Thought Leadership To Empower Banking Success

Engage fi strives to be the go-to source of information that fills knowledge gaps and guides the decision-making process. Below, explore articles, whitepapers, webinars, and thought-provoking content created by our experienced banking consultants. From seeking out growth opportunities to improving institution profitability, readers will discover a collection of content to help advance institutional performance while keeping readers informed and up-to-date. 


What TMG and CO-OP Move Means For Credit Unions

There are Big Changes Coming with the Transition of TMG and CO-OP You’ve seen the news… “In a move expected to impact more than half the nation’s credit unions, CO-OP Financial Services announced the acquisition of TMG...

Five Key Takeaways from Executive Summit in Boston

The Fall 2018 Executive Summit, organized by Engage fi and hosted at the DCU FinTech Innovation Center was held September 19th through 20th in Boston, Massachusetts. The Executive Summit was an educational and eye-opening...

Constellation and Engage fi Partnership

St. Petersburg, FL – June 25, 2018 – Constellation Digital Partners, a CUSO disrupting the status quo by bringing credit unions and fintech developers together to enhance the digital experience, is partnering with Engage...

Six Digital Transformation Trends of 2018

If you’re considering or are about to enter a digital transformation it’s no news to you there are many pieces to the puzzle to consider. In this article, we’ll review how your credit union can come to a common...

Ensure Your Technology Plan is Exam-Ready

Strict regulations are on the horizon You may have already heard …or maybe you’ve found out the hard way… Auditors are cracking down and enforcing stricter regulations when it comes to Strategic Technology Planning. Some...

Community Choice Case Study

Why did you enlist us for help? Community Choice is a $1B asset credit union headquartered in Michigan with an eye on growth and providing an exceptional member experience, but their separate mobile and online legacy...

Employee Spotlight – Andrea Rusnak

We are shining the spotlight on Andrea Rusnak this month. Andrea is Engage fi’s Director, Payments Consulting Group and has been with us for five months. In that time, Andrea has been a breath of fresh air contributing in...

Community First National Bank cites exceptional service and mid-size bank advocacy as reasons for selecting Engage fi.

Passion and Proven Process Cited as Major Factors in Decision to Partner with Engage fi. Tampa, FL September 13, 2023 – Engage fi, a prominent bank and credit union consulting firm, proudly announces a new strategic...

Engage fi Selected by Kennebunk Savings Bank

New Client Recognizes Advantage of Engage fi’s Extensive Expertise and Tailored Approach. Tampa, FL July 27, 2023 – Leading bank and credit union consultancy, Engage fi, is delighted to announce a new client partnership...

Employee Spotlight – Mark Mahoney

This month’s employee spotlight is on Mark Mahoney. Mark joined Engage fi in August of 2022 as an Area Vice President for Strategic Consulting. His primary responsibility is building and maintaining relationships with...

Engage fi Q2 2023 Successes

How Engage fi Helped Banks and Credit Unions Meet their Goals in Q2 2023 We’re thrilled to share some exciting news and achievements from the past quarter. Engage fi has been busy making waves and achieving remarkable...

Engage fi Named Fast 50 Company in 2023 by the Tampa Bay Business Journal!

Jennifer Addabbo, CEO and Co-Founder, Engage fi Nola Laleye Describe what your company does in a single sentence. Engage fi is a national consulting firm that helps community banks and credit unions with strategic...

Engage fi Promotes Andres Pasantes to President and COO

Pasantes’ Exceptional Leadership Spurs Remarkable Achievements, Expands Services for Financial Institutions and Fosters a Talented Team at Engage fi Tampa, FL June 28, 2023 – Engage fi, a prominent financial services...

Is Your Digital Experience One You Are Proud Of?

Not too long ago, online banking was still considered an add-on service to physical locations. But we have reached the point with many customers where your branches might be considered the add-on. Is Your Digital...

Ten Things You Need for a Successful Vendor Evaluation

Vendor Evaluation Time Have you been asked by your management team to find other options for key vendor relationships that impact your customers today? Whether it’s an Online, Mobile, Credit and Debit, Core Processor, or...

5 Areas a Financial Institution Should Review When Considering a Merger or Acquisition

Now might be the best time to consider a merger or acquisition (M&A) despite the uncertain environment. Technology is changing the way we bank daily, and financial institutions should be looking forward to meeting the...

Bill Pay Keeps Your Financial Institution Top of Wallet

Bill Pay Keeps Your Credit Union Top of Wallet and Top of Mind with Millennial and Gen Z Consumers Making up 55% of the U.S. population, millennial and Gen Z individuals make almost every transaction with a credit card for...

How Can Financial Institutions Capitalize on the Economic Clout of Generation Z?

Gen Z does not have much interest in traditional banking. They were grandfathered into their families’ brick-and-mortar personal bank, and banking options and alternatives in the past were limited. Not anymore. This...

Three Key Factors to Establishing a Successful Fraud Department

What is Fraud? Is fraud the wrongful or criminal deception resulting in financial or personal gain? Or is fraud a person/thing intended to deceive others? It’s a trick question because, as it turns out, fraud is both. And...

Six Digital Transformation Trends of 2023

If you’re considering or are about to enter a digital transformation it’s no news to you there are many pieces to the puzzle to consider. In this article, we’ll review how your financial institution can come to a common...

Engage fi Earns 2023 Great Place to Work Certification™

Tampa, FL – May 10, 2023 – Engage fi is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work® for 2023. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Engage fi. According...

Employee Spotlight – Trisa Wetzel

Trisa Wetzel is the Senior Vice President of Consulting Services at Engage fi. In this role, she oversees the design and implementation of new project tools and Core conversion methodologies, embodying her brand statement...

The Future is Open Banking

Virginia Heyburn Director – Research, Insights & Advocacy Engage fi (Formerly CU Engage) Open Banking is the most consequential technology innovation in financial services in the last 30 years, enabling financial...

Employee Spotlight – Johanna Rogers

This month’s employee spotlight is on the amazing Johanna Rogers. She is the Learning and Development Specialist and has been with Engage fi now for a little over a year. Johanna helps define and develop programs using...

What Financial Institutions Need to Consider When Adding an In-House Agency

Kellie Lowder Senior Advisor Engage fi (Formerly CU Engage) Whether a consumer opens their web browser or turns on a TV show, they will be exposed to countless commercials for insurance. The days of shopping through two or...

Employee Spotlight – Sharmin Buck

This month’s Employee Spotlight is on Sharmin Buck. She is a Strategic Consultant for Engage fi and has been with us for eight months. She provides guidance to clients on core selection, core processing, and improvements....

Embedded Fintech or Embedded Finance? Essential Strategies to Future-Proof Your Financial Institution

Virginia Heyburn Director – Research, Insights & Advocacy Engage fi (Formerly CU Engage) As financial institutions move into a new technology era, they realize that their existing innovation cultures are broken. New...

Engage fi Year End Review

From the Desk of the CEO By Jenn Addabbo CEO and Co-Founder Engage fi As each year comes to a close, I like to reflect back on everything that has happened that year – highlights, challenges, and the surprises that shaped...

Employee Spotlight – Doug Lokrantz

This month’s employee spotlight is on Doug Lokrantz. Doug has been with Engage fi for nine months as a Project Manager. He is a go-getter, determined to solve any problem, and will lead his peers while doing so. He has 15+...

Cryptocurrencies are Disrupting the Banking Industry, and Financial Institutions Need to Get on Board

What was deemed a novelty a short time ago has morphed into a significant innovation in the financial industry—and it is here to stay. As reported in Credit Union Innovation, one-quarter of CU members held cryptocurrency...

Employee Spotlight – Kellie Lowder

This month’s employee spotlight is on the fabulous Kellie Lowder. She is a Senior Advisor at Engage fi, handling all things insurance-related. Kellie came to work at Engage fi six months ago after witnessing our...

Engage fi Announces Expansion of Leadership Team with Two Industry Veterans to Accelerate Company Growth and Address the Rapidly Changing Market

TAMPA, FL (Oct. 11, 2022)—Engage fi announced today it has appointed Trisa Wetzel as Senior Vice President, Operations and Conversion Services, and Amy Martel as Vice President, Project Management Office, Conversion...

Engage fi Focuses on Financial Services Thought Leadership; Appoints Virginia Heyburn as Director of Research, Insights and Advocacy

The creation of this new role further demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and developing new ways to support financial institutions. TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2022)—Engage fi announced today it has appointed...

Engage fi Announces New Community Financial Institution Portal

360fi Merges Proven Industry Data and Insights with Innovative Technology Automation to Enable Financial Institutions to Make More Informed Business Decisions TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2022)—Engage fi today announced the...

Implications of Cybercrime; Is Your Financial Institution Properly Covered?

Cybercrime is on the rise and has completely disrupted the financial industry. Forbes recently reported that businesses suffer ransomware attacks every 40 seconds. Phishing emails cause two-thirds of ransomware infections,...

Employee Spotlight – Ashley Beck

This month’s Employee Spotlight is on Project Manager Ashley Beck. Ashley has only been with Engage fi since March of this year, but she has been familiar with the company for a long time. In 2016 the credit union Ashley...

Ready for Buy Now Pay Later? The Data Says You Should Be! Plus Three Vendors with Solutions to Help You Bring it to Life.

By Megan Cummins | Strategic Consultant | Engage fi “Oh no, not another article on Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL),” might be your thought right now. Or, if you are like me, “YES! More data on BNPL!” Because the truth is, BNPL is...

A Dive Into Four Key Challenges Financial Institutions Face Regularly — Part Two: Saving Time

By Andres Pasantes Chief Operations Officer Engage fi (formerly CU Engage) Part one of this four-part article series—”Saving Money”— discussed how financial institutions can improve cost structure and compete in today’s...

Employee Spotlight – Brandon Carter

This month’s employee spotlight is on the incomparable Brandon Carter. Brandon joined the Engage fi team one year ago after a friend of his and valued Engage fi team member Justine Bennett spoke highly of the culture and...

A Dive Into Four Key Challenges Financial Institutions Face Regularly – Part One: Saving Money

By Les Anderson Chief Growth Officer engage fi (formerly CU Engage) The one-on-one relationship between a financial institution and the consumer isn’t disappearing, but the connection has evolved. It is filled with digital...

3 Reasons Why Your Financial Institution Needs a Consultant

By Jenn Addabbo Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Engage fi At first glance, many might ask, why not solve your problems internally, whether it be a cost reduction effort, a strategic move to enter a new market, or an...

Employee Spotlight – Megan Cummins

This month, we are casting our spotlight on Megan Cummins. Megan has been a Strategic Consultant with Engage fi for only 5 months, but she is already making waves. You may have seen her present on one of our webinars or...

Engage fi announces Chief Operating Officer

Tampa, FL – June 28, 2022 – Engage fi is proud to announce the appointment of Andres Pasantes as our new Chief Operations Officer. He brings over 25 years of Business Process Optimization, Transformation, and Expansion...

The Benefits of Offering an Integrated Peer-to-Peer Service Through a Digital Banking Platform

By Greg Ryan Core & Digital Specialist Engage fi Peer-to-peer or Person-to-Person (P2P) transactions are now mainstream and a growing sector of consumers’ financial activity. Younger generations are leading the movement,...

Employee Spotlight: Kody Tuupo

This spotlight originally posted in February of 2019. This is a May 2022 update. Let’s kick off the Employee Spotlight series by recognizing Kody, a Consultant here at Engage fi. Kody joined the team in 2018 and quickly...

Employee Spotlight – Evan Markley

This month’s Employee Spotlight is on Engage fi’s Manager of Analytics, Joseph “Evan” Markley. After working at a large credit union, Evan was given the chance to transition to Engage fi and “could not pass on the amazing...

Increase Customer Engagement with High-Value Credit Card Loyalty Programs

Card loyalty programs are a proven marketing tactic, offering the ability to reward and incentivize customers. Although card loyalty programs are not new, today’s options are significantly different, even from just a few...

Employee Spotlight – Lisa St. Germain

The Employee Spotlight this month is on Lisa St. Germain. Lisa is a newer member of the Engage fi family. She joined the team in January as Vice President, Client Experience after one of Engage fi’s inaugural board members...

Employee Spotlight – Crissandra Fry

This month’s employee spotlight is on Crissandra Fry Moffet. Crissandra joined the team in 2021 as a Director of Business Development with Engage fi, where she is responsible for building relationships with banks and...

CU Engage is now Engage fi

Vikki Wagner Marketing Manager CU Engage is Now Engage fi: CU Engage Announces New Brand Identity; Broadens its Scope of Services to Include a Greater Number of Financial Institutions TAMPA, FL (January 10, 2022)—CU...

Year-End Letter from CEO Jennifer Addabbo

By Jenn Addabbo CEO and Co-Founder Engage fi With a new year comes the promise of growth and change, and we at Engage fi are excited about the possibilities within our industry. First, let me start by acknowledging that...

Big News Is Coming – Stay Tuned!

Want to be in the know? Make sure you keep an eye on the Engage fi website and follow us on LinkedIn! Sign up for updates https://engagefi.bssdev.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Big-News-Is-Coming_Trim.mp4

Employee Spotlight – Jacy Mosser

Our Employee Spotlight this month is on Project Manager Jacy Mosser. In her nine months with Engage fi, Jacy has made a huge impact on the project team and benefitting our clients. Project management is the process of...

Municipal Credit Union Deploys New Digital Banking Platform With a Little Help From Their Friends

(Tampa, FL, July 14, 2021) — Best Innovation Group (BIG), a technology and financial services innovator, and Engage fi, a trusted advisor to the credit union industry, are pleased to announce that as the result of their...

Employee Spotlight – Will Berry

A new month, a new spotlight- this time on IT Integration Specialist Will Berry. Will has been part of the Engage fi team since July 2020, and we manage to keep him very busy as he manages much of our IT infrastructure as...

Employee Spotlight – Sheila Wilson

This month our employee spotlight is on Sheila Wilson! Sheila is a Senior Project Analyst at Engage fi and has been with the team for almost one year. She is responsible for demand management and supports the operational...

Engage fi Team Recommends Best Reads for 2021

Over the Holidays, our team was encouraged to spend a little time on ourselves and use the opportunity to self-reflect, get inspired or learn something new. Each team member chose a book, podcast, or documentary and since...

Leader Spotlight – Jenn Addabbo

In a very special spotlight this month, we are highlighting Jennifer Addabbo! Jenn is a co-founder of Engage fi, and the newly appointed CEO. Over the past seven years, Jenn has worked with James Guild to build, grow, and...

Engage fi Adds Trellance as a Professional Services Partner

Joint agreement allows credit unions to benefit from powerful insights and an easier commercial connection between data technology and vendor selections TAMPA, Fla., Jan 19, 2021 — Trellance, the leading provider of data...

Jennifer Addabbo Assumes Role of CEO of Engage fi

St. Petersburg, FL, January 12th, 2021 – Jennifer Addabbo assumes the role of CEO of Engage fi, the nation’s leading credit union consulting firm. Jennifer will step into this role while James Guild, Co-Founder, focuses on...

Employee Spotlight – Justine Bennett

This month’s Employee Spotlight is on Justine Bennett! Justine is the Office Administrator at Engage fi, and she does a phenomenal job keeping the office humming by providing bookkeeping, HR, and administrative support to...

Employee Spotlight – James Guild

This month, we are doing a special Leader Spotlight! James Guild is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Engage fi. He and Jenn Addabbo started the company when they recognized the need for a new breed of consultants as...

Employee Spotlight – Tonia Houghton

This Employee Spotlight is on Tonia Houghton! Tonia is the Engagement Director and is tasked with ensuring that Engage fi has quality processes and procedures as well as providing project management direction. All the...

Employee Spotlight – Ana Stock

Our First Employee Spotlight of the year is Ana Stock! Ana is a Strategic Consultant and payments expert at Engage fi. She came to work for Engage fi after she congratulated an old former colleague, James Guild, on hitting...

Employee Spotlight – Ava Farrell

This employee spotlight is on Ava Farrell, who is Engage fi’s resident PIN Network expert! Ava came to work for Engage fi as a Strategic Consultant about a year and a half ago via a connection she made with one of her...

How The Durbin Amendment Affects Credit Unions and Consumers

The last-minute addition to the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is notoriously referred to in the Financial Payments industry as the Durbin Amendment. Named after Illinois Senator Richard...

California Coast Credit Union – Kony Contract

San Diego, CA. – March 18, 2019 – California Coast Credit Union, a $2.5B asset financial institution, announced last week that it selected Kony, Inc. as its new partner for online and mobile banking. The credit union...

Jenn Addabbo and James Guild: Ignite 2019

At GAC in March, Engage fi co-founders and partners, Jenn Addabbo and James Guild, sat down with Mike Lawson from CB Insights to discuss the success of Engage fi after the company’s five-year anniversary in January 2019....

University of Kentucky FCU – Engage fi Digital Project

University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union Digital Project The University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, an $800M asset credit union in Lexington, Kentucky with 90,000 members, will collaborate with Engage fi, a credit...

Components of a Successful Strategic Technology Plan

Right now – this very second – is the slowest innovation and technological advancement will ever be. It will only get faster from here. So what can we do about it? A Strategic Technology Plan is a guide as to how an...

Engage fi Leads Grow Financial Digital Evaluation

St. Petersburg, FL. – October 27, 2017 – Grow Financial, a $2.4B asset credit union in Tampa, Florida with 200,000 members has chosen to partner with Engage fi, a credit union consulting company, as they analyze the market...