On October 30, 2025, in Palm Desert, California, Black Dragon Capital℠, an innovative investment firm, successfully hosted an exclusive gathering that brought together key figures from the credit union sector and leading fintech minds. This event was aimed at fostering collaborations that could reshape the future of the credit union industry.
Black Dragon Capital is renowned for its focus on disruptive technologies that drive growth in various sectors. Founded over ten years ago by prominent leaders in technology, the firm seeks to create long-term economic stability through strategic investments. The recent event showcased this mission, blending insights from seasoned experts in the credit union space with forward-thinking fintech visionaries.
Among the industry leaders present were Louis Hernandez Jr., Founder and Chairman of Black Dragon Capital, and Benson Porter, Chair of the FinTech Fund and former CEO of BECU and FirstTech Credit Unions. They led discussions on addressing the industry's vital pain points while unveiling the newly launched Black Dragon Capital FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board. This board consists of esteemed representatives from credit unions and CUSOs aiming to create successful fintech organizations that address the significant challenges faced by the industry.
The event featured numerous highlights, including:
- - A comprehensive FinTech update presented by Kevin Lee, Partner at Black Dragon Capital.
- - Key strategic discussions led by Benson Porter.
- - An introduction of Scott Simpson as the incoming President and CEO of America's Credit Unions by Bill Cheney.
- - Insights from Louis Hernandez Jr. on the future of technology, referencing themes from his recent book, Digital Tsunami.
- - Presentations from CEOs of portfolio companies, such as GenAspire and Open Banking Solutions, who outlined their visions for future opportunities.
- - Exploration of collaborative efforts with the For A Bright Future Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare, and youth leadership development.
The networking opportunities at this gathering allowed for fruitful discussions on innovative approaches to driving positive change within credit unions. Chuck Fagan and Bill Cheney, Co-Chairs of the Advisory Board, highlighted the importance of collaboration for success. They committed to fostering an environment where credit unions can thrive while ensuring their members enjoy sustainable returns on their investments.
“The turnout for our private event exceeded our expectations,” said Benson Porter. “We have long been invested in the credit union movement, and this event allowed us to engage directly with industry leaders to address the pressing challenges we face. Our discussions laid the groundwork for potential investment strategies that can enhance our community impact.”
The membership of the Black Dragon Capital FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board comprises leaders from well-regarded institutions such as SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Velera, and California Credit Union, among others. Their collective expertise is essential for driving the strategic direction of Black Dragon Capital’s fintech investments.
As the event concluded, there was a shared enthusiasm for the next steps, which include applying insights gained from discussions to the evolving investment landscape.
Black Dragon Capital continues to demonstrate its commitment to impacting the community through innovation and collaboration, anchoring itself firmly as a leader in the financial technology space. The firm’s vision resonates not just within the realms of investment but also in the broader narrative of community empowerment and economic stability. As discussions progress and relationships deepen, the outcome of this gathering promises to propel the credit union sector towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.