An Examination of The Forces Driving Change In Credit Unions

In the last 3 decades, the unique characteristics and distinctions of commercial banks, savings and loans, and credit unions have blurred. Each group has expanded and diversified its product and service offerings to both lenders and borrowers. As new opportunities for providing financial services have developed, there has been increased competition from other market segments. As new opportunities for providing financial services have developed, there has been increased competition from other market segments. In terms of total assets, as well as average assets per institution, credit unions are the smallest players in the financial services industry. Therefore it would be easy to conclude that in this increasingly competitive marketplace, their position would be most likely to deteriorate. Yet, the operating performance of the industry has been extraordinary.