NEWS RELEASE
December 12, 2019

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

Members in the Valley First and Island Savings divisions now have access to new, enhanced mobile apps, online banking platforms and public websites

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.

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