NEWS RELEASE
September 26, 2019

First West Credit Union unveils new enhanced digital banking experience

Canada’s fifth largest credit union launches a new mobile app, online banking platform and public website

LANGLEY, B.C. – First West Credit Union today announces the launch of a new digital banking experience in its Envision Financial division. Developed in partnership with Central 1, First West is the first credit union in Canada to release all three channels of the Forge Digital Banking Platform into market, which includes a brand new mobile app, online banking platform and public website.

“At First West, we’re always looking for ways to deliver remarkable banking experiences for our members,” says Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union. “With the launch of our new digital banking platform, we’re continuing to lead the way in offering innovative technology and demonstrating our commitment to elevating the banking experience – making it simpler, more intuitive and efficient for our members to interact with us.” 

Using Backbase’s global-leading omni-channel banking solution as the foundation, Forge includes everything digital banking – all on one modern and streamlined platform that is designed to transform the user experience. Through this offering, First West is introducing innovative digital banking technologies and solutions that its members want and expect to use now, and in the future. 

“Central 1 is thrilled to be partnering with First West to help deliver a best-in-class digital banking experience to their members, through our Forge Digital Banking Platform,” says Mark Blucher, President and CEO of Central 1. “Forge is designed to keep our clients on the leading edge of new digital strategies that will further strengthen their market share and engage their members. With award-winning technical architecture and customized, state-of-the-art banking solutions, Forge enables First West to be a leader in the ever-evolving digital banking expectations of Canadians.” 

Skinner adds, “At First West, we pride ourselves on our ongoing commitment to putting our members first and creating real value for them through exceptional day-to-day banking products and best-in-class technology solutions. Our team has been working hard to bring this new, enhanced digital banking experience to our members and we will continue to look for ways to stay at the forefront of the digital banking movement.”

Currently available for retail banking members at Envision Financial, Forge will launch for First West members in the Valley First and Island Savings divisions later this year, and will be available for all business banking members in early 2020.

About First West Credit Union
First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia’s third-largest credit union with $10 billion in assets, nearly 250,000 members and more than 1,700 employees. It operates 50 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings brands. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union. 

About 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 www.central1.com.

Media Contacts
Josh Juhlke
Communications Manager
First West Credit Union
t: 604.309.6066
jjuhlke@firstwestcu.ca  

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