top of page
Writer's pictureJohn San Filippo

CULytics Summit Celebrates 10 Years of Data-Driven Transformation for Credit Unions

By John San Filippo

 

CULytics is marking its 10th anniversary at its annual summit, focusing on the critical intersection of data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation for credit unions. Set for March 18-19 in Atlanta, the Summit promises a blend of practical advice, collaborative learning, and tailored roadmaps for credit unions of all sizes. Finopotamus is the exclusive media sponsor for this important event.

 

A Decade of Evolution 

Naveen Jain

"CULytics originated about a decade ago," explained Naveen Jain, founder of CULytics, "when I was still working at First Tech Credit Union." Recognizing the power of data, but the lack of a dedicated forum for credit unions to share and learn, Jain created CULytics to address this gap. "There was no forum where people can come together and talk and share and learn about the different use cases or different ways data analytics can help their organizations."

 

Today, CULytics serves as a vibrant community, a platform for conferences, and a consulting resource for both credit unions and solution providers. "CULytics today is essentially a community of credit union professionals who are passionate about data analytics and digital transformation,” Jain shared with Finopotamus. With memberships ranging from small $50 million institutions to giants like the $180 billion Navy Federal Credit Union, CULytics serves a broad and diverse base of credit unions across the nation.

 

AI: A Game Changer for Credit Unions 


The summit will address the evolving role of AI in the credit union landscape. "AI has leveled up the field in many for smaller credit unions,” observed Jain. He noted that while larger credit unions once held a distinct advantage in leveraging data analytics, AI has democratized access to valuable insights, empowering smaller institutions with solutions that deliver faster results and demonstrable value. "You don't need to build your own LLM (large language model) to take advantage of this technology," added Jon Deutsch, managing director of Go-to-Market Consulting at CULytics. “The technology is available at a price point that even some of these $5 million, $100 million, $150 million credit unions can take advantage of.” 

Jon Deutsch

From Theory to Practice: A Three-Tiered Approach

 

The summit's unique structure sets it apart. Instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all model, CULytics utilizes a three-tiered approach. Beginning with a high-level theoretical overview, the program progresses to practical case studies from credit union practitioners. Finally, it culminates in mentor-led roundtable discussions where participants can connect with peers, share experiences, and develop customized plans for their own institutions. "We don't just present a topic and leave it to the individual to translate," noted Deutsch, “but rather we have a follow-on session which is typically a use case in which a credit union will talk about their experience.”

 

Connecting the Dots: The CULytics Mentor Program

 

A key element of the summit is the new CULytics Mentor Program, which brings together experienced executives and aspiring professionals for valuable networking and knowledge-sharing. These senior leaders, many of whom are CIOs and CMOs of established credit unions, are eager "to give back, pay it forward, so to speak." This program facilitates connections and offers ongoing guidance long after the summit concludes. Deutsch emphasized, "We were so pleased to hear from the candidate … mentors that we contacted … how often we heard they wanted to give back.” The mentor program epitomizes the collaborative spirit of the credit union industry.

 

Summit Topics: A Comprehensive Look at Data-Driven Transformation

 

The summit’s four key areas of focus include:

 

  1. Data, Analytics, and AI Capabilities: The Summit highlights the importance of these technologies in today’s environment, providing guidance for credit unions looking to get started and adapt to changing member expectations and competitive pressures. "Why credit unions should be investing in this now. How can they get off the starting block?" asked Jain. Deutsch added, "The majority of credit unions we talk to are concerned about getting started."

  2. Challenges and Obstacles: The Summit explores the risk, compliance, technical, and ethical considerations related to implementing data-driven solutions, particularly those involving AI.

  3. Opportunities with Data, Analytics, and AI: The Summit showcases the potential for growth, efficiency gains, cost savings, and enhanced member and staff experiences. "The opportunities with data, analytics and AI," Jain stated. "And this is where we talk about the growth opportunities."

  4. Internal Transformation: The Summit addresses the critical aspect of change management within credit unions, focusing on "how the people interact and engage with others," objectives, policies, and adapting to evolving technologies.

 

Join the Conversation in Atlanta

 

The CULytics Summit 2024, held at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria - Georgia, aims to empower credit unions to fully embrace the potential of data and AI. "This is going to be really important for credit unions of all sizes," Jain added, emphasizing that data analytics is no longer the exclusive domain of larger institutions. With a tiered pricing structure and a special $50 discount for Finopotamus readers using the promo code "FIN," the Summit provides accessible and valuable learning opportunities for credit unions seeking impactful data-driven transformation. Readers can register here.

bottom of page