The latest from Michael Cochrum

Oct 18, 2013 - by Michael Cochrum, CU Direct

The key to great analysis: Good data

Over the last several years, many credit unions have made tremendous progress in the way they use analytics to drive lending decisions and pricing.  However, one of the roadblocks we ...

Sep 20, 2013 - by Michael Cochrum, CU Direct

Critical strategies to ensure long term success in indirect lending

Loan growth has been a challenge for many credit unions over the last couple of years. Portfolios today have one of the lowest loan-to-share ratios seen by many credit union ...

Aug 29, 2013 - by Michael Cochrum, CU Direct

Understanding Risk Can Help Loan Growth

Although credit unions across the country had begun to see increased loan growth through the end of 2012, that loan growth still fell behind competing banks and finance companies.  When ...

Jul 26, 2013 - by Michael Cochrum, CU Direct

Continuing to Manage Your Portfolio Into the Future

One of our favorite family meals is pot roast with potatoes, carrots and gravy.  From my perspective this is a fairly easy meal to prepare.  When it’s dinner time, ...

Jun 21, 2013 - by Michael Cochrum, CU Direct

Factors You May Not Have Considered About Student Loans

There has been much discussion over the last couple of years concerning student loan debt and whether the high growth rate in student lending presents a scenario for another debt ...

May 17, 2013 - by Michael Cochrum, CU Direct

Striking a Balance Between Technology, Resources and Satisfying Regulators

Many credit union leaders are frustrated by the ever-increasing requests from regulators to analyze their loan portfolios.  The challenge has been having the right technology and resources in place to ...

Apr 30, 2013 - by Michael Cochrum, CU Direct

Business Intelligence Requires Good Accessible Data

Business Intelligence (BI) is becoming increasingly necessary for credit unions, not just for analyzing loan portfolio risks, but for making better strategic decisions.  In other words, BI is about more ...

Mar 18, 2013 - by Michael Cochrum, CU Direct

Performance Analysis the Key to Greater Loan Growth for Credit Unions

By Michael Cochrum, CU Direct Credit unions have been celebrating success from Bank Transfer Day, which triggered a rise in credit union membership over the last 18 months.  But has ...