Happy New Year,
As we step into 2026, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership and reflect on what was an impactful year for MDT and the credit union community. I also wanted to personally thank you for welcoming me as the new President/CEO of MDT and for the kind words and support that I received throughout the year from many of you. 2025 was defined by momentum — from continuing to grow our client centric approach to developing and scaling new solutions to help your organizations navigate the technology space. It was a year that reminded us how focus, collaboration, and long-term thinking drive real progress.
Credit unions continued to balance growth with resilience. Smarter automation, responsible AI adoption, and data-driven decision-making moved from buzzwords to practical tools that improved member experience, strengthened fraud prevention, and supported staff efficiency. One key lesson stood out: technology works best when it’s intentional and aligned with strategy. Institutions that made the most progress focused on incremental, well-governed innovation rather than transformation for its own sake. We explored these trends in our 2025 lessons and trends blog.
MDT also had a strong year. We welcomed new partners and credit unions, deepened existing relationships, and invested in solutions that help credit unions operate more efficiently and serve members more effectively. Highlights include continued growth of our consulting services, which aims to assist credit unions in driving successful technology projects, maximizing technology tooling, and building operating efficiencies through technology optimization and automation. We also celebrated the launch of our custom code development and cloud hosting solution with the goal of adding functionality and power to digital platforms. We saw wider adoption of MDT services, strategic investments in product development and scalability, and close collaboration with partners to deliver measurable outcomes and additional solutions. You can read more in our 2025 year-in-review press release.
I am very proud to report that MDT was also busy in 2025 giving back to our local communities. Our employees participated both financially and physically in numerous community activities throughout the year including supporting red cross blood drives, animal rescues, homeless meal kits, student scholarships, Alzheimer’s fundraisers, Friendship Circle, and Operation good cheer supporting children in foster homes.
As we look ahead to the future we’re investing in our people, technology, and partnerships to help credit unions simplify complexity, leverage data more effectively, and adopt new capabilities with confidence. Listening remains at the heart of what we do, ensuring everything we build is grounded in your credit union’s needs.
2026 brings both opportunity and challenge. Economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and rising member expectations will shape decisions, while advances in analytics, AI, and digital engagement offer ways to deepen relationships and differentiate. MDT is preparing for this next chapter with flexibility, security, and practical innovation. Our 2026 predictions blog explores what will matter most this year and how institutions can prepare today for tomorrow’s demands.
We look forward to connecting with many of you in person at the CEO Forum (March 23–26, New Orleans, LA) and the MDT E3 Conference (May 18–20, Detroit, MI). These events are invaluable opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and shared learning.
I am optimistic about the future of the credit union movement and grateful for the partnerships that make our work possible. Thank you for your continued trust in MDT — here’s to another year of progress, innovation, and shared success.
Wishing you a successful and healthy 2026,
Chris Kowal
President & Chief Executive Officer
MDT