Strata Credit Union picks Alkami for digital overhaul

Strata Credit Union has selected Alkami's digital banking platform to update its consumer digital banking service, with the agreement focused on Strata's member-facing banking experience.

The credit union will use the platform to bring payments, transfers, card management and financial wellness tools into a single digital service for members. It also plans to add spending insights, savings goals and a broader view of accounts as part of the overhaul.

Strata serves people who live, work, worship or attend school in Kern County. The investment aligns with its broader goal of improving members' financial wellbeing and making digital banking easier to use.

For Alkami, the deal adds another credit union customer to its US client base. The company provides digital onboarding, banking, data and marketing products through a unified platform.

Brandon Ivie, chief executive officer at Strata Credit Union, said the lender reviewed its long-term digital plans before choosing a supplier.

"We believe technology should do more than make banking easier; it should help improve our members' financial lives," Ivie said.

"Our members are at the center of everything we do, and partnering with Alkami will help us make financial tools and insights more accessible so members can better understand their financial health and make confident financial decisions. As we evaluated our long-term digital strategy, Alkami stood out as the partner that shares our vision for combining intuitive digital experiences with meaningful financial wellness and personalized engagement."

The project reflects a broader push by regional financial institutions to improve mobile and online services as customers expect more account information and transaction tools in one place. Credit unions have also been investing in digital systems that can connect with specialist third-party products without requiring a full replacement each time a new service is added.

Strata will use the platform's open architecture to connect technologies across its existing systems. The approach is intended to let the credit union add new tools over time while maintaining a consistent member experience.

Functions due to be integrated include payment services, money transfers, card controls and security features. The service will also present financial information in a way that gives members a clearer picture of their spending and savings.

Digital competition

The agreement highlights pressure on smaller and mid-sized financial institutions to match the convenience offered by larger banks and financial technology groups. Digital channels have become a central point of competition, particularly as consumers increasingly expect routine banking, account alerts and personal finance tools within a single app or online portal.

Vendors serving that market have sought to stand out by offering modular systems that can be adapted for each institution. For credit unions, which often emphasise member service and community ties, digital improvements are frequently presented as a way to strengthen relationships rather than simply cut costs.

Benjamin Conant, chief product officer at Alkami, said the company sees rising expectations across the sector.

"As member expectations continue to rise, credit unions need modern technology that helps them deliver personalized, secure, and seamless experiences without sacrificing the flexibility to innovate," Conant said.

"We're excited to partner with Strata Credit Union as they advance their digital banking strategy with a platform designed to strengthen financial wellness, deliver more personalized experiences, and deepen long-term member relationships. Together, we're building a foundation that will help Strata continue delivering exceptional member experiences for years to come."

Strata describes itself as a full-service community credit union focused on financial inclusion, education and prosperity in its local market. The move suggests it wants digital services to play a larger role in that mission by giving members more direct access to account information and tools that support day-to-day money management.

The selection also points to continued demand for digital banking software among US credit unions as they seek to modernise older systems and respond to changing customer behaviour. In Strata's case, the immediate focus is on combining core banking tasks with personal finance features in one connected service.