Episode Details

“Don’t adopt neutrality as a strategy ... Being a light in your local community is going to be very valuable and significant.” – Jon Ungerland

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Jon Ungerland, CIO / Chief of Staff at DaLand CUSO. Last year, Jon was on the podcast, and we talked about the future of money. I’m so excited to welcome him back for another conversation about what that future means for credit unions today. As CIO and chief of staff at DaLand CUSO, he has spent years working to connect traditional financial institutions with emerging digital asset networks, and this time, we’re discussing why that connection matters now more than ever.

Throughout our conversation, Jon shares the journey behind DaLand CUSO’s evolution from a consulting firm into a technology-focused organization helping credit unions integrate digital assets into their existing systems. We talk about Coin2Core, the company’s solution for connecting financial institutions with networks such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC, and why keeping these capabilities within the credit union’s own infrastructure is so crucial. Jon explains how relying on outside platforms can put member relationships, deposits, and long-term revenue opportunities at risk, particularly as more consumers move their wealth into digital assets. The two of us also discuss what other credit unions can learn from St. Cloud Financial Credit Union’s experience implementing Coin2Core, including the importance of educating regulators, engaging legislators, and building trust.

As we wrap up the conversation, Jon looks ahead to the future, sharing his thoughts on how digital assets could change payments, lending, and non-interest income, as well as the emerging relationship between digital money networks and AI. We also move beyond tech and touch upon leadership, philosophy, and the personal convictions that drive Jon’s work. He talks about the importance of local financial sovereignty, his admiration for John F. Kennedy, his love of fishing, and the books that continue to shape his perspective. He also offers a pointed message for credit union leaders: staying neutral on digital assets is no longer a viable strategy! Enjoy my conversation with Jon Ungerland!

Connect with Jon:
Jon Ungerland, CIO / Chief of Staff at DaLand CUSO
dalandcuso.com
Jon: LinkedIn
DaLand CUSO: LinkedIn | X | YouTube | Email | 855-DALAND1

Show notes from this episode:
Jon’s previous guest appearance: The future of money – St. Cloud Financial Credit Union & DaLand CUSO
Shout-out: St. Cloud Financial Credit Union
Shout-out: Blaze Credit Union
Shout-out: Canvas Credit Union
Shout-out: Bitcoin
Shout-out: Ethereum
Shout-out: