Desert Financial

Desert Financial is the largest local credit union in Arizona, a not-for-profit financial institution that serves more than 500,000 members and holds over $9 billion in assets. Founded in 1939 by 15 educators who pooled $78.75, it operates more than 50 branches across Arizona and employs around 1,400 people. As a member-owned credit union, it is structured to prioritise members' financial well-being rather than profit, passing savings along through better rates and lower fees.

The institution offers a full range of retail financial services: checking and savings accounts, auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment and wealth management products. Alongside its branch network, it provides digital banking services, and its technical work is concentrated in digital banking and financial services technology.

Desert Financial states that its operating principle is "people helping people". Its community activity includes fundraising and volunteering, a "Random Acts of Kindness" programme, and financial education initiatives. The company describes itself as rooted in its founding values while continuing to adopt modern digital approaches to banking.

• Founded: 1939
• Headquarters: Arizona, United States
• Members: over 500,000
• Assets: over $9 billion
• Team size: approximately 1,400