Since 1939, Empower Federal Credit Union (Empower FCU) has provided exceptional financial services to its 290,000 members across Central New York. Recognizing the evolving landscape of fraud and the need for seamless member experiences, Empower FCU has implemented advanced security measures, including IllumaSHIELD™ voice authentication, to safeguard member information and streamline interactions.

The Challenge: Balancing Security with Member Convenience
In an era where fraud tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Empower FCU identified the need to strengthen its authentication processes without compromising the ease of access for members. Traditional methods, such as passwords and security questions, were not only inefficient but also susceptible to breaches.

“Verifying member identity over the phone has always required a thoughtful balance between security and convenience. While our traditional methods were effective, they sometimes introduced extra steps for both members and our team. With IllumaSHIELD™ we’ve been able to streamline the process, making it faster and more seamless without compromising our high standards for security,” said Janis Lunger, VP Member Contact Center at Empower FCU.

The Solution: IllumaSHIELD™ Frictionless Voice Authentication
To address these challenges, Empower FCU introduced IllumaSHIELD™ voice authentication. IllumaSHIELD™ leverages the unique vocal characteristics of each member, providing a frictionless, secure and efficient method for verifying identities during voice interactions. By adopting IllumaSHIELD™, Empower FCU has:

Enhanced security:

• Voice authentication provides the primary layer of protection, blocking unauthorized individuals from accessing member accounts.
• Improved member experience: Members can enjoy quicker and more convenient access to their accounts without the need for memorizing passwords or answering security questions.
• Increased operational efficiency: Streamlining the authentication process reduces call handling times, allowing staff to assist more members.

“Innovation is an important part of our mission as we work to continuously improve and elevate the member experience. By embracing new technologies and creative solutions, we are committed to driving progress and delivering exceptional value to our members and the communities in which we serve,” said Jen Wolfe, EVP/COO at Empower FCU.

Implementation
Designed for rapid deployment, IllumaSHIELD™ integrates effortlessly into existing contact center workflows, requiring minimal IT resources and offering a cloud-based solution that maintains stringent privacy standards. 

“This was a very seamless implementation process. Our biggest success since implementing IllumaSHIELD™ has been the increased confidence within our team and the significant reduction in friction for our members. Additionally, we greatly value Illuma’s ongoing investment in their technology and dashboards, which provide us with seamless insights into our team’s performance.” said Janis Lunger. “There’s virtually no additional maintenance or support that we need.”

Results
IllumaSHIELD™ is making a significant difference:

• Achieving an 81% reduction in member verification time.
• 8 out of 10 EFCU members choose to enroll in IllumaSHIELD™  when offered.
• Approaching 30,000 members protected in the first 6 months and growing.
• 19 departments are using IllumaSHIELD™
• 0 Fraudsters have defeated IllumaSHIELD™

“One of the most positive outcomes has been the improvement in overall member experience, along with our ability to become more inclusive. We’ve heard encouraging stories about members who are visually impaired and perceived improved ease of access for some of our more long-standing members. IllumaSHIELD™ has created opportunities to verify individuals who might not have been easily verified through traditional methods, enhancing accessibility and service for all members,” said Jeffrey Lamb, Fraud Operations Manager at Empower FCU.

Organization Wide Adoption
Empower FCU has implemented voice authentication in 19 departments. IllumaSHIELD™ has enhanced security, reduced fraud, and reduced verification times. Its seamless implementation and strong staff adoption reflect Empower FCU’s commitment to innovation and delivering secure, efficient experiences across the organization.

“In addition to our member contact center, our collections team has demonstrated the strongest response to the tool. Currently, our lending, servicing, insurance, and investment teams also utilize the tool,” said Janis Lunger.

Member-Centric Approach
The implementation of IllumaSHIELD™ voice authentication reflects Empower FCU’s dedication to adopting technologies that prioritize both safety and user experience.

As fraud techniques continue to evolve, Empower FCU remains steadfast in its mission to protect its members. By embracing advanced authentication methods like IllumaSHIELD™, the credit union ensures that it stays ahead of potential threats while maintaining the high level of service its members expect.

“This is an excellent example of the progress we’ve made across the organization over the past two years. It aligns well with the work outlined in our business plan and supports our broader growth strategy. By strengthening our foundation in people, processes, and technology, we are creating efficiencies that enable us to scale effectively and remain relevant for our members in the future,” said Jen Wolfe, “We’re very appreciative of the Illuma partnership and I have nothing but good things to say about their team.”

​Multi-phased investment firm Black Dragon Capital℠ ("Black Dragon") — a multi-phased global investment partner which focuses on advanced technology that addresses the most significant issues industries face — has formed a new strategic partnership with Velera, a premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and integrated financial technology solutions provider.
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Black Dragon Capital℠ was founded over a decade ago by recognized financial technology leaders focused on bringing innovative technologies to high-growth industry segments affected by digital disruption. A collaborative team leads the firm, combining deep operational experience with a focus on community impact and a proven ability to transform and grow companies.

Velera is the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, serving more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America. With over four decades of industry experience, Velera is committed to service excellence and innovation, helping credit unions and their members keep pace with the rapid momentum of change and fuel growth in the new era of financial services.

Velera decided to enter this strategic alliance with Black Dragon Capital℠ following a thorough due diligence process influenced by the tenured roster of finance, technology, and credit union experts leading the team at Black Dragon. As a premier payments CUSO deeply committed to supporting credit unions, Velera recognized the value in the Black Dragon team's deep domain expertise and ability to transform companies. They determined that a firm led by prominent members of the fintech and credit union communities would be the ideal partner in pursuing their goal of finding solutions that can empower credit unions and their members amidst the significant business and competitive issues created by the ongoing digitization of financial services.¹

Through this collaboration, Black Dragon Capital℠ and Velera will collaborate toward the goal of creating and scaling financial technology companies that enable credit unions to transform their businesses and optimize their member service advantages.

Velera joins a growing list of the most innovative Credit Unions and CUSOs in the industry who have partnered with Black Dragon Capital℠ to reshape the future of our community. They will work with the Black Dragon Capital℠ team to leverage the firm's global reach and expertise in industry-defining technologies, pursuing the main objective of scaling sustainable fintech companies dedicated to empowering credit unions to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“It is with great pride and excitement that we join Black Dragon Capital's ambitious initiative of creating innovative and sustainable companies which can benefit credit unions now and for decades to come,” said Chuck Fagan, President and CEO of Velera. “We deeply value the credit union community, and we are grateful to partner with an organization like Black Dragon whose leaders are prominent members of the community they serve. Through this partnership, we are confident that credit unions will continue to find success in providing top quality services to their members.”

As part of the strategic partnership, Chuck Fagan will be co-chairing the Limited Partners Advisory Board with Bill Cheney, the CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.Black Dragon Capital℠ strongly believes in utilizing the power of our partner’s perspectives to benefit the partnership and expects this alliance to improve the digital posture of our partners and the industry.

The Black Dragon Capital℠ team's insights on operations, combined with their deep experience in cutting-edge technology, puts them in a place to deliver competitive advantages for their portfolio companies and founders. Through intensive research on competitors and markets, they have refined their expertise in identifying scalable solutions and helping founders accelerate growth by cutting through the competition.

Benson Porter, FinTech CUSO Chair at Black Dragon Capital℠, is the former CEO of BECU and First Tech Credit Union. As a highly regarded credit union and financial services leader with decades of experience, Mr. Porter has assembled the most recognized credit union leaders and committed investors to help reshape the future of the credit union landscape and empower them to continue providing top service to the community.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with a key industry pillar like Velera, who shares our decades of commitment to the credit union movement and our determination to continue supporting the community. This strategic partnership is a crucial step towards optimizing the top standard of service in our industry by connecting future-forward credit unions with tenured fintech professionals who know the industry well and are equipped with decades of expertise and tenure in building and transforming companies through technology," said Benson Porter, FinTech CUSO Chair of Black Dragon Capital.

Eltropy, the leading AI-powered conversations platform for community financial institutions (CFIs), today announced that the Eltropy Desktop App is now available in beta, with general availability in Q3. The standalone application is designed to provide users with faster access and improved performance compared to browser-based access. The new desktop application addresses common performance bottlenecks while maintaining full feature parity with Eltropy's browser platform.
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The Desktop App runs independently of web browsers, using fewer system resources while providing dedicated workspace functionality. Early testing shows the application launches 20% faster than browser access and uses less CPU and memory, helping institutions maintain optimal system performance even on older hardware.

"Financial institutions need their communication tools to work reliably throughout the day without slowing down other systems," said Arun Rao, Chief Technology Officer, Eltropy. "The Desktop App gives agents a dedicated workspace that performs consistently while reducing the technical overhead that can impact productivity."
Key features of the Eltropy Desktop App include:

• Improved Performance: Optimized for lower memory and CPU usage compared to browser access
• Real-Time Alerts: Instant notifications for incoming calls and messages, even when the application is minimized
• Auto-Reconnect: Automatic reconnection functionality to prevent call drops and maintain session continuity
• Native System Access: Built-in access to the microphone and camera for voice and video communication
• Security Controls: Auto-logoff based on inactivity settings and real-time system logging for compliance requirements

The application maintains complete feature compatibility with Eltropy's browser version, supporting all existing communication channels, AI features, and automation tools. Updates to the Eltropy platform are automatically reflected in the desktop app without requiring separate installations.

"The Desktop App has made a noticeable difference in our daily operations," said Matthew Fehrmann, Chief Information Officer at Kohler Credit Union. "Our agents appreciate having a dedicated workspace for member communications that doesn't compete with their other browser activities. The improved performance is particularly helpful during busy periods when every second counts, and it's another example of how Eltropy continues to show us something different – solutions that truly support our organization-wide communication needs.”

The Desktop App is compatible with Windows 10 and 11 systems and supports both traditional login credentials and single sign-on (SSO) authentication. The application can be accessed from the system tray and Windows taskbar for convenient use throughout the workday.

Early adopters, including Kohler Credit Union, Park City Credit Union, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, and Collins Community Credit Union, have been participating in the beta program, with agents reporting they feel comfortable using the app within the first 30 minutes of installation.

The Eltropy Desktop App beta is currently available for download at eltropy.com/desktop-application for existing customers at no additional cost. General availability is expected in Q3. The application requires the same system specifications as browser access and should not be used in parallel with the browser-based platform.

Kellyanne Conway and Stephanie Cutter, two of D.C.’s most battle-tested, innovative, and award-winning political strategists, will be the keynote speakers for America’s Credit Unions’ Congressional Caucus, happening Sept. 7-9 in Washington, D.C. The event provides credit union professionals with the opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers and the staff who advise them.   
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“Kellyanne Conway and Stephanie Cutter embody the creativity, grit, and risk-taking vision necessary to deliver big wins to the American people,” said America’s Credit Union President/CEO Jim Nussle. “The combination of their leadership experience, long-track record of adaptability, and real-world influence will give our members the timely insights to build a future that empowers the credit unions of today and allows them to embrace the constant changes facing our industry. Helping and fighting for everyday people is at the heart of our mission, and we can’t do that without the willingness to innovate and adapt.”

Kellyanne Conway is a veteran political strategist best known for managing the Trump-Pence 2016 campaign, becoming the first woman to lead a winning U.S. presidential campaign. She served as Senior Counselor to President Trump, advising on domestic and global policy. Founder of The Polling Company/WomanTrend, she spent over three decades in market research, advising campaigns, corporations, and associations nationwide. Conway is a Fox News contributor, bestselling author of Here’s The Deal, and founder of KAConsulting LLC, offering strategic counsel to political, corporate, and nonprofit clients.

Stephanie Cutter is a renowned political strategist and founder of Precision Strategies. A key figure in Democratic politics for over 20 years, she served as Deputy Campaign Manager for President Obama’s 2012 campaign and held senior roles in his administration. She led groundbreaking events such as the first virtual Democratic National Convention and President Biden’s inauguration. Known for her crisis management, Cutter has advised U.S. presidents, senators, and major corporations. A former aide to U.S. Senators Kennedy and Reid and the Clinton White House, she frequently appears on major news networks. 

Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, the event brings together voices across the political spectrum and will feature discussions on key legislative and regulatory issues affecting credit unions, providing a platform for advocacy and dialogue. America’s Credit Unions is non-partisan and remains committed to supporting credit union champions regardless of party affiliation. 

For more information and to register, visit the America’s Credit Unions Congressional Caucus page. The hotel deadline is August 15.   
Registration for press attendance will be available soon.

​NCR Atleos (NYSE: NATL) (“Atleos”), a leader in expanding self-service financial access for financial institutions, retailers and consumers, today announced that InComm Payments, a global payments technology provider, has adopted Atleos’ ReadyCode API to enable InComm Payments’ fintech and banking partners to offer ATM-based cardless cash pickup at over 23,000 ATMs nationwide.

InComm Payments delivers enhanced end-to-end payment solutions and emerging financial technology solutions that help businesses grow across a wide range of industries including retail, healthcare, tolling & transit, incentives, mobile payments, digital currencies and financial services. By enabling omnichannel connections and alternative payment methods, InComm Payments enables businesses to deliver seamless and valuable commerce experiences to customers worldwide.

Atleos’ ReadyCode solution empowers InComm Payments to further bridge the digital-to-physical divide with a scaled ATM network integrated with an API solution that allows consumers to conduct cardless cash withdrawals with a simple and secure code delivered through the applications they already use and trust. ReadyCode is enabled at ATMs inside leading retail locations across more than 40 states, serving over 70 of the top population centers in the U.S.

“Atleos’ ReadyCode API offering provides an additional modality and channel for our money movement partners and their consumers to access cash in a self-service manner at ATMs located at some of the nation’s most convenient retailers,” said John Houseal, VP of Product at InComm Payments. “This service expands our cash out network in a new way, connecting our partners with differentiated access to serve their customers beyond the counter.”
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“Enabling InComm Payments’ broad and deep program relationships with access to the ReadyCode solution will provide more flexibility for consumers to transact where and how they want, without the need of a card,” explained Ben Bregman, Senior Vice President, Global Network Solutions, for Atleos. “This relationship will also provide additional use cases to drive utilization of the ATM for increasingly digital first providers beyond traditional financial institutions, and continue to fulfill on our promise to our retail partners to drive incremental foot traffic to their stores.”

Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI), a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology, today announced plans to launch a new Fiserv digital asset platform, including a new stablecoin (FIUSD) that will be added to Fiserv’s existing banking and payments infrastructure by the end of the year.
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FIUSD presents Fiserv customers with access to a new, more efficient, and interoperable digital asset service for their banking and payment flows. Offering FIUSD across the company’s global multi-sided network, which includes relationships with approximately 10,000 financial institution clients and six million merchant locations processing 90 billion transactions annually, will provide instant scale for FIUSD while creating a digital asset network that clients can use to build new products and services. Fiserv plans to enable FIUSD through existing Fiserv technology at no additional cost to clients.

FIUSD expects to use stablecoin infrastructure from Paxos and Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE: CRCL) – with the intention of making it interoperable with several leading stablecoins, and it will be available to Fiserv clients via Solana, one of the most trusted and used blockchains for stablecoins. In addition, the company is exploring the use of deposit tokens to maintain the benefits of stablecoins in a more capital-friendly structure for banks. Fiserv is active in discussions with other potential partners to further expand use cases for stablecoins and tokenized deposits, both in the United States and internationally.

“Through our privileged position as a trusted infrastructure provider to financial institutions, merchants, and their customers worldwide, we are relentlessly focused on delivering state-of-the-art innovation, efficiency, and choice to all of our partners,” said Takis Georgakopoulos, Chief Operating Officer, Fiserv. “With our scale, reach, and technology leadership, Fiserv is uniquely positioned to advance stablecoin-powered payments and help democratize access to blockchain financial services. Together with our other cloud-native banking and merchant platforms, we believe FIUSD will provide our clients with the efficiency and optionality they need to thrive in the evolving banking and payments ecosystem.”

Offering the programmability of blockchain with the stability and trust of fiat currency, the use of stablecoins and tokenized deposits in traditional banking and payments is expected to rapidly expand due to their ability to settle 24/7, streamline processes, increase efficiency, and power use cases where existing options may be limited.

“Paxos is excited to partner with Fiserv to power FIUSD with our proven, globally regulated stablecoin issuance and payments platform,” said Walter Hessert, Head of Strategy at Paxos. “As the most regulated stablecoin provider with a proven track record at enterprise scale, our industry-leading platform—combined with Fiserv’s extensive network—will enable instant, borderless, and compliant payment solutions for banks and institutions worldwide. This partnership clearly demonstrates how Paxos’s stablecoin infrastructure is becoming the foundation for modern financial services, advancing our shared mission to deliver open, compliant digital financial tools to institutions and users everywhere."

“Fiserv is a global powerhouse in commerce, and Circle is a global fintech firm and stablecoin market leader,” said Heath Tarbert, President at Circle. “Together, we will work to unlock the next frontier of money movement – embedding stablecoins into everyday commerce and making money move as easily, reliably, and instantly as sending an email.”

A Bank-Friendly Coin
Like other Fiserv solutions, FIUSD enables financial institutions to maintain full control of their customer experience. Delivered through an easy-to-integrate Software Development Kit (SDK), it fits into existing Fiserv customer-facing platforms like Experience Digital and Commercial Center. FIUSD will enable compliance through existing built-in features such as fraud monitoring, risk management, and settlement controls.

Fiserv’s new digital asset platform will leverage its Finxact core processing platform as the underlying ledger and will be connected to our latest cloud-native orchestration, payments, and banking platforms, creating an interoperable, end-to-end fiat and digital ecosystem.

“FIUSD is designed with our clients in mind, a financial institution-friendly coin that simplifies stablecoin access through a secure and scalable ecosystem,” said Sunil Sachdev, Head of Embedded Finance at Fiserv. “We are excited to begin collaborating with our clients, partners, and other ecosystem players to create modernized financial experiences.”

This is the first in a series of announcements that Fiserv will be making with partners on its new digital asset platform.

​The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) is proud to announce the selection of three distinguished leaders to be inducted into the DCUC Hall of Honor: Colonel Gerald Polyascko (Ret.), Director & Committee Chair, Board of Directors, Frontwave Credit Union; Raymond White Jr., Chairman of the Board, FreeStar Financial Credit Union; and Gerald Brown, Director Emeritus, Andrews Federal Credit Union.

Each honoree has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the defense credit union movement and the military communities they serve.
 
Colonel Gerald Polyascko (Ret.), Frontwave Credit Union
Appointed to Frontwave CU’s Board of Directors in 2010, Colonel Polyascko previously served on its Supervisory Committee and played a critical role in modernizing board governance, promoting analytics-driven decision-making, and diversifying leadership to better represent the membership. His 33-year Marine Corps career included command roles and staff positions up to Colonel, with commendations such as the Legion of Merit and Combat Action Ribbon. He also served as a senior Marine Corps JROTC instructor, mentoring students in high-risk communities. Polyascko is active in several veterans’ organizations and is currently Vice President of the Camp Pendleton Historical Society, where he led initiatives such as monument installations and military essay contests. During his board tenure, Frontwave grew from $652.8 million to over $1.4 billion in assets. A strong DCUC advocate, he and his wife attended conferences for over a decade, applying key insights to strategic initiatives like a headquarters construction project and the launch of the Frontwave Foundation.
 
Raymond White Jr., FreeStar Financial Credit Union
A 34-year U.S. Air Force Reserve veteran, Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Raymond White Jr. is a tireless advocate for military families and a vital supporter of Selfridge ANGB, a joint DoD/DHS installation in Michigan. As board chairman, he led expansions through mergers, statewide charter growth, and the construction of new branches. His leadership helped launch initiatives like the Heroes’ Reward Program and the FreeStar Financial Foundation. He has supported Selfridge and defense industry advocacy, including campaigns around F-35 basing, space operations, and conservation partnerships. White also champions educational outreach and financial wellness initiatives, receiving numerous honors, including the 2023 Michigan Credit Union League Board Member of the Year and Macomb County’s Volunteer of the Year. Under his leadership, credit union assets grew from $44 million to $332 million.
 
Gerald Brown, Andrews Federal Credit Union
With more than 33 years of service to Andrews Federal, Gerald Brown served 27 years on the Board, including as Chair and Vice Chair, and continues to contribute as Director Emeritus. A retired U.S. Air Force Major with both enlisted and officer experience, Brown was a key voice for junior service members, spearheading initiatives such as financial counseling, investment services, and branch expansions across Europe, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey. His advocacy was instrumental in strategic mergers, charter acquisitions, and community outreach like the Freedom Run in Germany. Brown has long championed charitable work supporting military families both abroad and stateside. Under his board tenure, credit union assets grew from $432 million to $2.4 billion.
 
These three honorees were selected from a competitive field by a distinguished Hall of Honor Selection Committee: Ronald Belle, AmeriCU CU President/CEO; Frank Padak, Scott CU President/CEO; Fred Salyers, Security Service FCU; and Ed Cody, PenFed CU.
 
“Each of these three honorees exemplifies the dedication of the defense credit union ethos. They have committed themselves, both in their personal and professional lives, to securing and championing the financial well-being of our armed forces and veterans,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. “Their leadership continues to amplify the collective influence of the defense credit union movement and we look forward to honoring their contributions at this year’s DCUC Hall of Honor Gala.”
 
The DCUC Hall of Honor was established in 2000 to recognize those individuals whose exceptional contributions over the years have made a significant difference to DCUC and the defense credit union community. This prestigious award highlights the outstanding accomplishments of leaders, volunteers, management, and staff alike, whose efforts and endless support of the credit union movement and DCUC epitomize the Council’s values and philosophy of “Serving Those Who Serve Our Country.”
 
To learn more about DCUC’s Hall of Honor, please visit dcuc.org/hoh.

​CU Student Choice, the leading provider of higher education financing solutions to America’s credit unions, announced that it will soon be delivering private student loan and refinance solutions to members of Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) ($8.3B assets; 410,618 members; Peoria, IL).
 
CEFCU will be offering student loans to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the Student Choice refinance product, which allows borrowers to consolidate and refinance private and/or federal student loans, including Parent and Grad PLUS loans.
 
“We’ve offered student loan solutions for many years but are very excited to tap into the experience and expertise of Student Choice,” said Doug Hanley, Chief Lending Officer for CEFCU. “In addition to their long and successful track record of helping credit unions enter the private student lending space, Student Choice’s new loan origination platform has allowed us to build a custom program that will best serve the Credit Union members. We look forward to providing members with affordable ways to manage their student loans – both during and after college.”
 
"Paying for college remains a significant financial strain for families, and the unknowns surrounding federal student lending have led to added stress,” said Jim Holt, Chief Development Officer for CU Student Choice. “Credit unions have proven their staying power and ability to support members with fair-value loans during a range of economic cycles. In fact, CEFCU has been helping members for nearly 90 years. We look forward to supporting CEFCU’s members in successfully navigating the college financing process and their student loan repayment journey.”
 
Student Choice enables credit unions of all sizes to make private education loans that are held on their own balance sheet. Since launching in 2008, the CUSO has helped more than 300 partner credit unions originate nearly $4.7 billion in private education loans, assisting more than 132,000 families in the process.

​Candescent, a leading independent digital banking technology provider, today announced that Y-12 Credit Union has been recognized by Member Loyalty Group for earning the highest NPS score for digital banking across both its asset size and among all benchmarked credit unions during Q4 2024. Member Loyalty Group helps credit unions strengthen member relationships and drive strategic growth through actionable insights, expert guidance and data-driven analytics, including benchmark data from over five million member surveys each year.
 
Y-12 Credit Union, an Oak Ridge, Tenn.-based credit union with $2.2 billion in assets went live with the Candescent Digital Banking platform in late 2023. Since then, its members have enjoyed the intuitive, consistent look and feel of the platform as well as the enhanced features and functionality. According to the MLG Credit Union Benchmark, Y-12 Credit Union’s post digital interaction NPS was an exceptional 90.3 (top 1 percentile) during the Q4 2024 evaluation, earning the credit union the top ranking for both its asset size and overall, which includes a benchmarking of over 140 credit unions.
 
“Our overall philosophy surrounding member service is ease. We believe it should be convenient and simple for members to conduct their banking with us. Candescent’s Digital Banking platform has proven to directly support and enhance this strategy,” said Todd Richardson, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of Y-12 Credit Union. “It is rewarding to learn that our members are so delighted with our digital banking experience, and we appreciate being recognized for these efforts by MLG.”
 
Y-12 Credit Union recently entered into an agreement to acquire First State Bank of the Southeast, which will allow the credit union to expand into Southeastern Kentucky, serving even more members. The Candescent Digital Banking platform will enable the credit union to effectively engage with this expanded member base. “As we grow our footprint, we look forward to offering advanced capabilities and exceptional, personalized experiences to even more members. We are confident that Candescent’s modern digital technology will help support this scale,” continued Richardson.
 
“We are proud to partner with industry leaders like Y-12 Credit Union. This credit union’s commitment to meeting its members’ financial needs through convenient, outstanding member experiences is reflected in its exceptional NPS score. Such digital excellence will continue to bring value to Y-12 Credit Union as it expands into new geographic footprints,” said Brendan Tansill, CEO of Candescent. “Candescent is committed to product innovation that creates intuitive, flexible, real time, trust-based and AI-driven member experiences. By leveraging our digital banking, account opening and digital branch end-to-end capabilities, banks and credit unions across the country are positioned to differentiate and grow.”