ICBA unveils campaign to spotlight credit union deceptions

At ICBA LIVE in San Diego, ICBA unveiled a targeted advocacy and marketing campaign to pull back the curtain on growth‑obsessed large credit unions and the illusion used to justify practices that undermine local communities.

Background: ICBA’s “The Illusionists” campaign reveals that while large credit unions present themselves as community champions, they quietly make accountability, tax fairness, and consumer choice disappear.

New Website: “The Illusionists” website features a video, frequently asked questions, and additional information on credit union acquisitions of tax-paying community banks, how community banks outperform credit unions in meeting the needs of the local communities that credit unions receive a tax exemption to serve, and the tax and regulatory disparities that demand policy reform.

Community Banker Playbook: Community bankers can submit a “Get the Facts” form on the website to receive an “Illusionists” playbook that offers community bankers a framework for elevating the issue at the local level. The playbook features tools such as:

• Clear, ready‑to‑use messaging.

• Sample social media posts.

• A customizable letter to the editor template.

• Guidance for local outreach and advocacy.