ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

In Case You Missed It – 4.1.2026

In honor of April Fool’s Day, we’re not going to fool anyone. We’re just going to relax the rules a little, and mix in some items that have absolutely nothing to do with credit unions. Here’s what we noticed, in case you missed it:

Current cat obsession: Gumbus

Gumbus

Gumbus is a toothless cat with enormous, mysterious eyes and an inexplicably engaging personality.

Her human regularly posts quirky, relaxing, creative videos of Gumbus’ antics on YouTube and all the usual socials. Join the Gumbus cult on YouTube.

NCUA streamlines new charter applications

NCUA Chairman Kyle S. Hauptman has made chartering new credit unions a priority, and the agency has just released a streamlined phase 1 system for new charter applications. And more streamlining is planned. “Anyone who seeks to form a credit union should have a fair and accessible opportunity to do so.” said Hauptman.

We’re big supporters of De Novo credit unions, and applaud NCUA and Chairman Hauptman for their efforts and attention to making credit unions more available to more people. NCUA expects to release a fully automated system for processing charter applications in 2027.

Current earworm: KPop Demon Hunters

I’m a casual fan of animated movies, and I thought Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters looked like an entertaining bit of fluff for a chilly evening. I didn’t realize I would be blown away by a bona fide cross-cultural phenomenon stuffed with incredibly well-crafted songs (and really, everything else that makes up a great movie).

And the Motion Picture Academy agrees, recently awarding Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (Golden). And if you needed any more proof of the phenomenon, McDonald’s just released a KPop Demon Hunters Happy Meal.

New credit union to offer options for college students

Speaking of De Novo credit unions, here’s a great example of how starting new credit unions helps keep the movement vital and viable. Three students from the University of North Carolina discussed the student-run credit union they’re creating as a much-needed alternative on campus.

The university’s partnership with a megabank has created a near monopoly on campus, and a need for better financial options for students. There’s a lot to learn here for every credit union (for example, their robust succession planning for student leaders who graduate) and these students are also developing a well thought-out “playbook” for starting and supporting other student-run credit unions. Look around in your area – maybe there’s a De Novo CU that needs your support!

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