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Credit union acquires bank amid launch of ICBA’s ‘Illusionists’ campaign


March 11, 2026 / By ICBA

The latest reported credit union acquisition of a community bank comes follows this week’s launch of ICBA’s “The Illusionists” national advocacy and marketing campaign on the harmful impact of large credit unions on local communities.

Details: In a national news release, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said the acquisition demonstrates why ICBA launched its campaign, which exposes how large credit unions’ are promoting a narrative of community service while aggressively expanding beyond their original mission and undermining local communities.

New Campaign: Unveiled at ICBA LIVE in San Diego, “The Illusionists” campaign reveals that while large credit unions present themselves as community champions, they quietly make accountability, tax fairness, and consumer choice disappear.

Resources for Community Bankers:

  • “The Illusionists” website features a video, frequently asked questions, and additional information on how community banks outperform credit unions in meeting the needs of local communities and the policy disparities that demand policy reform.

  • Community bankers can submit a “Get the Facts” form on the website to receive an “Illusionists” playbook that offers a framework for elevating the issue at the local level.

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