The membership of First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech) officially approved the previously announced merger with Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU). The organizations will legally combine on January 1, 2026, with First Tech and DCU expected to operate as independent divisions in 2026 under the First Tech Federal Credit Union name. The combined organization will hold $28.7 billion in assets, serve nearly two million members located across America, and operate more than 50 branches across eight states.

This merger creates a nationwide financial cooperative that blends the strengths of two industry leaders, delivering expanded access, enhanced digital capabilities, and a member-first approach. President and CEO of DCU, Shruti Miyashiro, will lead the newly formed First Tech Federal Credit Union.

"This merger of equals is more than a milestone—it's a launchpad," said Shruti Miyashiro, incoming President and CEO of the new credit union. "By joining forces, we're purposefully building something different: a financial partner that designs experiences that are as forward-thinking as the members and communities we serve. The foundation of our future success was laid by Greg, whom I want to thank for his leadership and impact on First Tech and on the credit union industry. Greg's leadership has shown what it means to lead with integrity and serve with heart. Thank you for establishing a legacy that I'm deeply honored to build upon."

"Today, we begin to realize our shared vision of boundless possibilities in service to more than two million current (and eight million prospective) members serving America's technology sectors," said Greg Mitchell, current President and CEO of First Tech. "We share roots with thousands of innovators, dreamers, and doers who seek to build brighter futures for all. We are grateful to the thousands of First Tech employees and members who voted in our election, and I am personally excited to welcome Shruti Miyashiro as my successor effective January 1, 2026. This next step in our journey will deliver great benefits for current and future members, employees and the communities where we live and work. The best is yet to come!"
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More information about the merger may be found at DCU.org and Firsttechfed.com.

​New Cumberland Federal Credit Union (‘NCFCU’) has chosen Mahalo Banking’s Thoughtful Banking® platform to expand its digital presence, elevate security, and deliver a more modern experience for members and staff.
 
The partnership began with the launch of NCFCU’s new express online loan application, which Mahalo helped bring to market following the sunset of the credit union’s previous solution. NCFCU needed a seamless transition to ensure uninterrupted lending access for members, and Mahalo delivered this conversion to the new lending application in advance of the credit union’s full digital transformation. The complete digital banking conversion to Mahalo’s Thoughtful Banking® platform is planned for early 2026.
 
“We were ready for a partner that could help us offer more, move faster, and create a truly intuitive member experience,” said Ron Ferrance, CEO of NCFCU. “Mahalo’s platform offers exactly what we were looking for to upgrade our digital banking experience, and they can deliver far more than we’ve been able to achieve before. Their platform aligns perfectly with our vision for growth, and we are confident they can help us deliver an elevated digital experience.”
 
Looking ahead, NCUFCU anticipates significant benefits for members, including features that better support long-term innovation goals. One of the most important capabilities for the credit union is the introduction of unique logins, which will offer a more personalized and secure sign-in experience.
 
Mahalo’s track record of consistent delivery, transparent communication, and roadmap-driven innovation also strongly resonated. “We value partners who communicate clearly and follow through,” added Ferrance. “Mahalo has shown a deep commitment to collaboration and to delivering what they promise. That synergy gives us confidence as we plan for the future.”
 
“Successful digital transformation is built on aligning technology with overarching operational goals,” said Denny Howell, COO of Mahalo. “Our team believes in true collaboration, not a one-size-fits-all partnership approach. We listen carefully and work side by side with each credit union to understand its needs and support its strategic priorities. With NCFCU, we are executing a phased approach that not only creates instant value for prospective members but also lays the groundwork for a seamless, fully integrated digital ecosystem upon the platform’s full launch.”

​Vertice AI, a leading provider of AI-powered growth solutions for community financial institutions, today announced that it has signed its 50th client, marking a major milestone in the company’s mission to help community banks and credit unions harness AI to strengthen customer relationships and deliver meaningful, personalized service.
 
Unitus Community Credit Union (Unitus), GHS Federal Credit Union and Truliant Federal Credit Union (Truliant) are all among the new financial institutions now partnered with Vertice AI to enhance member relationships and create personalized financial experiences. These institutions join a rapidly expanding client community leveraging the platform to gain deeper insights into consumer behavior, forecast financial needs, and create highly tailored interactions that empower account holders to make more informed decisions about their financial lives.
 
“Adopting Vertice AI is starting a new chapter in how we leverage data to serve our members and grow our member relationships,” said Char Sears, Chief Growth Officer of Unitus. “The platform will enable us to harness the full potential of our existing data, turning it into a guide for anticipating member needs and personalizing outreach. With this AI-powered solution, our team can make quicker, data-informed decisions that drive measurable growth, deepen member relationships, and reinforce our commitment to tailored service.”
 
The company’s momentum follows several strategic advancements earlier this year, including the launch of its Vertice AGENT interactive copilot, which was awarded Best of Show at FinovateFall 2025. Vertice AI also introduced Vertice ACQUIRE and Vertice COMPOSE, two solutions designed to help community financial institutions identify prospective members and scale customized outreach through AI-assisted copywriting to connect members with relevant financial resources.
 
GHS Federal Credit Union CEO Chad Williams said, “As we shape GHS’ strategic direction, we see a tremendous opportunity to transform our credit union into a more data-driven organization. Our partnership with Vertice AI will be a key catalyst to accelerate that vision. The platform positions GHS to become an AI-powered credit union that uses data intelligence to guide decision-making, deepen trust, and provide the personalized experiences our members expect.”
 
Additionally, Vertice expanded its integration ecosystem through Jack Henry’s Vendor Integration Program (VIP), as well as strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Filene Research Institute and Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union. Each of these collaborations has accelerated AI adoption and equipped credit unions with tools to drive more meaningful member impact.
 
“Reaching this milestone reflects the growing recognition that AI is a real force multiplier to growth and personalization for community financial institutions,” said Mitch Rutledge, CEO of Vertice AI. “More institutions are seeing the tangible benefits of prioritizing data-driven strategies and embracing modern AI tools to fuel smarter personalization and stronger growth. Our platform simplifies that transition for institutions of all sizes by quickly turning complex data into clear, actionable insights and providing measurable account holder intelligence that drives growth.”

​The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) held its annual Winter Conference last week, driving three days of strategy, dialogue, and shared purpose among more than 225 credit union system leaders. Representatives from AACUL, the League System, America’s Credit Unions (ACU), and other key system partners gathered under the theme “Align. Amplify. Advance.” This strategic event underscores the ongoing effort to strengthen and elevate the credit union movement.
 
Participants focused on aligning advocacy priorities, amplifying the industry’s impact, and advancing collective success for 2026 and beyond. Conversations centered on the power of the credit union story, policy challenges ahead, and the shared responsibility to drive meaningful advocacy outcomes.
 
“We are especially proud of the engagement in this year’s conference,” shared AACUL President Brad Miller. “Alignment between state and national advocacy structures is key to a thriving credit union movement. Among other things, it enables rapid response to threats, strategic pursuit of industry priorities, and fuels the collaboration, momentum, and innovation that advance our movement.
 
“Our synergy doesn’t happen by accident. The trust is earned, and the intentional integration of our processes has been carefully designed to bolster our collaboration,” Miller added.
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Throughout the conference, attendees discussed proactive opportunities for 2026 and reflected on key learnings from 2025 advocacy wins, including protecting the credit union tax status, defeating harmful interchange legislation, and securing continued federal support for the CDFI Fund. Speakers also leaned into the need to amplify the credit union “why,” reflecting on the millions of consumers who benefit from credit union membership.
 
In addition to productive dialogue, AACUL held its annual meeting in conjunction with the conference during which the new AACUL Board took effect, and 2026 AACUL Board Officers were elected:

• Chair: John Bratsakis, president/CEO of the MD|DC Credit Union Association
• Vice Chair: Dan Schline, president/CEO of the Carolinas Credit Union League
• Secretary/Treasurer: Caroline Willard, president/CEO of the Cornerstone League

 
Other AACUL Board members include Samantha A.M. Beeler, president of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates; Patty Corkery, president/CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League; and Keith Sultemeier, president/CEO of Kinecta Federal Credit Union. Ex-officio members of the AACUL Board include Pat Conway (Immediate Past Chair), president/CEO of CrossState Credit Union Association; Scott Simpson, president/CEO of America’s Credit Unions; and Brad Miller, president of AACUL.

​Synergent® is pleased to share that Seaboard Federal Credit Union has signed a ten-year renewal agreement for hosted Jack Henry™ Symitar® core processing, along with five-year agreements for a suite of integrated solutions that includes digital banking, bill pay, mobile deposit capture, debit and credit card services, and check and statement processing. A Synergent partner since 2016, Seaboard Federal Credit Union is extending a trusted relationship into the years ahead.
 
The agreement reflects a long-standing partnership built on consistency, service, and shared priorities. It strengthens Seaboard Federal Credit Union’s ability to maintain strong day-to-day operations while continuing to serve members and stay actively engaged in the communities it serves.
 
“Our members expect banking to be simple, secure, and available whenever they need it, and those expectations will only keep rising,” said Kyle Casburn, President and CEO of Seaboard Federal Credit Union. “Seaboard FCU was built on the idea of neighbors helping neighbors, and that still guides how we serve people today. This agreement helps us keep improving while staying true to what makes us Seaboard: personal service, local decision-making, and doing right by our members. Synergent has been responsive and reliable, and that level of service makes a difference.”
 
With these agreements in place, Seaboard Federal Credit Union and Synergent will continue working closely on day-to-day support and long-term planning across the core and integrated solutions. The extended terms are designed to keep services running smoothly while giving the credit union flexibility to evolve its technology strategy over time.
 
“Seaboard FCU has always been a community credit union at heart, and that comes through in both their history and the way they show up locally today,” said Tyler Hudson, President of Synergent. “They’ve grown, but they’ve kept the same practical, member-first approach that shaped their early days. We’re proud to continue this partnership and support their team with dependable technology and responsive service, so they can keep improving the member experience while staying prepared for what’s ahead.”
 
Headquartered in Bucksport, Maine, Seaboard Federal Credit Union has 13,283 members and holds over $235 million in assets. Its field of membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Hancock, Penobscot, Waldo, or Washington County, Maine, as well as the immediate family members of current Seaboard Federal Credit Union members.

The compliance function is changing faster than ever. What was once viewed as a regulatory must-have has become a strategic differentiator, influencing everything from risk culture to boardroom decision-making. 

The data from The Ncontracts 2026 Future of Compliance Survey reveals a profession under pressure — but also one in transformation. Compliance teams are lean, yet increasingly integral to enterprise strategy. They are managing broader risk portfolios with flat budgets, leading through regulatory ambiguity, and preparing for an era defined by automation and artificial intelligence. 

Full of practical insights, the report is your go-to guide for better understanding your FI’s compliance strengths and areas for improvement in 2026 and beyond.   

Highlights Compliance Has Become a Strategic Function 
​82% of FIs are satisfied with board and management support, and 74% are satisfied with their institution's compliance culture. More than half (56%) report stronger integration of compliance into policies, procedures, and training since 2021.
 
Lean Teams Are Managing Expanding Mandates 
38% of FIs operate with just one or two compliance professionals — including a quarter of institutions in the $1-$10 billion in assets range.  

The Knowledge Gap Is Widening 
64% of compliance professionals have 8+ years of experience, and 36% have over 15 years — but much of that expertise is eligible for retirement within five years. 

Regulatory Uncertainty Tops the Risk List 
38% of FIs cite regulatory uncertainty as a top risk, followed by fair lending (33%), limited resources (30%), and staff training (30%).  

Technology Is the New Compliance Divider 
FIs relying on spreadsheets and email report 7x more examiner questions and concerns than their automated peers.  

AI and Data-Driven Compliance Are Emerging but Uneven 
32% report no AI use in compliance, 26% are exploring or piloting solutions, and only 2% have implemented AI broadly. Data quality (36%), regulatory uncertainty (21%), and data privacy (14%) remain the top barriers among FIs.  

Download the full report for more insights.  

​Velera, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, today announced it is adding over 2,500 ATMs at select Speedway® locations, expanding its surcharge-free Co-op ATM Network to more than 37,000 machines nationwide.
 
The rollout will begin this month in partnership with FCTI, Inc. (FCTI), the U.S. ATM provider for 7-Eleven, Inc. and its family of brands, including 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores. For over two decades, FCTI has supported the Co-op ATM Network, connecting credit union members to thousands of ATMs.
 
For participating credit unions, the expanded network offers more than just convenience – it streamlines operations, boosts member retention and drives revenue growth. Velera’s locator apps and customizable marketing tools make it easy for credit unions to highlight ATM locations and stay connected with members across physical and digital touchpoints.
 
“Our Co-op ATM Network – the largest issuer-owned surcharge-free network – is built on the credit union principle of ‘people helping people,’” said Velera Vice President of Network Growth Rob Goodwin. “As we continue to grow our footprint, we’re helping credit unions strengthen engagement and impact in their communities, while providing members with convenient access to cash when and where they need it.”
 
Even as digital payments continue to grow, cash remains an essential part of everyday banking. Velera’s 2025 Eye on Payments report finds that one in four credit union members uses an ATM weekly, primarily to withdraw cash (70%), followed by depositing cash (35%) and depositing checks (29%). The new ATMs at select Speedway® stores across the country will extend these services to even more communities, helping credit unions meet members’ needs wherever they live, work, travel or shop.

Eltropy, the leading AI-powered conversations platform for community financial institutions (CFIs), today announced that First City Credit Union has achieved a 54% reduction in third-party early-stage collection costs through automated text messaging campaigns powered by Eltropy and Akuvo. The credit union reduced monthly expenses from $7,400 to $3,400—a savings of $48,000 annually.
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First City Credit Union partnered with Eltropy in early 2025 to address the high cost of outsourced collection calls. By integrating Eltropy's text messaging platform with Akuvo's collections workflow system, the credit union automated payment reminders for members with delinquent balances, allowing its team to focus on more complex recovery cases.
"We've seen about a 54% expense reduction for our early-stage collections," said Fred Perez, SVP and Chief Lending Officer at First City Credit Union. "That's people calling on our behalf to remind members that their payments are due."

The integration created a fully automated solution. "With Akuvo partnered with Eltropy, it changed the game considerably because now we could set the campaigns to occur at certain intervals," Perez explained. "It took the manual process out of the equation and the campaigns would run automatically."

First City also embedded payment links through Repay within the text messages, allowing members to make payments directly from external accounts. "We layered in a repayment link so the member could get a reminder and click on that link to pay from their external financial institution account," said Perez.

Implementation and Results
First City Credit Union began using Eltropy in February 2025, starting with manual text campaigns before adding payment links in mid-March. By May 2025, the credit union achieved full automation with the Akuvo integration. Results followed quickly:

• Monthly third-party collection costs dropped from $7,400 to $3,400—a 54% reduction
• Text messaging volume grew from 2,200 messages in July to 2,800 in August
• Phone call volume decreased significantly, allowing collectors to focus on recovery work
• Member compliments increased for loan servicing staff

"Some of our collectors say, 'Hey, our phones aren't ringing anymore,'" Perez shared. "The members are curing the delinquent balances sooner. While technology does the payment reminders, we're able to reallocate resources to doing bigger picture items than just doing a reminder call."

Improved Member Experience
Members responded positively to the shift from phone calls to text messages, with very low opt-out rates. "Many of our members prefer that because it's kind of an embarrassing conversation to have," Perez noted. "It's not so embarrassing when you get that by text."

The automation also improved relationships between First City's team and its members. "I have never seen so many member compliments for our agents as this last year," said Perez. "Loan servicing is not generally an area where you're getting that. I think partly because our agents are able to spend more time on the phone with members, listening to them, empathizing with them, and working workable solutions."

Looking Ahead
Building on this success, First City Credit Union has expanded its partnership with Eltropy to include lending and contact center operations.

"First City Credit Union's success demonstrates the power of combining Eltropy's conversations platform with complementary technologies like Akuvo," said Ashish Garg, Co-founder and CEO of Eltropy. "By automating routine collection reminders through text messaging, credit unions can reduce costs while actually improving the member experience."

To learn more about Eltropy's collections and loan servicing solutions, visit eltropy.com or request a demo. To learn more about First City Credit Union’s success with Eltropy, read the case study here. ​

​Nuuvia, formerly Incent, the leading provider of youth banking solutions for community banks and credit unions, announced today that VyStar Credit Union and Desert Financial Credit Union have completed a combined $4 million investment into its Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO). The investment reinforces Nuuvia's mission to partner and collaborate with progressive financial institutions to build best-in-class youth engagement tools that address critical membership growth challenges.
 
Jacksonville, Fla.-based [VyStar Credit Union ($14 billion in assets), the second-largest credit union in Florida and 16th in the nation, and Phoenix-based Desert Financial Credit Union ($9 billion in assets), Arizona's largest local credit union and 36th nationally, join the CUSO as strategic investors. Both institutions will receive seats on the CUSO Board of Directors and the Product Technology and Innovation Council, providing definitive input into Nuuvia's strategic direction and product roadmap.
 
Casey Callinsky, SVP of Strategic Initiatives at VyStar Credit Union, said, “At VyStar, we believe innovation begins with understanding our members’ evolving needs. Partnering with Nuuvia allows us to influence the next generation of digital banking experiences, starting with the next-generation of members, and ensures credit unions like ours remain at the forefront of member engagement and community impact.”
 
The investment accelerates Nuuvia's product roadmap, expands operational capacity to onboard and support new clients and drives market awareness and adoption of its white-labeled youth banking platform.
 
Tyler Woodward, Chief Strategy Officer at Desert Financial Credit Union, said, "An intelligent lifecycle banking platform is the future of the credit union movement. We were early adopters of Nuuvia's youth banking platform, and the results have exceeded all expectations. This investment reinforces our commitment to innovation and shaping solutions, while supporting the financial well-being of our members at every stage of life."
 
With an aging credit union member base and an estimated $124 trillion in wealth expected to transfer across generations, engaging younger consumers has become an imperative. Nuuvia’s Intelligent Lifecycle Banking platform helps financial institutions attract and retain members across generations through a personalized, digital-first experience that integrates seamlessly with existing systems.
 
"Creating meaningful partnerships with forward-thinking institutions like VyStar and Desert Financial is central to our vision of redefining the future of banking," said Marcell King, President and COO of Nuuvia. "Their investment and strategic guidance through our Board and Innovation Council will be invaluable as we continue developing solutions that empower financial institutions to strengthen relationships with the next generation of account holders. Together, we're building a platform that delivers safe, educational, real-world banking experiences while driving financial wellness for families nationwide."
 
Nuuvia’s Intelligent Lifecycle Banking platform makes it easier for individuals and families to meet their financial goals and strengthen their financial health throughout their entire lifecycle. The platform ensures community financial institutions retain complete control over their customer ecosystems, including maintaining deposits, card revenue, data and relationships in-house.

Engage fi, a national consulting firm specializing in bank technology and strategy, announced today its acquisition of Intellectual Dimensions. Through this acquisition, Engage fi introduces the industry's first intelligent data automation platform built specifically to streamline and accelerate core conversions for U.S. financial institutions.

Engage fi guides banks and credit unions through complex technology transformations, including core conversions, deconversions, migrations, and M&A-driven integrations. The firm also supports institutions in strategic planning, vendor evaluations, and negotiations across core account processing, digital banking, payments, and integrated communications.

Through its first acquisition, Engage fi expands its capabilities to serve institutions undergoing mergers and acquisitions by integrating Intellectual Dimensions' intelligent data automation platform for core conversions. Engage fi also adds Intellectual Dimensions' business intelligence and data automation suite, VantEdge Point DataFusion®, which equips institutions with real-time insights, data quality controls, and advanced analytics to accelerate growth and operational performance.

"This acquisition is more than growth; it's transformation," said Andres Pasantes, President & CEO of Engage fi. "It positions us at the forefront of intelligent data automation for institutions undergoing core conversions and those working to harness their data. Together, we will advance how financial institutions manage conversions, mergers, data migrations, and business intelligence."

Now operating as a division of Engage fi, Intellectual Dimensions has built a strong reputation since 2001, serving more than 200 institutions nationwide. Its intelligent data automation platform provides an efficient, scalable solution to store, clean, scrub, validate, and transfer core data, empowering institutions with greater flexibility in core selection while significantly reducing risk and manual effort during core migrations.

"Institutions need faster, more accurate conversions that reduce manual work and budget strain," Pasantes added. "Intellectual Dimensions' platform delivers these outcomes today across nearly every major core system. Engage fi clients have used the platform over the past 18 months and consistently report faster implementations, higher accuracy, and measurable efficiency gains."

Intellectual Dimensions' active co-founders, Keith E. Bluford and John Chapman III, will continue in leadership roles for Intellectual Dimensions as a newly created division of Engage fi. Its full team will also join Engage fi, continuing to support both new and existing clients without interruption.

"Engage fi looks forward to serving Intellectual Dimensions' clients and enhancing their experience with broader advisory services, additional resources, and a fully integrated support model," Pasantes said. "Together, the combined teams will deliver even greater value through expanded capabilities and a unified focus on data, technology, and transformation."

Institutions depend on technology to innovate and grow. Engage fi's acquisition of Intellectual Dimensions provides clients with fast, accurate, and efficient control over their data through a single, integrated, automated data intelligence platform.

Learn more: https://go.engagefi.com/intellectual-dimensions-by-engage-fi-lp