Southern California Credit Union Merger Elevates Financial Services for Members and Communities

Overview of the Merger

On June 4, 2025, the Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal) proudly announced the completion of its merger with LA Financial Credit Union, which included the Havasu Community Credit Union. This strategic collaboration aims to combine resources and expand services, providing better financial solutions and enhanced experiences to members.

Merger Details

As a direct result of this merger, CU SoCal will now integrate LA Financial, acquiring not just the institution's name but also its operational framework and a loyal member base. Havasu Community Credit Union will maintain its branding but operate as a division within CU SoCal. This synergy will boost CU SoCal's asset to exceed $3.3 billion along with a total member count surpassing 180,000.

In addition to asset growth, the merger also expands CU SoCal’s reach with the addition of four new branches located in Norwalk, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Lake Havasu City. This expansion will increase CU SoCal’s overall branch network to 25 locations, making it more accessible to members across Southern California.

Leadership and Team Integration

Dave Gunderson, the President and CEO of CU SoCal, will remain in his role, steering the organization into this new chapter. Alongside him, Carol Galizia, the former CEO of LA Financial, will take on the role of Chief of Strategic Initiatives. This combination of leadership is expected to drive forward-thinking strategies and innovative solutions benefiting all stakeholders.

Moreover, all existing team members from LA Financial will be seamlessly integrated into CU SoCal, with promises of career growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and participation in development programs. The credit union is committed to providing a workplace where all employees feel valued and can thrive.

Benefits for Members

This merger is a monumental step forward, particularly for the members of CU SoCal, LA Financial, and Havasu Community Credit Union. Members will now enjoy an enhanced suite of financial products and services, making it easier than ever to manage their financial well-being. With greater access to branch locations and a diverse range of offerings, the credit union can now cater to the varied needs of its expanding community.

Gunderson expressed, "This partnership is about more than just merging financially strong institutions; it's about creating a unified entity that serves our members more effectively. With our combined resources, we can offer lower rates, provide enhanced support, and drive significant change in our members' lives."

This sentiment underscores CU SoCal's dedication to not only improving financial outcomes for its members but also enriching the communities they belong to.

Conclusion

The merger of CU SoCal and LA Financial marks a significant achievement in the landscape of credit unions in Southern California. It holds the promise of a more robust and diverse financial institution, intent on fostering better lives and stronger communities through improved services and accessibility. Members can look forward to better financial options, expanded resources, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service. As we move forward, the unified vision is clear: Together, we are far more than just the sum of our parts.