The NACUSO Reimagine Conference had a special kind of energy. It was the first time I’ve attended this event, and it most certainly delivered. To me, the prevailing theme seemed to be content and conversations that didn’t just explore where credit unions are headed, but how CUSOs can help them move forward faster, with thoughtful guardrails and through a more integrated approach.
From the outset, newly appointed NACUSO President/CEO Randy Salser set the tone, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation sharing across the credit union system. That message was reinforced by industry veteran and NACUSO advisor Guy Messick, both on stage and in more casual conversations throughout the event, as he reflected on the evolution of CUSOs and their continuing role as engines of strategic growth.
If that was the prevailing theme, artificial intelligence was the prevailing topic. What stood out wasn’t just the volume of AI discussion, but the shift in tone. The conversation has moved beyond “what if” to “what now.”
Former Amazon exec and current CEO of Stellis AI Trent Gillespie, drove that point home, highlighting real-world use cases that could deliver value inside credit unions. His perspective is that AI is less about replacing jobs and more about amplifying productivity and unlocking capacity. He also challenged attendees to think broadly about the economics and environmental considerations of AI, the latter of which he argues is minimal.
Later, Kevin Roose, tech columnist at The New York Times, offered a compelling and at times humorous blend of insight and reality, exploring both the positive possibilities and risks of AI adoption. His observations around widening gaps between AI adopters and those slow to engage were compelling and shed light on considerations for credit unions as they weigh options in this accelerating AI environment.
While innovation dominated, foundational issues weren’t overlooked. A panel led by another industry veteran, Dennis Dollar of Dollar Associates, tackled the ongoing challenge of the 1% CUSO investment cap for federally chartered credit unions. Panelists Brian Lauer (Messick, Lauer, & Smith), Greg Mesack (America’s Credit Unions), and Zach Pfister (Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck) explored the constraints the cap creates and broader strategic approaches to advancing CUSO advocacy across the system.
One of the panel sessions that really resonated with me focused on the idea that CUSOs and credit unions can build on the cooperative power of the industry to cross-pollinate the innovation environment in our space. The growing role of fintech accelerators and collaborative investment models continues to reshape how new ideas are tested and scaled, and they are starting to coalesce in ways that are exciting.
A panel moderated by Curql’s Jim Ryan featured perspectives from Dustin Binns (Circuit), McKaye Black (Filene Research Institute), Filip Danielewicz (Conquer/MSU FCU), and Rowan Hume (Curql). The discussion focused on how fintech accelerators help de-risk innovation for credit unions by identifying, testing, and evaluating emerging partners. Panelists discussed not only how they are addressing this within their own programs and cohorts, but also the ways in which they are increasingly connecting and sharing to advance the credit union system more holistically. This panel was an example of that approach.
The broader agenda also delivered strong perspectives across a range of formats. Economist Elliott Eisenberg lived up to his reputation, bringing both insight and energy to his session with a mix of economic clarity and humor that made complex trends highly accessible and entertaining. A featured fireside chat between Randy Salser and the NCUA’s Sarah Canepa Bang offered thoughtful, practical insight into regulatory priorities and sound practices, grounded in her long tenure as a respected credit union leader. And beyond these highlights, the agenda was filled with a wide range of breakout sessions, panels, and speakers all contributing to a well-rounded and highly valuable conference experience.
I had heard a lot about the Next Big Idea Competition and was impressed by the pitches from representatives of the four finalist companies. Charm Security, Crebit, Duome, and Starlight all presented compelling, diverse, forward-thinking solutions. The competition winner, Charm Security, addressed two highly trending industry topics—fraud and AI integration—to take home the top prize. Co-founder and CEO Roy Zur shared that the $10,000 in prize money would be donated to an organization the company works with to support victims of fraud and scams.
Additional recognition across the CUSO ecosystem included awards for Members Trust Company: CUSO of the Year; Storyfi: New CUSO of the Year; and Trust & Will: Fintech CUSO of the Year. NACUSO shared: “These awards honor the CUSOs who aren’t just talking about what’s next—they’re doing the work, strengthening the foundation of the credit union system and helping it grow, adapt, and thrive.”
That spirit was amplified during Thursday’s Accelerator Showcase, where 20 companies demonstrated solutions spanning lending, security, member experience, and operational efficiency. The breadth of ideas and their readiness for real-world application highlighted just how robust the innovation pipeline has become in our space.
As strong as the stage content was, the exhibit hall may have been where the most meaningful progress took place. The space was as vibrant as I have seen, with a constant buzz of conversation. And it wasn’t just the volume, but the quality of the conversations in which I was either a direct or passive participant.
Discussions were rooted in a genuine desire to understand how solutions connect to real credit union challenges, how innovation can be applied responsibly, and how the industry can evolve together. I’ve noticed a collegial environment forming among new industry entrants, established providers, and deeply engaged credit union leaders in the CUSO and fintech ecosystem. It’s an exciting time and a community I am continually learning from and grateful to be a part of.
NACUSO Reimagine also allowed me to connect with long-time partners and industry peers, while also meeting new leaders and digital innovators. Conversations with folks at organizations like Innovative Business Solutions, LemonadeLXP, PARC Street Group, Pure IT Strum, Student Choice, and Tyfone reinforced the collaborative spirit that continues to define the movement.
My biggest takeaway from Reimagine 2026 reinforces what I’ve been hearing and seeing in our CUInsight content: AI is advancing quickly, innovation cycles are shortening, and expectations are rising.
The credit union system has long talked about collaboration as a differentiator. At Reimagine, that idea felt less like a philosophy and more like a requirement. The tools, partners, and ideas are already here or emerging. The opportunity is to move faster, act decisively, and lean into collaboration as the path forward.
And for NACUSO President and CEO Randy Salser, I offer my congratulations on what was a clear success in his first Reimagine at the helm.
