Credit Unions Set 2026 FiLab Testing Agenda 

Seven innovative solutions selected to advance growth, community impact, and member well-being across the credit union system

Madison, Wis. – FiLab at Filene has announced the seven innovative solutions selected for real-world testing throughout 2026, representing the next evolution in collaborative experimentation among credit unions. Voted on by FiLab’s sponsor community during the 2025 FiLab Symposium in Madison, Wisconsin, these new tests will explore emerging technologies and human-centered approaches to drive growth, deepen member engagement, and expand community impact.

This year’s Symposium brought together visionary credit union leaders and fintech innovators to explore the future of financial services through the lens of collaboration and experimentation. Over three days, attendees reviewed 25 semi-finalists chosen from a pool of 85 applications, engaging in dynamic discussions before selecting seven standout concepts for FiLab’s fourth testing cycle.

“Each year, our FiLab tests push the boundaries of what’s possible for credit unions,” said McKaye Black, Filene’s Head of Incubation. “These seven solutions represent the collective insight and boldness of our community, each one has the potential to redefine how credit unions deliver value and improve financial well-being.”

2026 FiLab Tests: Advancing Impact & Driving Growth

• Agentic AI (Discovery) – Exploring AI-mediated member experiences
  A discovery-style test in partnership with Filene’s Center of Excellence for Design for Digital, focused on understanding how AI agents can improve service and operational efficiency.
• Carefull – Financial safety platform for aging adults and caregivers
  Empowers credit unions to detect and prevent elder fraud and protect vulnerable members.
• Delfi – AI-powered analytics and advisory platform for asset-liability management (ALM)
  Transforms risk management and balance sheet modeling with faster, data-driven insights.
• Goodbuy – CU-branded marketplace for members and local small businesses
  Connects members with nearby merchants through exclusive, values-aligned perks that support community growth.
• Reset – Earned wage access tied to core deposits
  Helps members access earned income earlier while promoting liquidity and retention.
• Ribbon – AI-driven campaigns to re-engage dormant accounts
  Reduces escheatment losses and drives deposit retention through proactive outreach.
• Vertice COMPOSE – AI-powered content generation
  Accelerates compliant, personalized marketing at scale, helping credit unions strengthen digital engagement.

“This year’s lineup of tests shows how far credit unions have come in embracing innovation as a shared journey,” added Rob Keatts, EVP/Chief Strategy Officer at Chartway Credit Union, a FiLab sponsor. “By working together, we’re not just testing technology, we’re shaping the future of member service.”

FiLab sponsors include:

•       Affinity Federal Credit Union
•       Altura Credit Union
•       Chartway Credit Union
•       Credit Union 1
•       Credit Union One
•       Credit Union of Texas
•       Defense Credit Union Council
•       Elements Financial
•       ELGA Credit Union
•       Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union
•       IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union
•       Lake Trust Credit Union
•       Michigan State University Federal Credit Union
•       Municipal Credit Union
•       OpenLending
•       Oregon State Credit Union
•       Origence
•       Patelco Credit Union
•       Reseda Group
•       Rize Credit Union
•       Royal Credit Union
•       SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
•       Suncoast Credit Union
•       Truliant Federal Credit Union
•       Unitus Community Credit Union
•       Verity Credit Union
•       Visa
•       Visions Federal Credit Union
•       Westerra Credit Union

In the coming months, FiLab will collaborate with participating credit unions to scope, launch, and measure these tests, generating actionable insights that the broader credit union community can apply. The outcomes will inform future best practices, deepen the industry’s innovation capacity, and help institutions of all sizes adopt proven, scalable solutions.

Credit union and system partners can still get involved in FiLab by becoming a sponsor. Visit filene.org/filab to learn more, or email McKaye Black at mckayeb@filene.org.

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About Filene: Filene Research Institute strengthens organizations through innovative research and incubation to improve consumer financial well-being. As an independent cooperative finance think tank, Filene’s membership network connects a community of leaders and bright minds to change lives through innovation, truth and cooperation. In addition to delivering cutting-edge, actionable academic research, Filene also provides incubators to test and scale solutions, events to spark organizations into action and advisory services to help accelerate and implement innovation. For more information, visit filene.org and @fileneresearch.