Advocacy Promise
Ohio’s not-for-profit credit unions have long championed consumers, working to improve the financial well-being for nearly 3.3 million credit union members. To help fulfill their mission, Ohio credit unions partner with the Ohio Credit Union League to advocate for consumer success.
By advocating for diverse consumer needs, Ohio credit unions will positively impact people, families, businesses, and communities so they can achieve their dreams.
People First Agenda
Ohio credit unions prioritize improving the financial well-being of Ohioans by putting people first. Public policy plays a key role in enabling credit unions to meet these needs, benefiting all through greater access to financial services.
By advocating for policies that support innovation, growth, and service flexibility, credit unions advance consumer financial health. They are dedicated to protecting and promoting this through government advocacy rooted in growth, integrity, and transparency.
The following policy principles guide their efforts to meet Ohio’s consumer and community economic needs:
Addressing unmet financial needs with people-focused services
Supporting communities with Main Street solutions
Prioritizing people over profit by fortifying cooperative financial services
Addressing unmet financial needs with people-focused services
People, families, businesses, and communities need access to safe, reliable, and affordable financial services.
Public policy should support member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives by promoting flexible, evolving regulations. Consumers thrive when regulations empower service flexibility and operational choice, guided by these principles:
» A modernized dual-charter system that promotes competition and diversity among credit unions
» Greater lending flexibility allows more people to access credit
» More financial institution options mean lower costs and increased opportunities for consumers
» Digital tools make financial services more accessible
» Excessive reporting and data requirements hinder consumer service and growth
Consumers are best served when the following policy goals are achieved:
» Regulatory parity for state and federally chartered credit unions
» Deposit insurance choice and fair regulatory treatment
» Clear, consistent regulations without conflict or duplication
» Vendor due diligence focused on safety and soundness
» Strong community depository options to ensure access and reduce costs
» Flexible programs for credit unions to support small businesses
» Lending aligned with everyday consumer needs
People, families, businesses, and communities thrive when regulations strike a balance between cost and consumer benefits.
Supporting communities with Main Street solutions
Communities thrive when residents have access to safe, reliable, and affordable financial resources that promote financial well-being. As service options expand, consumers need stronger protections to navigate risks, like fraud and inconsistent data and privacy laws.
Ohioans are safeguarded when all providers adhere to the same financial standards, based on these principles:
» Financial education empowers consumers and communities
» Affordable, reliable housing supports families
» Access to quality jobs improves well-being and financial security
» Financial programs tailored to immediate needs prevent instability
» Strong consumer privacy and security standards maintain trust
» Innovation is balanced with practical consumer protections across all service providers
Supporting communities by prioritizing people is achieved through these policy goals:
» Access to expert financial education and resources
» Adequate and affordable housing for Ohioans
» Consumer-focused financial service options
» Confidentiality and privacy of consumer data
» Consistent, fair regulations protecting consumers
» Freedom for regulated providers to innovate for evolving needs
» Strengthened fraud prevention, law enforcement resources, and consumer fraud education
Main Street credit unions offer affordable, accessible financial services with a focus on data privacy and consumer protection.
Prioritizing people over profit by fortifying cooperative financial services
People and communities thrive when financial well-being is prioritized over profit. Since their inception, not-for-profit, member-owned credit unions have focused on serving people, families, businesses, and communities.
Consumers’ needs are best met by cooperative financial service providers, guided by these principles:
» People and communities’ needs come before profit
» Competition in financial services empowers consumers
» Consumer-centric service drives growth and success
» Cooperation and collaboration protect and support communities
» Community-based credit unions have access to sufficient liquidity
People, families, businesses, and communities thrive through these policy goals:
» People-focused financial services promote consumer independence
» Financial service choices empower people and communities
» Families and businesses have access to affordable financial programs
Member-owned credit unions prioritize individual needs over profit, ensuring consumers’ well-being.
