NCUA Delivers Q2 2025 CU Growth/Decline Rates; Conductiv Suggests Tech Investment Strategy for 2026

By W.B. King

According to the National Credit Union Administration Quarterly Credit Union Data Summary 2025 Q2 report, federally insured credit unions added 2.8 million members over the last year, and credit union membership in these institutions reached 143.8 million in the second quarter of 2025.

While year-over-year growth rates were realized in credit union with assets of at least $1 billion but less than $10 billion and those with at least $500 million but less than $1billion, not all credit unions saw increases. Federally insured credit unions, for example, with at least $100 million but less than $500 million in assets dipped as did those with at least $50 million but less than $100 million in assets. Similarly, a decline was realized for federally insured credit unions with assets of at least $10 million but less than $50 million as well as those with $10 million in assets or less.

2026 Tech Investment Roadmap

How the noted the second quarter 2025 NCUA figures will impact credit union technology investments in 2026 remains unclear. However, a report from ConductIV, Credit Union 2026 Technology Budget Planning Toolkit, offered a suggested roadmap.

The Queens, N.Y.-based Conductiv, a TruStage portfolio company, bills itself as helping lenders grow loan portfolios by uncovering profitable loans hidden within existing applications via its permissioned data orchestration engine.

“As we approach the final quarter of 2025, credit union leadership teams across the nation are deep in budget planning discussions for 2026. The financial services landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, and credit unions that fail to adapt risk falling behind both traditional banks and emerging fintech competitors,” the report stated. “Based on industry analysis and member expectations, here are the five most critical technology trends that should influence your 2026 budget allocations.”

1. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered lending decision engines. “Credit unions should allocate 15-20% of their technology budget toward AI-powered lending solutions that can analyze alternative data sources beyond traditional credit scores; reduce approval times from days to minutes; identify qualified borrowers who might be missed by conventional underwriting; and minimize risk while expanding loan portfolios.”

   
   

2. Automated document collection and verification. “Investing in automated document collection systems can reduce operational costs by up to 40%; eliminate bottlenecks in loan processing; improve member satisfaction through reduced friction; and free up staff for higher-value member interactions.”

   
   

3. Permissioned data orchestration platforms. “These platforms enable credit unions to access real-time financial data with member consent; make more informed lending decisions; compete with larger institutions' data advantages; and maintain compliance with evolving privacy regulations.”

   
   

4. System-agnostic integration solutions. “System-agnostic solutions can protect existing technology investments; enable faster deployment of new capabilities; reduce vendor lock-in risks; and support scalable growth strategies.”

   
   

5. Enhanced risk management through advanced analytics. “Investment in sophisticated risk management tools can safely expand lending criteria without increasing default rates; provide detailed audit trails for regulatory compliance; identify portfolio optimization opportunities; and support data-driven strategic decision making.”

The report concludes: “By focusing on AI-powered lending, automated processes, data orchestration, flexible integrations, and advanced analytics, you'll position your institution to serve members better while maintaining healthy growth and profitability. To remain competitive, credit unions must prioritize the swift implementation of these technologies. The focus is no longer on if to invest, but rather on the speed of adoption.”