California Credit Union Partners with Black Dragon Capital℠ for Fintech Growth

Black Dragon Capital℠ , a strategic investment firm founded by fintech and credit union industry veterans, has officially partnered with California Credit Union, a leading credit union recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Credit Union for 2024. This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation and support the transformation of credit unions through scalable financial technologies.

Black Dragon Capital℠: Driving Disruptive Innovation

Founded over a decade ago, Black Dragon Capital℠ focuses on high-growth sectors that have a meaningful impact on local economies. Their unique model combines operating expertise, market insight, and a community-centric approach to investing in disruptive technologies.

strengths include:

• Proven track record with fintech successes like Open Solutions and Payveris.
• Global reach and deep technical acumen in supporting portfolio companies.
• Commitment to empowering community financial institutions (CFIs) and credit union service organizations (CUSOs).

Why California Credit Union Chose Black Dragon Capital℠

Serving over 200,000 members for more than 93 years, California Credit Union offers a full range of consumer and business financial services. However, the institution faced challenges common to many CFIs—particularly the need for simplified, effective reporting tools in an increasingly digital financial services landscape.

After a thorough due diligence process, the credit union chose to partner with Black Dragon Capital℠ for the following reasons:

• Alignment in vision for digital transformation and community impact.
• Confidence in leadership, having seen the Black Dragon team’s past success.
• Desire to lead among innovative credit unions modernizing their digital infrastructure.

Goals and Vision for the Partnership

The primary objective of the partnership is to build and scale technology companies that empower credit unions to:

• Streamline operations.
• Regain competitive advantages in member service.
• Stay ahead of industry disruption caused by digital transformation.

Areas of Focus Include:

• Next-gen reporting tools to simplify operations.
• Cutting-edge digital banking platforms to improve the member experience.
• Tech-enabled solutions that enhance service delivery and financial inclusion.

This initiative positions California Credit Union as part of a growing group of forward-thinking credit unions partnering with Black Dragon Capital℠ to shape the future of community finance.

Executive Insights

Steve O’Connell, President & CEO, California Credit Union:

Benson Porter, Senior Advisor, Black Dragon Capital:

“Technology is the great equalizer. By embracing innovation, we can create a more inclusive and efficient financial system. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership with Black Dragon Capital℠ can create for CFIs and CUSOs.”

“The future of finance is here, and we are eager to help credit unions and CFIs leverage technology to succeed.”

Chris Otey, Co-Founder, CU 2.0:

“Ultimately, this partnership is about delivering greater value to Credit Union members and their communities.”

The partnership between Black Dragon Capital℠ and California Credit Union reflects a broader industry trend: credit unions and community institutions actively embracing digital innovation to remain competitive, efficient, and member-focused. By working together, both organizations aim to amplify their impact, not just within their walls, but across the entire ecosystem of community finance.