Core Values...

As is true with any organization, CU*NorthWest is driven by some core values. Understanding the core values of any firm is essential in evaluating them as a business partner.  We have detailed ours below. 

Our Corporate Philosophy

CU*NorthWest is a mission based organization.  Our mission is to stimulate credit unions to a new way of thinking about their business.  We believe that networks, both technical and social, are a mechanism for strategic advantage and competitive edge.  We believe that credit union partnerships and collaboration are essential to secure the future of our industry and that a common technology backbone makes this possible.  Not only do we build solutions to support this philosophy, but we demonstrate this approach every day as a member of the cuasterisk.com network.

A Focus on Utilization

CU*NorthWest is an extension of the credit union staff, with the same goals, strategic challenges and focus as credit union professionals.  "Manufacturing time" has become a key focus for us.  Providing the best tools possible is only effective if the credit union has time to use them. 

Being in the business

Working with credit unions, examiners, auditors and industry professional to ensure that our solutions pass the test is essential. Putting our teams side by side with credit union staff to not only understand the needs but participate in the execution of the daily work.  All of this contributes to a focus far beyond the conventional "vendor". 

Removing barriers to entry

We believe that price should never be a barrier for a credit union to enter the market with a new product or service.  By minimizing or removing the upfront costs for new technology and service, we allow our clients to compete head to head with every other financial institution.  Further, we use our collective bargaining power to negotiate on behalf of our entire network (now representing more than 1.5 million members).

Total transparency

No secrets - no secrets - no secrets.  From our pricing, to our financials, to our product designs and beyond - there is virtually nothing we will not disclose to our client owners or the market in general.  You will find no passwords on our sites.  Current and future product designs are open to the public.  We even allow access to every item documented on product issues and enhancement requests. 

Guaranteeing the Difference

The CU*NorthWest model is about challenging the solutions, both technical and human, to clearly separate our efforts from other credit union alternatives. 

Essentially we are an industry agitator - we challenge convention.  We seek to make a difference not just in the businesses of our associated clients but by our sheer presence in the industry.  If our core values and business model simply cause other vendors to change their approach or credit unions to challenge conventional thought - we are serving a purpose.  The days of a "credit union movement" are over - it isn't working - if it was we wouldn't be losing more than a credit union a day.

DUMP THE MOVEMENT - START A NETWORK