How Credit Unions Can Compete with Big Banks: Insights from Delonaka Edwards at CUGI

The CU Growth & Innovation Summit (CUGI) is excited to welcome Delonaka Edwards, Chief Operations Officer of Michigan First Credit Union, as a Keynote Speaker for CUGI 2025.

With nearly three decades of experience in financial services, Edwards has built a reputation for driving operational efficiency, member engagement, and sustainable growth. As COO of Michigan First, she has helped scale the organization while ensuring that innovation aligns with exceptional member service.

At CUGI 2025, Edwards will share insights into how credit unions can compete with big banks through fintech collaboration and open banking APIs.

The Future of Fintech Collaboration: Key Insights from Delonaka Edwards
As financial technology advances, fintech firms and open banking solutions are creating opportunities for credit unions to expand their offerings, streamline operations, and enhance member experiences. However, many credit unions struggle to adopt these technologies at the same pace as larger financial institutions.

In her keynote session, “The Future of Fintech Collaboration: How Credit Unions Can Compete with Big Banks,” Edwards will discuss:

✅ How fintech partnerships are reshaping the credit union landscape – Real-world examples of successful collaborations.
✅ Open banking APIs and digital transformation – How credit unions can leverage technology to enhance service offerings.
✅ Competing with big banks – Strategies for staying relevant and providing the personalized, community-driven service that sets credit unions apart.
✅ Operational strategies for seamless fintech integration – How to align technology adoption with member needs and compliance requirements.

This session is essential for credit union executives, technology leaders, and operations professionals looking to stay competitive in an evolving financial marketplace.

Delonaka Edwards: A Leader in Credit Union Innovation
Delonaka Edwards has dedicated 28 years to the financial services industry, focusing on business development, operations management, and member services. Since joining Michigan First Credit Union in 2014, she has risen through the ranks due to her strategic leadership and operational expertise.

Her leadership journey includes:

• Driving operational improvements as AVP of In-Store Branch Operations, ensuring Michigan First branches met the unique needs of their communities.
• Enhancing member engagement as AVP of Member Services, where she implemented strategies to improve service delivery.
• Scaling credit union operations as COO, overseeing all Michigan First operational functions while embracing fintech-driven solutions.

Throughout her career, Edwards has maintained a member-first philosophy, ensuring that innovation and efficiency enhancements always align with better service and stronger member relationships.

Join Delonaka Edwards at CUGI 2025
The CU Growth & Innovation Summit is the premier event for credit union executives, fintech leaders, and operations professionals who are shaping the future of financial services.

📅 Date: April 1-2, 2025
📍 Location: Oak Brook, IL
🔗 Register Now: https://www.cugrowthsummit.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Delonaka Edwards and other industry leaders about the future of fintech collaboration and credit union innovation!