Credit Unions join forces with Metamo to launch strategic IT platform CU-Tech

Metamo has announced the launch of CU-Tech, a major new technology and infrastructure initiative designed to accelerate digital transformation across Ireland’s Credit Union sector.

CU-Tech, which was developed by Metamo in close collaboration with participating Credit Unions and leading technology partners, is designed to empower the sector with the modern digital capabilities they want.  The centralised scalable platform strengthens the collective power of Credit Unions by enabling:

• Richer, more seamless digital member experiences that reflect the community?focused service credit unions are known for.
• Stronger integration across core systems and partner services, allowing credit unions to deliver smarter, faster, and more connected offerings.
• A sector owned future?ready digital infrastructure, giving the movement a stronger, united foundation to innovate and grow together.

The launch coincides with Metamo’s ‘Winning Ways Research Programme, the largest Credit Union research ever undertaken in Ireland. The study, delivered in partnership with Amárach Research, comprises 14,120 member responses across 10 participating Credit Unions, a nationally representative survey of 1,000 Credit Union members, and 820 non-members and demonstrated an increasing appetite for the provision of enhanced digital services across the sector.

Speaking at the launch, Ciara Prendeville, Deputy CEO of Metamo, said:

“This research gives the clearest picture yet of what members value, how they behave, and what they expect from their Credit Union in the years ahead. Members deeply trust the sector – and are also asking for modern digital services that match the convenience they experience elsewhere. CU-Tech will enable Credit Unions to meet those expectations, confidently and collectively, while staying true to the values that make our movement unique.”

Welcoming the launch, Robert Troy TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, said:

“Findings from this research clearly show that Credit Union members value the role their Credit Union plays in their financial lives, and they also expect services to evolve with changing technology and consumer behaviour. The launch of CU-Tech represents an important step in supporting Credit Unions to modernise their systems, improve the accessibility of services, and ensure they remain competitive in an increasingly digital financial environment.

“There is significant opportunity for the sector in the years ahead to further meet member needs, and collaboration will be fundamental to realising that opportunity. In the coming weeks, I will formally be launching the start of a process to deliver a strategy which is owned by the sector, and this research is timely in understanding those needs.”

Key research findings:

Members strongly value their Credit Unions and are looking forward to more digital progress.

The research highlights a sector with deep community trust and loyalty, with digital expectations rising quickly, particularly among younger and working-age members:

• Digital capability is now a decisive factor for joiners and switchers – 45% of non?members would consider joining if digital services improved. This rose to 59% among those under the age of 25.
• Among members who say their experience has improved, digital transformation is the number?one driver (37%).
• Almost half (49%) of members believe Credit Unions must enhance their digital offering to compete in today’s financial services market.

The research also identifies two major attitudinal groups in today’s Credit Union membership:

• 40% “Happy as-is” members, driven by trust, continuity and personal service.
• 55% “Wants More” members, whose expectations mirror those of banks and fintechs, and seek better apps, instant transfer options, faster loan decisions and more modern, accessible digital touchpoints.

This split represents both a loyalty asset and a major growth opportunity for the sector -especially as younger consumers increasingly benchmark all financial institutions against the market-leading digital players.

Strong support for Credit Unions – and strong appetite for more engagement

The national dataset also shows enduring positivity toward Credit Unions and crucially, nearly half of national members say they would engage more if online and mobile banking services were strengthened – directly aligning with the CU-Tech mission.

With CU-Tech now entering formal launch, Metamo is positioning the initiative as a cornerstone of sector modernisation, enabling Credit Unions to build on their strengths while addressing emerging competitive pressures.

“Credit Unions are uniquely placed to lead the future of community banking in Ireland. CU?Tech represents a long-term investment in that future – ensuring every Credit Union can deliver the kind of digital experience members increasingly expect” Prendeville concluded.

See more stories here.