A Direct Line Blog

As we turn the page on another year, one thing is clear: 2025 was a big one. We’re excited to share a snapshot of what we accomplished — then invite you to dive deeper into the full 2025 Impact Report to see the full picture of progress, impact, and momentum heading into 2026. For board members, this Impact Report offers more than a recap — it’s a strategic snapshot of how your credit union system is evolving, where statewide resources are being invested, and how industry-wide initiatives support your oversight responsibilities.

Understanding these trends helps boards make informed decisions, anticipate emerging challenges, and ensure long-term organizational health. Here’s a quick look at what we accomplished together — then we invite you to explore the full Impact Report for the deeper story.

Advocacy That Elevates the CU Voice

Advocacy remained a major focus, and Montana’s credit unions showed up in force. The Advocacy Champions community grew to 30 participants from 20 credit unions, staying engaged through monthly conversations and meetings with lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels to share impactful stories of the credit union difference.

Our first-ever Montana Hike the Hill brought more than 30 professionals to Montana’s Capitol during the legislative session, where we tracked 60 bills and prioritized 25 that most impacted credit unions. On the federal side, 37 advocates traveled to Washington, D.C., reinforcing the importance of Montana’s voice in national conversations. Fundraising efforts also stood out, including significant contributions to CUAC and America’s Credit Unions PAC, as well as more than $27,000 raised for CU for Kids.

Education That Builds Leaders at Every Level

Credit unions across the state invested heavily in professional development this year. Montana credit unions accessed 302 webinars, participated in 18 in-person education and networking events, and logged more than 2,400 minutes of connection with peers and partners. Leadership pathways remained strong, with programs such as Take the Lead, Personify Leadership, and the Tristate Leadership Conference, along with 43 mentor-mentee matches connecting professionals across three states. There are educational opportunities for everyone at your credit union.

Risk Management That Strengthens Operations

Support of fraud prevention, compliance, and governance all saw substantial growth in 2025. The Fraud Community alone experienced a 50% jump in participation, and expert-led conversations kept credit unions informed about emerging threats. This year also marked the launch of InfoSight360, which unified compliance tools and policy templates into a single platform now used by hundreds of credit union professionals statewide.

Member Support That Improves Well-Being

The Group Benefits Trust continued to provide meaningful support to credit union employees and families. More than $9,000 in wellness incentives were distributed, members saved significantly on prescriptions through SmithRx partnerships, and the Trust’s expanded vendor network provided resources for everything from mental health to retirement planning. A new third-party claims administrator also enhanced responsiveness and service throughout the year.

Looking Ahead

For board members, reviewing this Impact Report isn’t just about celebrating accomplishments — it’s about understanding the broader operating environment your credit union is part of. These statewide initiatives influence risk management expectations, advocacy priorities, leadership pipelines, and the overall sustainability of Montana’s financial cooperative system. By engaging with the full report, you gain the context needed to govern confidently and guide your organization into 2026 with clarity and alignment.

Explore the full 2025 Impact Report to see the complete story of growth, impact, and what’s ahead for 2026.

Here’s to another year of strengthening Montana’s credit union community — together.