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MEDIA CENTRE

First West Credit Union unveils a new digital banking experience across its regional brands for all retail banking members

LANGLEY, B.C. – First West Credit Union today announces that a new digital banking experience is now available for its retail banking members across all its regional divisions. Following on the heels of the launch at Envision Financial in September, all three channels of the Forge Digital Banking Platform, including new mobile apps, online banking platforms and public websites were recently unveiled at Valley First and Island Savings.

Developed in partnership with Central 1, First West is the first credit union in Canada to fully release all three channels of the Forge Digital Banking Platform into market, giving its members access to innovative digital banking solutions.

“This is a big milestone for our credit union, and more importantly, for our members,” says Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union. “From our front-line team members, to our shared services team, all of us at First West are committed to putting our members first and ensuring we make it simple and convenient to do business with us. Our partnership with Central 1 is a tremendous example of how we can achieve great things when we embrace the spirit of innovation and collaboration to elevate the banking experience.”

“It is exciting to see First West delivering such a leading-edge, member-centric digital banking experience to their Valley First and Island Savings members through our Forge Digital Banking Platform,” says Mark Blucher, President and CEO of Central 1. “Designed to keep our clients innovative and on the cusp of new digital strategies, Forge is enabling them to further strengthen their market share and thoughtfully engage their customer bases with ever-evolving digital experiences that Canadians expect and need. Congratulations to First West!”

Designed to transform the user experience, Forge includes everything digital banking – all on one modern and streamlined platform. Currently available for all retail banking members at Envision Financial, Valley First and Island Savings, Forge will be available for all business banking members in early 2020.

Company Information

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union brings together the best of both worlds, combining the scale, stability and solutions of a leading Canadian financial institution with the care and community leadership of a local cooperative. Powered by the leadership of Launi Skinner, First West is Canada’s premier multi-brand credit union, serving 283,000 members through four admired community brands: Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial. With approximately $20 billion in total assets and assets under administration, First West makes it easy for its members to get impactful, practical advice and personalized service that’s truly in their best interests, through 45 branches across B.C., a Member Advice Centre and leading digital tools.

Since 2010, First West has given back more than $41 million to its communities, while cultivating a culture with its 1,250 team members that is recognized nationally with Canada’s Most Admired Cultures Award, BC’s Top Employers Award, 5-Star Psychological Safety Award, and the Canadian Workplace Wellbeing Award. Learn more at firstwestcu.ca and see how we’re redefining banking to create a future where everyone can flourish.

Central 1

Central 1 is a preferred partner for financial, digital banking and payment products and services – fueling the success of businesses across Canada. With $16.9 billion in assets, we leverage our scale, strength and expertise to power progress for more than 250 credit unions and other financial institutions, enhancing the financial well-being of more than 5 million customers from coast to coast. For more information, visit central1.com.

Media Contacts

Cheryl Shaw

Communications Manager
First West Credit Union
t: 604.539.7360
cshaw@firstwestcu.ca

Ian Colvin

Head of External Communications
Central 1 Credit Union
t: 236.688.6594
icolvin@central1.com