One obligation credit unions will never escape—especially in this era of heightened regulation—is asset/liability management (ALM). It’s important for credit unions to not only understand ALM from the regulators’ viewpoint, but also to know ALM’s purpose, capabilities, and limitations.

“Credit unions should view ALM in two lights: interest rate risk and liquidity risk,” says Mark DeBree, director of ALM services at Catalyst Corp. in Plano, Texas.

Most credit unions are in good shape on both fronts, according to DeBree, who cites strong balance sheets, earnings, and capital levels, as well as sufficient liquidity and ample additional liquidity sources. But from a risk management view, two factors could stress liquidity in coming years.

“Retiring baby boomers are expected to transfer $30 trillion in wealth to their heirs over a 19-year span,” DeBree says. “Many credit unions have some of those funds on their balance sheets. Should you expect a deposit outflow as these funds change hands, or see a possible uptick in balances?

continue reading »