No commissions or incentives at State Employees’ Credit Union – it’s just members’ best interests

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 20, 2016 -- Many financial service providers utilize incentive based payment systems and commission structures to pay their employees.  Compensation is frequently tied to exceeding established quotas for the number of accounts opened.  The pressure on employees to open accounts is significant.  Recent news reports have publicized the unethical decision making of thousands of financial services employees. The stories highlight an example of how an incentive compensation system driven by quotas for opening new accounts can cloud the ethics of staff.

The stories bring a reminder of the principles and values behind the member-service orientation of State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU).  The Credit Union’s unique approach to business is built on the not-for-profit financial cooperative model, where members share the benefits of SECU ownership.  Credit Union employees are paid a salary only, there are no incentive or commission-based compensation programs.  This structure intentionally removes any temptation which might distract the focus of providing members the most appropriate products, allowing staff to fully focus on helping members improve their financial lives.

Members have access to a wide range of financial services including lending, deposit, advisory, tax preparation, insurance, investments and estate planning services.  The Credit Union makes home, vehicle, personal and credit card loans and offers fair and reasonable rates of interest on a variety of deposit accounts.  The Credit Union has over 2,100 licensed insurance representatives and nearly 3,000 tax preparers on staff.  Through Credit Union Investment Services more than 450 investment representatives are available to assist members with investment and retirement strategies.  

“State Employees’ Credit Union is the trusted financial services provider for more than 2 million members,” says SECU President Mike Lord. “Our ‘Do the Right Thing’ mission continues to guide our employees to serve our members.  We purposely operate with no commissions or incentive pay so that employees focus on the best choices for members.  The only incentive our employees have is to help members by providing the best product or service that meets their needs and the needs of their family.” 

Investment advisory services offered through Credit Union Investment Services. Securities offered through SECU Brokerage Services. Member FINRA, SIPC. Trust Services offered through MEMBERS Trust Company, a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Securities, Trust and Insurance products are not credit union deposits, are not obligations of or guaranteed by the credit union or MEMBERS Trust Company, and are not insured by the NCUA or any federal government agency. Securities and Trust products involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested. Insurance rate quotes are subject to change upon completion of the underwriting process. Investment, Trust and Insurance representatives are also credit union employees, who may accept deposits.

About SECU
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 79 years.  The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities.  SECU serves over 2 million members through 256 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org.

Contact:  Leigh Brady, EVP – Organizational Development
Office:  919-807-8347 | [email protected]