PHOENIX– OneAZ Credit Union said it has made an investment in Curql as part of its efforts to accelerate its digital transformation.
Iowa-based Curql operates two investment funds and acts as a credit union-backed venture capital firm that invests in fintech and other companies.
“Joining Curql Fund II is a transformative step for OneAZ, enabling us to engage with trailblazing technology that has the potential to revolutionize the credit union industry,” OneAZ President & CEO Brandon Michaels said in a statement. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to have a seat at the table to review and potentially invest in advanced technology that could place us at the vanguard of innovation. By partnering with Curql, we’re committing to embracing innovative solutions that allow us to fulfill our mission of driving prosperity for all Arizonans.”
‘Significant Opportunity’
Added Osman Ulhaq, OneAZ’s chief strategy and growth officer, in a statement, “This fund represents a significant opportunity for us to not only diversify our portfolio but also to embrace innovative technologies that can propel our services to new heights. Our commitment to driving prosperity and community growth through innovative solutions remains stronger than ever.”
“By forming strategic alliances with companies delivering cutting edge technologies,” OneAZ added, “it will have access to collaborative relationships that may result in investments in innovative technologies that will help the credit union thrive in this competitive technological landscape.”
‘A Force in Arizona’
”OneAZ is a force in Arizona with promise to lead nationally as many credit unions in the Curql ecosystem already do,” Nick Evens, president and CEO of Curql, said in a statement “They’re a welcome addition to the 120 plus--and quickly growing--list of credit unions across the nation joining forces to help credit unions compete against big banks and fintech conglomerates. We’re proud to partner with OneAZ and welcome other like-minded credit unions to the table – big and small.”