how to serve minority-, women-, and rural-owned small businesses; financial education, advisory, and community engagement; and creating a member-centric culture focused on training staff as trusted business advisors.
