A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR & CEO
Earnings recovery accelerates
A stabilized interest rate environment paved the way for accelerated earnings, positioning First West for a new chapter of growth, financial strength and enhanced banking experiences for members.
The next chapter in cooperative banking
2025 marks an important moment for First West Credit Union. When Envision Financial and Valley First came together in 2010, we set out to build something unique in Canadian cooperative banking: a multi brand credit union rooted in beloved local identities and strengthened by the scale of a larger organization. That bold decision shaped who we are today—a financial cooperative grounded in local care, backed by deep expertise, and focused on helping our members and communities flourish. Now, we're entering a new chapter of growth.
Shawn Neumann, Board Chair | Launi Skinner, CEO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Performance dashboard
Key financial strength metrics – for detailed analysis of our financial results, see Management's Discussion & Analysis in the downloads section below.
In 2025, we came alongside our members as they continued to wrestle with persistent financial pressures like inflation and rate normalization. The strong financial performance we achieved reflects the trust they have in us to help them navigate uncertainty and feel more resilient and confident about their financial futures.
More 2025 highlights
We continued to create value for members, communities and team members.
- Members
- Communities
- Team Members
Building better advice and banking experiences
- With thousands of members approaching mortgage renewals following the normalization of central bank target interest rates, our teams mobilized early to help members navigate new rates with confidence.
- We expanded our digital offerings self-serve wire transfers for commercial members, giving them more convenience with this fast, reliable payment method.
- We continued investing in our branches through major, multi-location renovations designed to elevate and modernize in-branch experience, with elements reflecting our brand evolution.
Making meaningful impact
- We invested more than $2.6 million in our communities in 2025.
- First West team members also contributed 7,206 hours of community leadership to 221 non-profit and charitable organizations throughout British Columbia.
- Our signature cause, supporting a third of registered food banks across B.C., raised $476,000, driven by team member-led fundraising and community partnerships. Since 2010, First West has raised more than $5.9 million and collected over 233,000 pounds of food for local food banks.
A top employer in B.C.
First West has been named to the B.C.’s Top Employers list for three years in a row. This annual competition recognizes the British Columbia employers that lead their industries in creating exceptional workplaces. Competitive vacation and maternity/parental allotments and extras like health and well-being support programs (including mental health care) help put First West among this esteemed group of organizations.
We’re also a platinum winner of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures™ award, recognizing our ongoing commitment to nurturing a positive and effective workplace environment.
