According to news coverage in Credit Union Times, in some sectors of the credit union industry there is renewed interest in obtaining access to alternative capital. Additionally, in her opinion column, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Snell Cooke revealed her reservations about alternative capital but also adamantly stated, "Credit unions want and need their options."

As any responsible strategic planner would also advise the more options available to credit unions the better. Access to alternative capital should be an allowed strategic business tactic for credit unions that want to shore up their financials or want to leverage their franchise to gain market share. Growing capital only through retained earnings in today's dismal economy and cutthroat marketplace seems a fool's errand.

If incorporated into its business strategy, alternative capital can assist a credit union to match its competitors in deploying infrastructure, inject more market discipline into its operation, and give its members (and nonmembers) a chance to tangibly invest in the institution. These outcomes are highly desirable.