Cooperation for a Prosperous World
Did you know that we exist because Atlantic Canadian credit unions decided their members needed solid wealth management options? They came together in cooperation to create CU Financial Management, offering members a way to further prosper. It’s been a win-win-win, for credit unions, their members, and for us.
Over the past five years, we have worked together with our partner credit unions to grow and adapt, so that each member has the same opportunities for robust financial management of their hard-earned money.
Our Partnership and Its Benefits for You
Credit unions are all about cooperation, as each credit union is, in and of itself, a cooperative. That means that their ownership is in the hands of its members, the people who bank with them. The principles that guide them are strong ethical values, like honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.
In 2019, 16 Atlantic Canadian credit unions decided that they wanted to offer more to their members, especially when it came to wealth management options. In the spirit of cooperation, they joined together, and CU Financial Management was formed. As a separate entity, we are able to offer additional services to credit union members, like holistic financial and estate planning, which can include investments and life insurance.
As we collaborate with credit unions, our values and mission are aligned. Like the local credit unions we work with, our goal is to strengthen our communities with responsible and innovative financial advice. Our values reflect that as well:
- Ethics: Providing the highest level of ethical service to our clients and having their best interests at heart.
- Responsibility: Accountable to ourselves, our clients and our communities.
- Trust: Building a foundation of trust that fosters success and continuous growth.
- Community: Continuously doing our best to improve the communities we’re a part of.
- Expertise: Results-driven experts, passionate about sharing our knowledge and helping others.
- Empathy: Meeting people where they are, listening to their needs and values and building authentic connections.
Innovations for You
Part of our innovation came with the introduction of our CU Wealth Essentials team in 2024 so we can offer more services to Atlantic Canadians. This digital team of seven are the first to connect with credit union members, usually after a credit union employee has recognized their need and set up an appointment. This collaborative approach is part of what makes our partnership with credit unions so successful.
So far this year, the CU Wealth Essentials team has had first-time conversations with over 950 credit union members, people who are just beginning to explore the wealth management services we offer. For the past five years, we’ve supported thousands of members just like them, building long-term relationships and helping them navigate their financial journeys.
With three Certified Financial Planners, a Professional Financial Advisor, and Certified Cash Flow Specialists, the Wealth Essentials team brings decades of expertise to every conversation, whether it’s a first-time chat or a continued relationship.
Many of the products and services we offer, such as Registered Retirement Saving Plans, Registered Education Savings Plans, and Tax Free Savings Plans are in partnership with Aviso Wealth*. This allows credit union members access to investment products and our financial planners can tailor financial plans to anyone’s needs. Because we are not a bank, the CU Financial Management team can also offer life insurance options for our clients, and we firmly believe that a true wealth management strategy includes legacy protection.
By offering credit union members more options for their financial future, we’re helping to live out the International Credit Union Day theme, truly cooperating for a prosperous world.
*Online brokerage services are offered through Qtrade Direct Investing. Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Aviso Wealth. Qtrade Direct Investing, Qtrade Guided Portfolios and Aviso Wealth are divisions of Aviso Financial Inc.