About Us

Through Filene, leading scholars and consultants analyze managerial problems, public policy questions, and consumer needs for the benefit of the credit union system.

We live by the famous words of our organization's namesake, credit union and retail pioneer Edward A. Filene: "Progress is the constant replacing of the best there is with something still better." Together, the Filene Research Institute and our thousands of supporters seek progress for credit unions by challenging status quo, thinking differently, looking outside, asking and answering tough questions, and collaborating with like-minded organizations.

We're governed by an Administrative Board made up of credit union CEOs, the CEOs of CUNA & Affiliates and CUNA Mutual Group, and the Chairman of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL). Our research priorities are determined by a national Research Council comprised of thirty five credit union CEOs and the President/CEO of the Credit Union Executives Society.

The Filene Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Our research and innovation programs are made possible by more than 1,500 members.

The Filene Research Institute was founded on the core values inherent in credit union philosophy. The Institute's founders and today's Institute leaders believe that research and new ideas are critical tools for understanding how:

Cooperation can help people more effectively achieve goals
More people can gain economic independence
Better communities can be built in the spirit of mutual self-help
Volunteerism can shape financial institutions that better respond to the needs of households