What Do We Do?

We are dedicated to scientific and thoughtful analysis about issues affecting the future of consumer finance and credit unions. Through Filene, leading scholars and consultants analyze managerial problems, public policy questions, and consumer needs for the benefit of the credit union system.

Our name honors Edward A. Filene, the father of the U.S. credit unions. Known as a brilliant businessperson and wise philanthropist, Filene relied on solid, innovative research when encouraging credit union development. His spirit lives on as we pursue knowledge that benefits credit unions, their members, and all consumers of financial services.

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.

Our Mission

Our mission is to support research efforts that will ultimately enhance the well-being of consumers and assist credit unions in adapting to rapidly changing economic, legal and social environments.

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 people can cooperate more effectively to achieve goals.
• How more people can gain economic independence.
• How the spirit of mutual self-help can build better communities.
• How volunteerism can shape financial institutions that better respond to the needs of households.

Our Timeline

1989 – Filene incorporates with support from charter members CUNA Mutual Group, CUNA,  and state credit union leagues; David Chatfield, a former NCUA board member, hired as first Executive Director and goes on to become President of the California Credit Union League.

1991 – Bob Hoel, a Colorado State University marketing professor becomes Executive Director, serving until his retirement in 2006.

1993 – Publication of Field of Membership: An Evolving Concept, an important milestone on the path to the Credit Union Membership Access Act.

1999 – Filene branches into applied research by studying opportunities for serving low-income individuals, building the intellectual basis for REAL Solutions^®.

2004 – i³ group is launched; Filene also launches REAL Solutions^® for Low Wealth Households.

2005 – George Hofheimer joins the Institute as Chief Research Officer, initiates Filene Fellows model with participants from world-class universities and consulting firms.

2006 – Mark Meyer becomes Executive Director; Denise Gabel, a member of the original i³ group, replaces him as Chief Innovation Officer.

2007 – Filene pilots CU Tomorrow project for young adults.

2008-2009 – Filene celebrates a record year of output, publishing more than 35 research and innovation projects.