Calgary-based connectFirst Credit Union aims to redefine the modern banking experience. With a focus on personal, digital customer experiences, the organization is one of Alberta’s firms leading the $20 billion digital transformation spend.
“As we transition, connectFirst is the right organization, at the right time, to help Albertans through today’s opportunities and challenges,” said Kendra Holland, interim CEO, connectFirst Credit Union.
With Calgary home to 80 per cent of Alberta’s fintech firms, connectFirst offers unique banking solutions alongside Calgary-based fintech firms Neo Financial, Helcim, Symend and Solium capital.
“The presence and influence of such globally promising fintech companies and their executives – in Calgary – inspires us and helps us think and behave more like a fintech,” said Holland. “It also creates a healthy ecosystem in which we can thrive.”
Small businesses and entrepreneurs can find accessible banking solutions with the credit union. By approaching universal banking challenges with new ideas, connectFirst embraces innovation, a key driver in the economic strategy, Calgary in the New Economy.
“Most banks’ business models are very traditional. We’re creating a digital-savvy modern banking experience that also boasts the superior member experience you expect from a credit union,” said Holland.
The organization offers a low-cost unlimited banking package to reduce financial barriers for entrepreneurs with bright ideas. Alongside its digital user experience focus, the credit union also offers a personal banking experience with recently expanded branch locations across Alberta.
“Small businesses, in particular, will drive our future,” said Holland, “so we want to help them be successful and make their banking affordable. We express our values via the products and services we offer and the personal experience we provide.”
Innovation and community development requires investment.
connectFirst partners with post-secondary institutions to provide career opportunities to students at SAIT and encourages solutions to global problems through the connectFirst Social Entrepreneurs program at Mount Royal University.
Banking on expanding accessible financial solutions for Albertans, connectFirst has plans for growth in 2023 and is actively recruiting.
“We want to reflect the communities we serve, benefit from richer perspectives and identify new people so we can attract the very best. We’re not your dad’s grey-haired bankers,” said Holland.
For the full story on connectFirst, visit Live Tech, Love Life. Check out the tech ecosystem page for local careers across dynamic industry sectors. For more on Calgary’s fintech industry, visit our sector page.
