Digital Roadmaps
What and Why?
Building a digital roadmap is a necessary and intricate part of modern credit union business. In today’s banking environment, there is a constant need to upgrade, improve, and implement new systems to keep pace with regulatory changes, cybersecurity needs, and member expectations. While we have built a roadmap, a major part of managing this process is continually adapting it—incorporating new projects and reprioritizing others—to ensure we are always aligned with the needs of our members and the market. For example, at the end of 2024, Canadian credit unions were notified that the Forge digital banking system—used by nearly every credit union in BC, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada—will be phased out by 2028. Although this change may seem distant, the impact and scale of it means our current roadmap must adapt, to ensure the new priority is met.
Our membership demands high-quality, accessible self-service solutions across all age groups. We are not simply choosing to invest in IT upgrades; we are responding directly to our members’ needs. Our digital roadmap guides us in investing in tomorrow’s IT infrastructure while ensuring that in-branch technology supports the personal service that remains at the core of our business. Balancing investments in equipment, infrastructure, software, and our own time is imperative for continued success and competitiveness. As such, IT investment will remain a significant facet of our strategic decision-making in the years to come – and our digital roadmap is an important tool to ensure we do our best to get it right.
In 2024, the StellerVista website and online banking pages were visited more than 275,000 times. (Over 750 visits per day).
In 2024, more than 3500 bills were paid through the StellerVista mobile app – totalling more than $4.3 million dollars.
$13,000,000
In 2024, StellerVista members sent more than 5000 eTransfers, totalling more than 13 million dollars.
$13,000,000
In 2024, StellerVista members received more than 5000 eTransfers, totalling more than 13 million dollars.
While many of the major projects run over one or more full years, we did see a number of important ones begin and conclude in 2024. We replaced and upgraded hardware in several branches—essential work that ensures our technology remains reliable and efficient for in-person banking service. In addition, we are actively exploring a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to reusing and recycling our devices.
Another key initiative involves a change to our ATM network switch—a large undertaking that will result in all members likely receiving a new debit card within the next year. These new cards will offer improved international usability and enhanced online purchasing capabilities compared to our current cards. Members can expect detailed communication on these changes very soon, but much of the due diligence and review work, started in 2024, has now been completed.
Additionally, we are preparing to transition to a new digital banking platform—a project that carries high member impact. While we did not initially anticipate this move so quickly, as we rolled out a large update in 2024 for our online banking and mobile app, we are in a position where proactive action matters, and we plan to select a new platform and begin negotiations within the year. Although the complete transition may take longer, this process will provide us with a clear path forward.
These projects are just a few examples of things your local credit union is working on to ensure modern service meets traditional values. We do not take on these challenges lightly, as they carry considerable impact and risk. Each decision is evaluated through thorough due diligence and board oversight to ensure thoughtful, durable choices and the selection of reliable vendors.
Together, these initiatives reaffirm our commitment to offering the best digital services for our members, ensuring that we remain the local banking choice for our communities well into the future.