How Credit Union Mergers Create Member Benefits—and When They Don’t

In this episode of “C.U. On The Show” Doug English sits down with Steven Kozlowski, associate professor of finance at Fairfield University, and Sam Brownell, founder of CU Collaborate, to explore the complex dynamics of credit union mergers. Steven shares groundbreaking research on how merger motivations, whether distress-driven or voluntary—impact members and institutions, while Sam provides actionable insights on using data to maximize member benefits. Together, they discuss the opportunities, challenges, and moral considerations of mergers, offering valuable takeaways for credit union leaders navigating consolidation in today’s landscape.