The Credit Union Thread: Why Staying On Mission Matters
Mon Jan 26 2026
While many credit unions look to expand their field of membership or enter new markets, Merck Employees' FCU is bucking the trend—and reaping the rewards.
In this episode the $1.8 billion credit union's president and CEO, Paul Gentile, discusses the unique relationship the credit union maintains with one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, and how doubling-down on Merck employees continues to deliver long-term growth.
Key Takeaways
00.48: Paul's career journey from publisher of the Credit Union Times, to leading a League, and finally running a credit union.
03.06: Why fraud is the number one issue facing credit unions in 2026.
06.29: How Merck has maintained strong relationships with its SEG and continues to grow and thrive within its closed field of membership.
10.00: Ways Paul and the Merck leadership team have positioned student lending as a market differentiator.
14.21: An overview of Merck's growth strategy, and how it's maintaining relevance with a SEG membership.
20.21: Paul shares his vision for credit unions in the next decade, particularly as it relates to Stablecoin and broader crypto technology.
Resources Mentioned:
www.merckcu.com
www.cutimes.com
More
While many credit unions look to expand their field of membership or enter new markets, Merck Employees' FCU is bucking the trend—and reaping the rewards. In this episode the $1.8 billion credit union's president and CEO, Paul Gentile, discusses the unique relationship the credit union maintains with one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, and how doubling-down on Merck employees continues to deliver long-term growth. Key Takeaways 00.48: Paul's career journey from publisher of the Credit Union Times, to leading a League, and finally running a credit union. 03.06: Why fraud is the number one issue facing credit unions in 2026. 06.29: How Merck has maintained strong relationships with its SEG and continues to grow and thrive within its closed field of membership. 10.00: Ways Paul and the Merck leadership team have positioned student lending as a market differentiator. 14.21: An overview of Merck's growth strategy, and how it's maintaining relevance with a SEG membership. 20.21: Paul shares his vision for credit unions in the next decade, particularly as it relates to Stablecoin and broader crypto technology. Resources Mentioned: www.merckcu.com www.cutimes.com