The Financial Brand
Strategic insights for growth-focused banking leaders.

« All Podcasts

Why Credit Union Transformation Is Stalling and How to Fix It

Credit unions entered 2026 with more digital ambition. Yet 60% are still in early stages of transformation or lack clear goals.

Published on March 2026 in Digital Transformation

Featuring: Jesus Garcia, Chief Experience Officer at OceanAir Federal Credit Union

In this episode of The Experience Factor, sponsored by Q2, Jim Marous sits down with Jesus Garcia, Chief Experience Officer at OceanAir Federal Credit Union, to examine what the 2026 Retail Banking Trends and Priorities report reveals about the credit union sector and how one institution is moving beyond ambition to measurable results.

This conversation covers:

  • The execution gap
  • The branch expansion paradox
  • The talent contradiction
  • Fintech partnerships that actually drive impact
  • The open banking blind spot
  • AI: substance vs optics

This discussion isn’t about strategy decks. It’s about what’s actually working and what must change.

The Experience Factor is sponsored by Q2. Download the 2026 Retail Banking Trends and Priorities Report here.

The Financial Brand is your premier destination for comprehensive insights in the financial services sector. With our in-depth articles, webinars, reports and research, we keep banking executives up-to-date with the latest trends, growth strategies, and technological advancements that are transforming the industry today.

© 2026 The Financial Brand. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of The Financial Brand.