The Conversations That Move Credit Unions Forward

Insights from Melissa Pomeroy, CCUA's EVP and Chief Operating Officer

A look back at the conversations, partnerships, and ideas that defined this year's Fintech Connect

As we close the book on another successful Fintech Connect, I find myself especially grateful. Grateful for the energy in the room, for the credit union leaders who made time to lean into innovation, and for the fintech partners who continue to believe, as we do, that the best ideas grow through conversation, trust, and collaboration.

Earlier this month, CCUA hosted the third annual Fintech Connect, this year in partnership with the Association of Vermont Credit Unions and the New York Credit Union Association. What began just a few years ago as a focused gathering around financial technology has grown every year — in size, in substance, and in impact. And still, the event has retained what makes it special: it is small by design.

That intentionality matters. Fintech Connect was never intended to be “just another conference”. Its purpose is simple and important: to foster meaningful engagement among fintech innovators and credit union decision-makers. In a fast-moving marketplace, credit unions do not need more noise. They need access, context, practical ideas, and relationships that can help them better serve their members. Fintech Connect is designed to create exactly that.

This year’s program delivered on that promise. From the Cyber Showcase pitch competition to engaging case studies, product presentations, and Quick Connect networking sessions, the day was built around participation — not passive attendance. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from emerging and established companies, ask direct questions, compare approaches, and think more deeply about how technology can support their own strategic priorities.

For me, one of the most rewarding parts of this event is watching the fintech companies that have “grown up” at Fintech Connect return year after year. Some first came to us with early ideas, new models, and a compelling vision. Today, they are returning with credit union partnerships, real-world outcomes, and success stories to share with our member credit unions. That is exactly the kind of progress we hoped this event would make possible.

It also says something important about our industry. Credit unions are ready to innovate, but they need partners who understand their mission. The strongest fintech relationships are not built on a sales pitch alone; they are built on shared purpose, practical application, and trust. When the room is filled with people who understand that, the conversation changes. It becomes less about technology for technology’s sake and more about member impact. 

Each year, we listen carefully to the feedback we receive. We ask what worked, what could be stronger, what topics are most urgent, and what format creates the most value. Then we use that feedback to shape the next Fintech Connect. The goal is not simply to repeat a successful event. The goal is to make it better, more useful, and more responsive to the needs of our member credit unions.

Based on the energy in Nashua this year, the conversations in the room, and the feedback we have already heard, I think we did pretty well.

To everyone who attended, presented, pitched, sponsored, partnered, or shared a conversation: thank you. Thank you for helping us build an event that continues to grow while staying true to its original purpose. Thank you to our partners at the Association of Vermont Credit Unions and the New York Credit Union Association for helping us broaden the conversation across the region. And thank you to our fintech community for continuing to bring forward ideas that challenge us, inspire us, and help credit unions prepare for what is next.

Fintech Connect is my favorite event of the year because it captures so much of what CCUA strives to do: bring people together, elevate timely ideas, and connect our member credit unions with resources that can help them thrive. This year’s event reminded me, once again, that innovation is strongest when it is cooperative.

View the Fintech Connect 2026 Photo Gallery