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MSUFCU, Reseda Group partner with North American Fintech Coalition to help credit unions innovate and grow

EAST LANSING, MI (February 13, 2025) | MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) and Reseda Group, its wholly owned credit union service organization, today announced the launch of a foundational partnership with North American Fintech Coalition (NAFC), a new nonprofit organization that fosters collaboration between credit unions and early-stage fintech startups to drive advancements in digital banking, advanced payment systems, and other cutting-edge technologies.

“NAFC’s work aligns with MSUFCU’s core value of pursuing growth and development and Reseda Group’s purpose to elevate the best and brightest fintech and cutting-edge solutions,” said Ben Maxim, MSUFCU’s Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Reseda Group. “We’re excited for the opportunities this partnership will bring to our members and the credit union community.”

Based in Seattle, NAFC is comprised of nearly 25 early-stage startups, including some in stealth mode, all working to help credit unions better compete against big banks. Through its new partnership, MSUFCU and Reseda Group will have:

• Access to all NAFC events, virtual or in person.

• Access to the NAFC’s online portal of startups for pilot projects and/or investment.

• First access to pilot projects/proofs of concept with NAFC startups.

• Invitations to discussions and feedback surveys about the direction of new products in the marketplace.

• First access to invest in NAFC startups and get detailed investor-level information.

• Access to and influence on the planning and execution of the NAFC’s events/agenda.

Maxim and Meredith Nicholoff, MSUFCU Digital Strategy and Innovations Manager, will also serve on the NAFC advisory committee.

“NAFC’s partnership with MSUFCU and Reseda Group will help in breaking a significant barrier to entry for people from outside the financial industry and non-networked founders from diverse backgrounds who have ideas for improving the sector,” said Nate Derby, NAFC Co-Founder. “We appreciate their support in bringing new and diverse talent and services to credit unions.”

For more information about NAFC, visit namfintech.org.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)

Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 13 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® for 10 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. The Credit Union operates an award-winning, wholly owned credit union service organization, Reseda Group; along with digital financial platforms AlumniFi and Collegiate; trade name Oakland University Credit Union; and its foundation, the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 31 branches; over 365,000 members; more than $8 billion in assets; and 1,200-plus employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.

Contact

Allison Horn
Vice President of Executive Communication and Legislative Affairs
517-333-2424, ext. 2401

Reseda Group

Headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, Reseda Group is a wholly-owned credit union service organization of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). Formed in 2021, Reseda Group changes the way people interact with their finances and how financial institutions engage with their consumers. By leveraging innovative products developed in-house and through its partnership ecosystem, Reseda Group is making financial technology and engagement solutions more accessible and approachable to the industry. Learn more at resedagroup.com.

New Credit Union-Focused Fintech Coalition Hosts Event to Encourage Credit Unions to Partner with Early-Stage Startups to Build Better Products 

The North American Fintech Coalition (NAFC) is shaking things up in the world of credit unions by fostering partnerships with early-stage fintech startups. On October 1 and 2, NAFC is hosting its Partner Pitch Event, designed to bring together credit unions and innovative startups for a two-day, live-streamed showcase. This event aims to inspire credit unions—whether they're tech-savvy or just exploring their options—to collaborate with startups to develop cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs.

NAFC’s mission is to help credit unions create better products by working directly with startups that have fresh ideas and minimal viable products (MVPs). With a focus on building partnerships from the ground up, the event is the perfect space for credit unions to explore new fintech possibilities.

The Coalition, which grew out of the BECU Fintech Incubator and Techstars Seattle accelerator, has already seen early success thanks to partners like WSECU, Salal CU, and Lafayette FCU. Now, they’re looking to expand this collaborative network.

Paul Kirkbride, COO of WSECU and a key NAFC advisor, emphasizes the importance of these partnerships. "By partnering with early-stage startups, credit unions can shape solutions from the very beginning, ensuring they meet the unique needs of our industry," he said.

Diversity is also front and center at the event. Out of the 14 startups presenting, 11 are led by underrepresented founders, including women, Black, LatinX, LGBTQ+, Native Americans, and veterans. This commitment to inclusivity ensures a broader range of perspectives and innovative approaches.

Credit union executives are invited to join the conversation by registering for the event through the NAFC website. Don’t miss the chance to explore new ways to innovate and grow in the fintech space!

For more information, contact Nate Derby at nate@namfintech.org.

Let’s build the future of credit unions together!