Corporate America Credit Union - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Corporate America Credit Union (CACU), established in 1982, functions as a cooperative financial institution dedicated to serving other credit unions nationwide, with a primary focus on Alabama and surrounding states. Its central mission is to act as a reliable source of liquidity and correspondent services, offer diverse investment opportunities, and provide relevant educational resources, all in line with the foundational principles of the credit union philosophy. CACU aims to bolster the financial stability and foster the growth of its member credit unions, promoting mutual benefit and strength within the credit union sector. As of December 31, 2022, CACU supported 523 member credit unions, playing a critical role in their operational and financial success.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Corporate America Credit Union's core strategic objective is encapsulated in its mission: "TO COLLABORATE AND EASE BURDENS SO CREDIT UNIONS THRIVE!" Key business objectives include:

Enhancing the financial stability and growth of member credit unions through comprehensive financial products and services.

Being the primary financial institution for members by offering robust liquidity and investment solutions.

Providing critical financial settlement services to support daily operations of member credit unions.

Emphasizing a member-centric approach characterized by humility, friendly business offerings, and avoiding long-term lock-in contracts, with most agreements set on 1-year terms.

Investing in modern technology and digital infrastructure to streamline internal processes and improve service delivery.

Strengthening risk management frameworks to ensure security and compliance.

Developing strong internal talent and fostering a culture of innovation to drive adaptability and growth within the credit union system.

Driving cost reduction for members through initiatives such as the 1% perpetual contributed capital (PCC) option, which offers lifetime fee relief on a comprehensive suite of payment services.

Specialization Areas

CACU specializes in providing essential backend financial services to credit unions, including:

Liquidity Management: Offering a sound source of funds to meet member credit unions' cash flow needs.

Correspondent Services: Facilitating interbank transactions and payments on behalf of member credit unions.

Investment Opportunities: Providing avenues for credit unions to invest their surplus funds securely and profitably.

Financial Settlement Services: Managing and processes payment transactions like ACH and wires.

Education Services: Offering resources consistent with the credit union philosophy.

Technology Solutions: Developing and deploying platforms to enhance operational efficiency for its members.

Target Markets

Corporate America Credit Union primarily targets natural person credit unions across the United States, with a significant presence and focus in Alabama and its surrounding states. Its market positioning strategy is to be a cooperative partner that understands the unique needs of credit unions, offering flexible, cost-effective solutions without the burden of long-term contracts.

2. Financial Overview

Corporate America Credit Union demonstrates a strong financial position, providing stability and capacity to its member base.

Funding History

The credit union maintains a robust capital structure and continuous investment in its operations:

Tier 1 Capital (June 2025): $335.8 million, representing a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 7.03%, significantly exceeding the regulatory requirement of 4.00%.

Total Assets (July 31, 2025): $4,865,874,588.

Total Assets (Year-end 2024): $4.6 billion.

Total Liabilities (Year-end 2024): $4.35 billion.

Revenues (2024): $230 million.

Expenses (2024): $202 million.

1% Perpetual Contributed Capital (PCC) Initiative: In Q2 2025, CACU added $38.5 million to its Tier 1 Capital through this program. The PCC initiative also resulted in nearly $12 million in dividends paid from perpetual capital accounts in 2025, at an effective rate of 7%. This program significantly reduces operating costs for participating member credit unions.

Advised Lines of Credit (June 2025): Approximately $3.7 billion extended to member credit unions, with an additional $4.5 billion capable of being raised quickly to address liquidity needs.

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Year-end 2024): $765,155,208.

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Year-end 2023): $917,885,053.

3. Product Pipeline

Corporate America Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to support the operational and financial needs of its member credit unions.

Key Products/Services

Liquidity and Investment Services:

Description: A core offering providing cash management, short-term and long-term investment options, and access to lines of credit.

Development Stage: Fully operational and continually optimized.

Target Market/Condition: Member credit unions seeking to manage cash flow, optimize returns on surplus funds, and ensure liquidity.

Key Features and Benefits: Stable source of liquidity, diversified investment products, competitive rates, tailored financial solutions.

Correspondent and Financial Settlement Services (ACH, Wire, Cash Payments):

Description: Comprehensive services for processing electronic funds transfers (ACH), wire transfers, and managing cash payments.

Development Stage: Undergoing transition to Aptys for enhanced processing in 2025. Fully operational with continuous improvements.

Target Market/Condition: Member credit unions requiring efficient and reliable payment processing.

Key Features and Benefits: Streamlined payment operations, enhanced security, compliance with industry standards.

Instant Payment Solutions (FedNow Service, RTP® network):

Description: Early adoption and participation in leading instant payment networks. CACU was among the first in the industry to go live on the Federal Reserve’s FedNow Service in July 2023, enabling 24x7x365 instant payments. It is also a certified participant and Funding Agent on The Clearing House’s RTP® network.

Development Stage: Fully operational and expanding.

Target Market/Condition: Member credit unions needing real-time payment capabilities for their members.

Key Features and Benefits: Immediate funds availability, 24/7/365 processing, enhanced member experience, competitive advantage.

Nacha AI Bot:

Description: An artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to simplify access to Nacha Operating Rules & Guidelines.

Development Stage: Operational.

Target Market/Condition: Member credit unions and their staff needing quick and accurate information on Nacha rules.

Key Features and Benefits: Instant access to compliance information, regulatory clarity, operational efficiency.

CUboardroom:

Description: A digital platform facilitating efficient communication, collaboration, and information dissemination among board members and committees.

Development Stage: Fully operational.

Target Market/Condition: Board members and governance committees of member credit unions.

Key Features and Benefits: Secure document sharing, improved board meeting efficiency, streamlined governance.

SmartSource Solutions, LLC:

Description: CACU’s wholly-owned subsidiary specializing in web development, hosting, and content management services.

Development Stage: Fully operational, offering bespoke online solutions.

Target Market/Condition: Member credit unions and the broader credit union industry seeking online presence and digital tools.

Key Features and Benefits: Professional website development, secure hosting, effective content management, tailored digital strategies.

4. Technology & Innovation

Corporate America Credit Union is committed to leveraging advanced technology and fostering innovation to provide superior services to its members.

Technology Stack

Core Payment Processing: Transitioning ACH, Wire & Cash Payment Processing to the Aptys platform in 2025.

Instant Payment Networks: Early adopter and active participant in the Federal Reserve’s FedNow Service and The Clearing House’s RTP® network.

Artificial Intelligence: Utilizes a Nacha AI Bot for simplified access to regulatory guidelines.

Internal Governance Platform: Employs CUboardroom for secure board communication and document management.

Cybersecurity Framework: Partners with ThreatAdvice for comprehensive cybersecurity training and awareness.

Subsidiary Technologies: SmartSource Solutions, LLC leverages web development, hosting, and content management systems to provide online solutions.

Technical Capabilities: Expertise in real-time payments, secure data processing, digital communication platforms, and online presence management.

5. Leadership & Management

Corporate America Credit Union is led by an experienced team dedicated to the credit union system.

Executive Team

Pete Pritts – President/CEO

Professional Background: Appointed President/CEO effective November 19, 2012, bringing over 25 years of experience in corporate credit unions. Previously served as President/CEO of First Corp in Phoenix, Arizona.

Notable Achievements: Extensive leadership experience in the corporate credit union sector.

Key Contributions: Leads strategic direction, oversees overall operations, and represents CACU in industry forums.

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-pritts-81678229/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-pritts-81678229/)

Lisa Coffey – Chief Innovation Officer

Professional Background: Possesses nearly 35 years of experience in payment services operations and product development within the corporate credit union sector, holding executive positions as VP, Payment Operations and Chief Operations Officer.

Notable Achievements: Active participation in leading industry committees including The Clearing House's Real Time Payments Advisory Committee, the Federal Reserve Board's FedNow Pilot Program, and NACHA's Board of Directors.

Key Contributions: Oversees payment operations, drives product development, and leads business development initiatives, focusing on technological advancements and industry standards.

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaacoffey/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaacoffey/)

Donald Eagen – Chief Technology Officer

Professional Background: Serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Corporate America Credit Union.

Key Contributions: Instrumental in the credit union's technology and security initiatives, including the key partnership with ThreatAdvice for cybersecurity training for member credit union staff.

Recent Leadership Changes

Pete Pritts was appointed as the President/CEO of Corporate America Credit Union effectively on November 19, 2012. No other significant recent leadership changes within Corporate America Credit Union itself have been identified within the past year or two.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Corporate America Credit Union exhibits consistent growth and strategic talent acquisition to support its expanding member base and service offerings.

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Employee Count: As of December 31, 2022, Corporate America Credit Union employed 77 individuals.

Hiring Patterns: Current hiring trends indicate a focus on roles that drive member engagement, business expansion, and operational efficiency.

Key Roles Being Recruited: Examples of current or recently revised job titles include "Member Advisor," "Member Solutions Specialist," "Recovery Agent," "Member Service Representative," "Accounting Specialist," "DMV Title Clerk & Processor," "Core Banking Administrator," "Sales Production Manager," and "VP of Marketing."

Member Advisor Role: This role, revised in January 2026, focuses on territory management, credit union development, member retention, and strategic planning, requiring strong knowledge of technology and the credit union industry. These positions are crucial for fostering growth and deepening relationships with member credit unions.