PHOENIX -- OneAZ Credit Union said it has signed on as a sponsor of the Center for the Credit Union of the Future as well as the Center for Leadership Strategy & Governance, two of Filene Research Institute’s Centers of Excellence.
“Our partnership with Filene Research Institute is a strategic investment that provides OneAZ the opportunity to engage with some of the brightest industry trailblazers in the country,” OneAZ CU President and CEO Brandon Michaels said in a statement. “This powerful alliance gives us a seat at the table to exchange ideas with experts innovating in the fields of customer experience and leadership. Together, through this partnership we’ll drive towards setting a new standard for excellence and innovation in the financial industry.”
‘Continuous Advancement’
Added Osman Ulhaq, chief strategy & growth officer added in a statement, "By partnering with Filene Research Institute, OneAZ is committed to continuous advancement and improvement in this rapidly changing landscape. Our participation in these initiatives is vital to ensuring the ongoing relevance and competitiveness in this rapidly changing industry. These projects will benefit not only OneAZ, but all credit unions to be more successful and innovative for years to come.”
Addressing ‘Core Issues’
According to the organizations, Filene’s Centers of Excellence address the core issues that credit unions are facing in an industry that is rapidly evolving by “delivering actionable strategies to implement now in preparation for the future. With continuously evolving technologies, changing consumer preferences and increasing workplace expectations, credit unions are under a tremendous amount of pressure to survive and thrive.”
The organizations added that Filene’s research centers reflect the most critical needs credit union leaders face and support their efforts to adapt and explore innovative business models to blaze new trails in the financial services industry.
‘Transformative Landscape’
"As we navigate through the transformative landscape of financial services, Filene is proud to partner with OneAZ in support of two recently launched Centers of Excellence focused on equipping credit unions with the foresight and tools necessary to thrive amidst rapid change," said Filene CEO Mark Meyer. "This is a testament to our organizations' shared commitment to innovation and excellence. Together with Filene's research fellows and best-in-class academics, we will explore new business models and actionable strategies that ensure credit unions remain relevant and competitive, serving their members' and communities' needs both now and long into the future."
About the Centers
The Credit Union of the Future
Led by Filene Fellow Dr. Lamont Black, the Center for the Credit Union of the Future takes an “ecosystem approach to identifying and developing new business models that will ensure ongoing growth and sustainability for the credit union system. This exciting research center will help credit unions prepare for what’s next by addressing future value propositions, focusing on the right data insights, and adapting to trends in innovation and disruption,” Filene said.
Leadership, Strategy & Governance
According to Filene its Center for Leadership, Strategy & Governance focuses on helping credit unions to strategically adapt internally to an ever-shifting landscape. Led by Filene Fellow Dr. Amy Hillman, the Center for Leadership, Strategy & Governance “delivers fresh approaches to leadership and governance as credit unions aim to transform the ways they operate, do business and develop talent.”
The $3.4-billion OneAZ Credit Union has more than 185,000 members.