The Ideas and Insights That Took Center Stage at MAXX

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on October 15, 2026

MAXX Emcee Mike Lawson on the Mainstage

MAXX 2026 brought timely insights to the mainstage, giving credit union leaders a closer look at the economic forces, housing market trends, leadership trends, and emerging technologies shaping the future of financial services.

On Wednesday afternoon, Neil Irwin, Chief Economic Correspondent for Axios and author of The Alchemist: Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire, explored the economic signals influencing leadership, growth and financial markets. In Tailwinds, Turbulence, and the Economic Skies Ahead, Irwin examined the forces shaping the U.S. and global economies, helping attendees make sense of an evolving economic landscape and consider what lies ahead for their organizations and members.

Neil Irwin

Thursday’s mainstage sessions turned to two issues with significant implications for credit unions: housing and technological change.

Dr. Lawrence Yun

Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of REALTORS, examined the outlook for housing and homeownership in The Housing Market, Decoded: What to Expect in Real Estate in 2027 and Beyond. He highlighted the ongoing tension between housing demand and affordability across the GoWest region, noting that mortgage rates will be a major factor in determining the market’s direction in 2027. He also pointed to competition for borrowed capital, including government and technology-sector borrowing, as a factor influencing the mortgage environment.

Dr. Lamont Black, CEO of Wide Open Ventures, challenged attendees to look further ahead in AI, Stablecoins, and the Credit Union of the Future. Envisioning what financial services could look like in 2040, Black focused on three developments credit unions should be watching closely: artificial intelligence, stablecoins and agentic commerce, in which AI agents can help consumers make purchasing decisions and complete transactions.

Dr. Lamont Black

Black emphasized that AI adoption is moving beyond experimentation and into organizational strategy, with executive teams increasingly responsible for identifying opportunities across departments. He encouraged credit unions to pair technology with human expertise to create meaningful organizational change, arguing that AI adoption should be part of every strategic objective. He also urged leaders to understand stablecoins and their potential implications for payments, the movement of money and access to funds.

Kim Scott

And wrapping up the week was Kim Scott, author of the best-selling book, Radical Candor. During Radical Candor: Build a Kickass Team, Scott offered practical strategies for building stronger, more engaged teams. She explored how to recognize when employees are in “RockStar” or “SuperStar” mode and how to support each through meaningful feedback and career conversations. Her session delivered timely insights for credit union leaders focused on talent development and team performance.

Together, the mainstage sessions offered a forward-looking perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead. From economic uncertainty and housing affordability to AI-driven productivity and changing payment systems, the discussions reinforced the importance of anticipating change and making informed decisions to support members and strengthen credit unions for the future.

Posted in MAXX, MAXX Keynote Speakers.