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ABCU Credit Union & Innovation Federal Credit Union Merger

Find up-to-date details about our exciting partnership! We're seeking regulatory approval for the first interprovincial credit union merger.



Merger Member Notices


Following the Special General Meeting and member vote, we are progressing through the next steps of our interprovincial merger. You'll receive many additional updates as we move forward. Be sure to check out our FAQs on this page for further information.

February 2026

Product Mapping & Disclosures

The ABCU and Innovation Federal Credit Union merger is right around the corner. We’re thrilled to announce that our credit unions will merge effective April 1, 2026, subject to a regulatory approval.

Even though this is our official merger date, the integration process will take time. Please read the product mapping and disclosure notice (pdf) that outlines the first steps of our merger and how they may impact you. It includes how your ABCU products will map to Innovation products.

Remember to see our FAQs for further information.

December 2025

Transitional CDIC Coverage

On continuation day, the first day ABCU merges with Innovation and becomes a federal credit union, ABCU will become a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Alberta CUDGC deposit insurance coverage will end, and CDIC deposit insurance coverage will begin.

CDIC provides transitional coverage (the same coverage you have now) for 180 days after continuation day. Term Deposits or GICs are also fully insured until they mature or are redeemed.

Transitional coverage doesn't apply to any deposits made with us on or after the continuation day.

Once the transition period ends, the CDIC standard deposit insurance coverage that is described in the next section will apply to all eligible deposits.

We will reach out to you prior to the merger date to discuss this coverage and answer any questions you might have.

Stay tuned! There will be more updates as we progress.



Frequently Asked Questions


General

Who is Innovation Federal Credit Union and where are they located?

Innovation Federal Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in Saskatchewan with approximately 500 amazing employees and more than $5.506 billion in managed assets. Our purpose is to simplify banking for Canadians!

We serve 67,500+ outstanding members across 26 advice centre locations and offer in-person service in both Regina and Saskatoon.

As a member-owned cooperative, we use our profits to make life better for you, our communities, and our world.

  • we offer free banking solutions to save you money
  • we provide quarterly returns to our members, 
  • we reinvest 2 - 3% of pre-tax profits back into the communities we serve.  Since 2007, we've donated over $10.4 million to our communities.

It's all part of our Responsible Banking™ philosophy!

With the overwhelming support of our membership, we're excited to be one of the first credit unions in Canada to be a Federal Credit Union under the Bank Act.

Why do the credit unions want to merge?

The two credit unions share a common vision, values, and culture, as well as a commitment to innovation, member service, and community involvement. In addition to these commonalities, a merger would result in more cost-effective banking, improved member experience, and a broader range of products.

Do both credit union memberships have to vote in favor for a merger to happen?

That’s correct. Both memberships must vote in favour. We’ll share more voting details with you after we receive regulatory approval.

Will there be any job loss if the credit unions merge?

Absolutely not. In fact, there may be new job opportunities/training opportunities that arise from a merger

How will the Board of Directors look within the merged credit union?

On the merger date, ABCU’s Board of Directors will be dissolved. Brent Trombley, who serves as 2nd Vice Chair and Chair of the Governance, Ethics and Human Resource Committee, will be appointed to Innovation's Board of Directors.

Who will be the CEO of the merged credit union?

Daniel Johnson, the current Innovation CEO, will be the CEO of the merged credit union. The merged credit union will continue to be managed by Innovation’s executive team.

Will there be a name change to either credit union?

The name of the merged credit union would be Innovation Federal Credit Union.

How will this impact each credit union’s commitment to local community support?

Both credit unions are strong supporters of their communities. This partnership will only further enhance community contributions.

Will any of ABCU’s current branches close because of this merger?

Our Beaumont and Edmonton City Centre branches will remain open for a minimum of ten years.

If I have more questions about the merger, who can I speak to?

You can:


Federalization

What is a federal credit union?

A federal credit union can promote and offer products and services to people across Canada. Being a federal credit union lets Innovation:

  • meet challenges such as changes in consumer behavior and technology needs.
  • compete with banks or technology companies that provide financial services.
  • diversify and minimize risk by seeking deposits across the country to support lending in the communities we serve
  • have access to more members, and
  • be more resilient today and tomorrow.

Federal credit unions are regulated by the federal Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) and eligible deposits with a federal credit union are insured by Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).

Does this mean ABCU needs to apply to become a federal credit union?

Yes, we do.  We’re excited to get started on the application process!

Will the approval process take a long time?

Because this is the first-ever interprovincial merger, the approval process is complex and will take some time. We’ll share updates throughout the approval journey.

Are my deposits guaranteed if I bank with a federal credit union?

Eligible deposits are insured by CDIC, the same as for all federally regulated bodies such as the major Chartered Banks. 

Deposit guarantee insurance is something you will likely never need. 

Innovation is financially strong.

• They follow strict guidelines.

• They have processes that ensure they remain viable.

Federal regulation only strengthens these processes and guidelines. For additional information on CDIC 

deposit guarantee visit their website – www.cdic.ca.

Where can I learn more about my deposit insurance transitional coverage?

  • You can visit CDIC’s website: What's covered — CDIC
  • You can stop by one of our locations to speak to one of our staff members.
  • You can give us a call at 1.888.929.7511

Products & Services

Would my account number change if we merged?

Our primary goal is to ensure a smooth transition for our members, and we expect account numbers to remain unchanged.

Will I need a new debit card?

Your debit card will continue to work as usual. However, you will receive a new Debit Mastercard® after the merger takes place. We'll share more details with you closer to our merger date.

Can I still use my ABCU cheques after the merger?

Yes, you can. The next time you place a cheque order after merger weekend, you’ll receive Innovation cheques.

Will my Collabria ABCU credit card(s) work after the merger?

You bet! Credit cards will not be part of the initial merger process. You’ll hear directly from Collabria about card impacts.

Can I still use ABCU ATMs without being charged a surcharge fee after the merger?

You bet! You can use any ding free® ATM in our national credit union network surcharge-free.

What are low balance alerts and why will I receive them after the banking system conversion?

Federal credit unions are required to let you know if your account balance or line of credit/overdraft protection balance falls below an amount you set (or $100 by default). The alert helps you avoid fees and reduce fraud.

You can adjust your limits after the banking conversion in Innovation’s online banking:

  • Login (we’ll provide instructions on how to do so in March)
  • Select your profile on the top right corner of the screen
  • Select Manage Alerts > Balance & Transaction Alerts
  • Enter your new balance threshold

I have a mortgage, line of credit, and RRSP with ABCU. Will there be any changes to these products after the merger?

All mortgages, loans, lines of credit, overdraft protection, investments and safety deposit box contracts will remain the same e.g. product types, rates, term length, protection, until it’s time to renew.

I have an ABCU US Savings Account. This will now become an Innovation No-Fee USD Account. Does Innovation not have a USD Savings Account?

Innovation doesn’t have a USD Savings Account, but you will earn interest and cash dividends (Member Rewards) on your No-Fee USD Account.

What are Member Rewards?

Member Rewards is Innovation’s profit-sharing program. You can earn cash dividends every quarter by having savings and loans products with them. You can also earn cash for digital banking activities. 


April 1st (Official Merger) Changes

Can I still access the ABCU website, call centre, and digital banking site on April 1st?

You sure can! We won’t be transitioning to Innovation’s systems until after the banking system merger. 

Can I still deal with my ABCU advisors and ABCU investing team?

Absolutely! You’ll still see the same friendly faces you know and trust after the merger.


Banking System Merger

When will our banking systems merge? Will there be any service outages?

We believe our systems will merge April 24th to 26th. We will share more details about the process and what you can expect soon.

Will my online banking username and password change?

Innovation uses a different online banking platform. After the merger, you will need to update your username and password. You'll hear from us closer to our banking system merger date with login details and FAQs.

If the official merger date is April 1, 2026, (pending regulatory approval) why isn’t the banking system merger taking place on April 1st?

The banking system merger requires multiple third‑party vendors to align on a single date. Due to the system’s complex configuration and extensive testing requirements, the effort involved more than a year’s work. Since all third‑party vendors confirmed their availability for April 24th to 26th, this is the tentative time we agreed upon for the merger.

You say the banking system merger is tentatively scheduled for April 24th to 26th. Does that mean you’re not 100% certain it will happen at that time?

Our timelines depend on both regulatory approvals and our third-party vendors being ready for the system merger. If our timelines change, we’ll be sure to share new dates with you. Stay tuned to Innovation’s website for details.

Will online banking be available during the banking system merger?

Digital banking will not be available for ABCU or Innovation members during the banking system merger process. We’ll communicate more about the banking system merger in March. Stay tuned!

Will ABCU branches be closed during the banking system merger?

ABCU branches will remain open as scheduled on April 24, 2026. 

Will my debit card still work during the banking system merger?

There may be a disruption in debit card services, so we recommend having cash or a credit card available during that time just in case.

Will my account number change after the banking system merger?

Your account number will remain the same after the system merger.

My accounts will transfer to Innovation during the banking system merger, but will my Direct Deposits from my workplace and the Government automatically transfer over as well? How about my pre-authorized payments?

Direct Deposits and pre-authorized payments will transfer over. There’s no need to re-create them.



News Releases

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August 7, 2025

Alberta Government Approves ABCU's Continuance Pursuit

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June 26 2025

ABCU and Innovation Members Vote in Favor of Merger

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May 6, 2025

Alberta Government Approves Amendments to the Credit Union Act

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March 17, 2025

ABCU & Innovation Merger Update

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July 4, 2024

ABCU & Innovation Boards Approve Business Case to Pursue Merger

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January 5, 2024

Innovation and ABCU Announce Plans to Explore First-Ever Interprovincial Merger



2025 Member Vote

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Disclosure Notice

On June 25, 2025, ABCU members voted on a Special Resolution to authorize ABCU to make an application to become a federal credit union under the Bank Act  followed by an immediate amalgamation with Innovation Federal Credit Union.

View our Disclosure Notice (pdf)

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Voting Package

ABCU and Innovation Federal Credit Union, with your support, would like to merge. Learn more about this exciting proposal!

View our Voting Package (pdf)

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Special Resolution

At a Special General Meeting on June 25, 2025, 96% of voting ABCU members voted in favor of a Special Resolution. 

View the Special Resolution (pdf)

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Amalgamation Agreement

View the Amalgamation Agreement (pdf) between ABCU and Innovation Federal Credit Union.


Meetings

Information Sessions

Thank you for joining us virtually or in person at our information meetings!

  • Virtual - Monday, May 26, 2025 - 3 PM to 5 PM MST
  • Virtual - Thursday, May 29, 2025  - 5 PM to 7 PM MST
  • In-Person - Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Beaumont - 4 PM to 6 PM MST
  • In-Person - Thursday, June 5,  2025, Edmonton - 4 PM to 6 PM MST

Special General Meeting

  • June 25, 2025