2025 Holiday IT Wish List - Part 5
For the 2025 edition of the annual Finopotamus “Holiday Tech Wish List” feature, we sat down with forward-looking fintech and credit union executives who shared their tech hopes and forecasted market realities for 2025. Due to a significant number of intriguing responses, this year’s Wish List will be presented in five consecutive installments.
Part 5 features insights from SWIVEL, Tyfone, Payfinia, Further and TruStage.
By W.B. King
Wishing for More Modern UI/UX Workflows and Less Legacy Systems
This was SWIVEL VP of Product Development Samy Kogan's top 2025 wish.
“Legacy systems and outdated user interfaces can be more than just frustrating; they actively hinder user adoption, operational efficiency and innovation. A modern UI/UX [user interface/user experience] prioritizes intuitive design and delivers consistent, frictionless experiences that cater to the expectations of today's digitally savvy users,” he told Finopotamus. “For organizations striving to be genuinely client-centric, addressing this issue has become essential — it's a foundational requirement.”
An SWBC Company, the San Antonio -based SWIVEL offers payment, funding and collections solutions to more than 800 financial institutions (FIs).
“To achieve this wish, we need robust strategies such as behavior analytics, persona-driven design and adaptive workflows,” Kogan added, noting that credit unions need to cater to generations. “These aren't just tech fixes; they’re cultural shifts that recognize and respond to our members' evolving needs.”
While a 2025 wish, Crocker said achieving this goal is a multiyear journey that requires strategic prioritization and early support from leadership to be successful.
“However, foundational steps can certainly begin as early as 2025. A common challenge in this process is getting stakeholders to see discovery and research as investments rather than expenses,” he continued. “Budget constraints are often mentioned, but the real issue is resource allocation. Leadership must commit not only to financial resources but also to cross-functional capacity in order to embed customer insights into every phase of product development.”
For the coming year, Kogan hopes the credit union industry embraces data-driven transformation solutions.
“Using advanced analytics, fintechs can proactively identify pain points and opportunities throughout the payment lifecycle, including reducing transaction friction and enhancing fraud prevention,” he continued. “Overall, the industry must fully embrace an AI-first mindset within its product and engineering teams. AI is not merely about automating processes; it focuses on developing smarter systems that anticipate member needs, drive proactive engagement and deliver real-time solutions.”
Wishing for Seamless Integration of Instant Payments and Intelligent Banking Capabilities
With the goal of empowering credit unions with the agility to offer personalized, real-time financial services, while enhancing security and user trust, Tyfone CEO Dr. Siva Narendra said his team wishes for seamless integration of instant payments and intelligent banking capabilities within credit unions’ digital platforms.
“This aligns with our vision, driven by the exponential advancements highlighted in Moore’s Law, Nielsen’s Law, and Huang’s Law. These laws that drive innovation in tech provide the foundation to scale computing power, network capabilities, and AI-driven insights, enabling credit unions to compete effectively with big banks and fintechs,” he shared. The Portland, Ore.-based fintech offers digital banking solutions to FIs.
“We believe that credit unions must evolve into true digital-first institutions that offer the convenience, immediacy and intelligence expected by modern consumers, particularly as real-time payments become the norm,” Narendra added.
By 2025, Narendra believes credit unions should aim to “match or exceed” the digital experience offered by big banks, while retaining their distinct focus on member relationships.
“We hope credit unions become the leader in personalized, community-focused digital financial services, blending the best of local trust with cutting-edge technology,” he noted. “By focusing on empowering credit unions with digital tools that improve the financial lives of their members, Tyfone ensures that credit unions remain relevant, competitive, and central to their communities in an increasingly digital world.”
Wishing that Instant Payments Are at the Forefront of a Credit Union's Overall Payments Strategy
Calling instant payments a “watershed moment” for transaction growth, Payfinia’s SVP of Business Development Keith Riddle wishes instant payments will be at the forefront of a credit union's overall payments strategy for 2025.
“The payments landscape is changing dramatically, and we would expect that trend to continue. For instance, the RTP network increased their transaction limit from $1 million to $10 million per transaction effective February 9, 2025, which is a strong indicator of the increasing demand for instant payments,” he told Finopotamus.
“Whether it's a mortgage closing or merchant settlement, financial institutions and businesses leveraging the RTP Network are expanding instant payment capabilities to critical B2B use cases that benefit from the increased transaction limit,” he continued. “Over time, I think you'll see the FedNow Service follow suit, as use case capabilities mature and transaction volume increases accordingly.”
The Portland, Ore.-based Pafinia, Tyfone’s CUSO, offers real-time, digital payments solutions for community FIs, including more than 10 credit unions.
Regarding the viability of his wish, Riddle said there is an increasing likelihood for instant payments adoption to occur because consumers and businesses require immediacy and transparency from their financial services providers, not only in their digital experiences, he noted, but in “money movement experiences” as well.
“Consumers use fintech or non-financial platforms that support embedded instant payments, and they’re looking for the capabilities for sending and receiving payments from external accounts,” he noted. “Embedding these capabilities into the credit union’s digital experience, whether via a direct API [application program interface] integration or through a trusted fintech partner, will be the biggest opportunity to drive member adoption and deepen relationships.”
For 2025 and beyond, Riddle’s hope for the industry is that credit unions partner with fintech providers that can help accelerate instant payment adoption for consumers and back-end use cases.
“Whether it’s related to expedited funding for account opening or sending money to investment accounts, the collaboration between ecosystem partners and financial institutions is critical to help members and businesses access the tools they need to efficiently move money and enhance their business operations,” he said.
Wishing to Advance Inclusivity in Digital Banking Experiences
“Every member has distinct needs and preferences that may influence how they interact with digital platforms, making it vital that credit unions prioritize accessibility in their technology strategies,” Mahalo Banking COO Denny Howell said of his 2025 wish. “By incorporating features like enhanced visual settings, intuitive navigation, and tools that cater to underrepresented or differently-abled members, credit unions can significantly improve usability and engagement.”
By embracing these innovations, the industry not only broadens platform adoption, he noted, but demonstrates a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and member-centric future.
The Troy, Mich.-based fintech is a mobile and online banking partner for credit unions.
Howell hopes credit unions will recognize their critical role in better serving the significant population of individuals with disabilities.
“Today, one in four adults in the U.S. – approximately 67 million people – has some form or type of disability. The demand for accessible services is growing as the population ages, with the global number of people aged 65 and older expected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050,” he shared.
“Additionally, chronic conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent among younger individuals. This demographic shift underscores the urgency for credit unions to prioritize inclusivity. Investing in accessible digital banking services aligns with the member-first culture of credit unions, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive among their increasingly diverse membership bases,” he continued. “Accessibility is a universal demand and credit unions prepared to meet the need will enhance brand reputation and position their institution as a forward-thinking leader within their communities.”
For 2025, Howell’s vision is for a credit union industry that “leads the charge in inclusivity and innovation, setting a gold standard for member-centric financial services.”
If this approach is taken, he said member loyalty would strengthen, while solidifying the role of the credit union as a trusted financial partner.
“Fintechs will help drive this transformation by delivering innovative technologies that empower credit unions to bridge accessibility gaps, enhance personalization, and meet rising expectations for seamless, inclusive digital banking experiences,” he shared. “By leveraging fintech solutions, credit unions can improve digital accessibility for diverse members and offer intuitive tools designed to meet a wide range of member needs.”
Wishing for Credit Unions to Invest in Technology That Enables Them to Connect Directly with Members
As consumers shop at local businesses within their communities, Further Head of Content Madison Homan wishes for credit unions to play an integral role in the transaction process.
“When a consumer walks into a local furniture store, they should have access to financing options from nearby credit unions ready to serve them,” she said. “This goes beyond adopting new tools — it’s about empowering credit unions to strengthen their ties within the community by building trust and meeting people where they are, whether in-store or online, delivering solutions tailored to their needs.”
The Santa Rosa, Calif.-based Further offers a financial resource network to FIs, which includes transparent financial education and advanced actionable algorithms.
“Credit unions and local merchants can partner to seamlessly integrate healthy, competitive rates and personalized solutions into the shopping experience,” she shared. “This can spur mutual growth while reinforcing both as trusted partners in their communities. Additionally, this approach can help credit unions address the ongoing challenge of attracting and engaging younger consumers.”
For her 2025 wish, Homan said the groundwork for this vision is already being laid, such as embedded finance platforms that seamlessly integrate financial services into consumer shopping experiences.
“However, challenges remain, particularly in educating credit unions and merchants about the benefits of adopting embedded finance, as well as ensuring consumers are aware of and trust the offerings,” she noted. “When successfully implemented, this model not only serves as a powerful member acquisition tool for credit unions but also as a built-in consumer awareness campaign.”
Looking ahead, she said her hope for the credit unions is for them to “solidify their position as the go-to choice for consumers seeking accessible, affordable, and community-focused financial solutions.” Credit unions, she added, have long prioritized people over profits. “With the right technology, they can expand their reach and impact in meaningful ways. Fintechs can play a crucial role by building bridges between credit unions, local merchants, and consumers.”
Wishing for the Widespread Adoption of Embedded Digital Lending Insurance Strategies
“My top IT wish for 2025 is the widespread adoption of embedded Digital Lending Insurance (DLI) strategies,” TruStage Director of Product Management and Innovation Danielle Sesko told Finopotamus.
“As the digital lending platform market continues to grow, the rise in small-dollar loans and BNPL (buy now, pay later) options has made borrowing more accessible and increased the risk of defaults, particularly for underserved communities,” she continued. “DLI strategies can mitigate these risks by helping borrowers repay loans in the event of unforeseen financial hardships, such as unexpected job loss or disability, while protecting lenders’ portfolios, ultimately ensuring financial stability for all involved.”
Formerly the CUNA Mutual Group, the Madison, Wis.-based TruStage offers FIs a wide range of technology and consulting solutions, as well as insurance products.
“The likelihood of embedded DLI strategies being implemented in 2025 is strong, with growing recognition of its potential to protect both borrowers and lenders,” she shared. “As the market continues to expand, particularly with small-dollar loans and BNPL options, the need for solutions like DLI to mitigate default risks is becoming increasingly clear.”
While there are challenges, such as evolving regulations surrounding BNPL, such as data privacy and lending practices, she said these should be viewed as opportunities for innovation.
“With the right focus on compliance, DLI adoption can move forward smoothly,” she continued. “I am optimistic that DLI will play a key role in the future of digital lending, offering protection, stability and long-term growth for both lenders and borrowers.”
For 2025, she hopes the credit union industry continues to “thrive by staying true to its core mission of serving its communities and members,” particularly during times of economic challenges.
“With inflation and high borrowing costs putting pressure on households, credit unions must focus on managing the risks of loan defaults and delinquencies. This is where fintechs can play a crucial role by offering advanced tools and strategies for risk management, data aggregation and integrated payment protection insurance,” she continued. “This dynamic collaboration can help credit unions offer greater financial security and resilience for members while strengthening their sustainability in a rapidly changing economic environment.”