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Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards

The Credit Union Times, an integral part of the Arc network and a leading news source for the credit union sector, is thrilled to announce the opening of nominations for the 2026 Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards. This prestigious event is now in its fifth year and serves to honor individuals and organizations that are making significant contributions to the field of credit unions, with a strong emphasis on innovation and community impact.

New Categories to Highlight Emerging Trends

For 2026, a fresh lineup of award categories has been introduced, marking a step forward in recognizing the diverse areas of excellence within the industry. Among these, the Consultant of the Year award is set to acknowledge exceptional consultants who provide invaluable guidance to credit unions in various essential realms such as operations, marketing, HR, and strategic planning. This new category reflects the industry's growing complexity and the need for specialized advisory roles as financial cooperatives navigate evolving challenges.

Another notable addition is the Branch Experience category. This will celebrate credit unions that go above and beyond in creating unique and member-centric experiences at their branches, focusing on how they have adapted spaces to resonate with their specific communities. Such innovations are crucial as members increasingly seek meaningful engagement in a personalized environment.

Furthermore, in recognition of the burgeoning field of digital finance, the Cryptocurrency Stablecoin Innovation subcategory has been included under the broader Product Innovation category. This forward-thinking inclusion highlights credit unions exploring and implementing modern digital asset solutions — an essential step as more financial institutions look to embrace cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

Award Categories Reflecting Industry Advancement

In addition to the new categories, the awards will continue to feature recognition for Community Impact, Leadership, Marketing, and Innovation in Technology. This variety ensures that credit unions, along with third-party organizations supporting them, have multiple avenues to showcase their achievements and commitment to excellence.

Michael Ogden, Senior Director of Content Experience and Strategy at CU Times, expressed his enthusiasm about the awards: "This year's nominations present an extraordinary opportunity to highlight the talent, creativity, and transformative impact that shape the credit union industry today. Over the years, the Luminaries Awards have evolved into a vibrant forum that honors remarkable contributions while encouraging cooperation and education across the sector. As we innovate, we ensure that the awards continue to reflect the very best in the industry."

Key Dates to Remember

The deadline to submit nominations for these esteemed awards is set for Friday, July 10, 2026. Winners will be decided by a diverse panel of judges from the credit union industry, alongside the esteemed CU Times editorial team. Finalists will be announced on CUTimes.com in early September, creating anticipation leading up to the awards ceremony.

The winners will be honored at the fifth annual Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards dinner on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Orlando, FL. Alongside recognition on-stage, these winners will receive profiles on the CU Times website and widespread acknowledgment through the publication's social media channels and email newsletters.

Connect and Engage

Prior to the awards, attendees have the opportunity to participate in CU Times’ annual Industry Series Program. This program features insightful keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on the most pressing topics within the credit union space, ensuring attendees are well-informed and engaged.

To submit nominations or learn more about the award categories, sponsorship opportunities, nomination criteria, and judging procedures, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Luminaries Awards website for comprehensive details.

The Credit Union Times continues to stand as the leading independent source for credit union news, delivering critical insights and tactical information that empower financial institutions to better serve their members. The Luminaries Awards exemplify this commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in the credit union community.