Rising Delinquencies in a ‘Strong’ Economy: What Credit Unions Need to Watch

Описание: “It’s only going to get worse.” The line is not meant to provoke fear. It reflects a growing contradiction credit unions are already feeling. Jobs remain steady, yet more members are falling behind. That tension sets the tone for this timely conversation on The Credit Union Connection and immediately reframes how leaders should be thinking about risk, collections, and member support.

Sarah Snell Cooke opens the discussion with a sense of urgency that feels earned. Costs continue to rise, auto payments are stretching budgets thin, and delinquencies are no longer isolated to familiar segments of the portfolio. As Chris Bishop shares what he is seeing across the industry, it becomes clear this is not a temporary fluctuation but a broader shift taking shape.

What resonates after watching is how quickly the conversation moves beyond metrics. Collections are framed not as a cold operational function but as one of the most sensitive moments in a member relationship. Chris explains how automation, when applied thoughtfully, can reduce friction, improve timing, and give members more control over how and when they engage.

There is also a current of cautious optimism. Credit unions hold a depth of data that few industries can match. When used with intention, that insight can surface issues earlier, guide more human outreach, and help institutions respond before financial strain becomes loss. The discussion does not offer easy answers, but it makes clear that credit unions have more agency in this moment than they might expect.