FiLab

The Story Behind FiLab: Why the Change?

A fresh new look that reflects our evolution and growing impact.

For over 3 years, FiLab has been the testing ground where credit unions explore bold ideas, experiment with emerging solutions and turn innovation into action. It’s where we’ve tested ways to improve financial well-being, harness AI, enhance digital banking and so much more.

But as the industry evolves, so does the need for clarity and impact. FiLab has always been a hub for testing solutions, but its identity wasn’t distinct enough—it blended into our broader work rather than standing on its own as the go-to testing program for credit unions.

Why FiLab?

The name FiLab captures what this program has always been—a reflection of our continued commitment and focus on Financial Services innovation as well as our work as a laboratory for experimentation and testing. 

This rebrand isn’t about changing what we do—it’s about making our mission clearer, bolder and more accessible to the credit unions, Fintechs and partners who rely on us to offer:

• Peace of mind — we take on the risk of testing innovative solutions and share what works and lessons learned.

• Operational efficiency — we (Filene and our partners) do the heavy lifting for you, keeping in mind a credit union's limited internal resources to test on their own.

What's Next?

FiLab is ready to take on the next wave of challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a credit union looking for tested solutions or a Fintech ready to partner, this is your proving ground.

FiLab Explained

FiLab is Filene’s ongoing platform for testing new tools, products, and strategic solutions for their potential to help credit unions grow and deepen their impact. Each year, Filene's lab works with a group of credit union sponsors and stakeholders to select and execute a set of “quick and nimble” tests identified through Filene’s research and market engagement. 

FiLab’s efficient and collaborative approach to testing yields actionable insights to support the adoption of proven solutions and expand credit unions’ capacity for innovation.

Filene's lab goes beyond idea generating and takes questions and new ideas emerging from Filene’s Centers of Excellence and communities and returns actionable insights and solutions for credit unions to put into action in real and tangible ways.

Be Part of FiLab

Credit unions and system partners can still get involved in FiLab by becoming a sponsor. As a sponsor, you will:

• Strengthen your credit union system's capacity for innovation and spark growth with cutting-edge research.
  
• Join an exclusive cohort of forward-thinking credit unions and system organizations.
• Participate in the selection of ideas to be tested from a set of vetted concepts.
• Build relationships and learn from innovation experts, academics, and innovative-minded credit unions and system organizations.

FiLab 2025 Test Results

Stay tuned for the remaining reports from FiLab's year three tests...