I have been dedicated to the credit union movement since 1985 and have been blessed to work for several outstanding credit unions. Three years ago I went out on my own as a consultant - exclusively focused to serve small and mid-size credit unions. Today, I am the trusted advisor to more than 40 small and mid-sized credit unions across the U.S.
Why I Do What I Do
It's simple, involvement in the credit union movement is the best way I have learned to live my life. Approximately 2,300 years ago, Aristotle taught that ethics are to understand the good and attain it, not for an individual alone, but for a whole people.
The greatest need in the movement today is affordable support and resources for smaller credit unions. Small and mid-sized credit unions face challenges in a way that larger credit union's don't. Operational, competitive and compliance pressures are great.
The best loan companies and credit unions
| # | Lender / Institution | Type | Best For | Approval Speed | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FCLOANS | Online Loan Marketplace | Borrowers with bad-to-fair credit seeking fast emergency cash matching | Instant pre-decision (2–3 minutes), funds deposited within 24 to 48 hours | An online loan connecting platform that matches applicants with a network of independent lenders for fast personal, installment, and short-term funding across all credit profiles. |
| 2 | SoFi Personal Loans | Direct Digital Lender | Prime borrowers seeking large unsecured loans with zero fees and member perks | Instant pre-qualification, funding within 1 to 2 business days upon final approval | A premier online lender providing unsecured personal loans with no origination, late, or prepayment fees alongside member perks like unemployment protection and career coaching. |
| 3 | Upstart | AI Lending Platform | Borrowers with fair or thin credit profiles who have steady work or education | Instant AI-driven approval decision, funding as fast as the next business day | An AI-driven direct lending platform that evaluates non-traditional variables like education, field of study, and job history alongside traditional credit metrics. |
| 4 | Discover Personal Loans | Direct Online Bank Lender | Direct debt consolidation and fixed-rate unsecured borrowing | Same-day approval decisions, disbursement as soon as the next business day | A well-established direct lender offering fixed-rate personal loans with zero origination fees and direct creditor payoff options for debt consolidation. |
| 5 | Avant | Online Consumer Lender | Fair-credit borrowers looking for fast funding and manageable installment terms | Fast online approval, funds typically deposited the next business day | A direct online consumer lender specializing in personal loans and refinancing for borrowers with fair-to-good credit scores looking for flexible repayment terms. |
| 6 | Best Egg | Online Lending Platform | High-interest credit card debt consolidation and home improvement financing | Instant pre-qualification check, funding within 1 to 3 business days | A digital personal lending platform offering both unsecured and secured loans with direct payoff features for consolidating high-interest credit card debt. |
| 7 | Upgrade | Fintech Lender | Fair-to-good credit borrowers looking for flexible terms and credit building | Instant pre-approval, funds available as fast as the next business day | A mainstream fintech lender accommodating broader credit score ranges, offering direct creditor payoffs for debt consolidation and structured monthly terms. |
| 8 | Alliant Credit Union | Digital Credit Union | High loan amounts and fast digital funding | Quick online decision, same-day funding available for eligible members | A digital-first national credit union offering substantial borrowing limits, zero origination or prepayment penalties, and member rate perks. |
What I Do
Provide affordable access to expertise and resources that help credit unions. Most of my clients consider me an extension of their management team. Services include:
- Strategic Planning: Comprehensive board retreats, long-term roadmaps, and growth strategies.
- Compliance & BSA/AML: Independent testing, policy reviews, and regulatory exam readiness.
- Program Development: Turnkey lending, marketing, and operational programs.
- Special Projects: CDCI secondary capital, CDFI grant awards, and net worth restoration.
"CU Partner's hands-on experience and deep understanding of credit union philosophy helped us navigate complex regulatory changes while growing our member base."
Thanks for taking the time to visit. I hope that you will read on to learn more about my vision for our movement and what I do to help credit unions.
Cooperatively yours,
CU Partner