Two Michigan credit unions plan merger to expand reach, invest in tech.
The proposed partnership between Team One and CASE reflects a broader push among regional lenders to scale operations and meet rising digital expectations.
Two Michigan-based credit unions with roots in serving educators and local communities have announced plans to combine operations and form an institution with $1.1 billion in assets.
The move is aimed at strengthening their long-term growth and expanding services in an increasingly competitive financial landscape, the companies said Tuesday.
Team One Credit Union, based in Saginaw, and CASE Credit Union, headquartered in Lansing, said the partnership would bring together institutions with more than 90 years of history each. The combined organization is expected to take effect in January 2027, pending regulatory approval.
The agreement comes as both institutions report improving financial performance. Team One, which has 46,852 members and $767 million in assets, earned $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2026, a sharp increase from $127,000 a year earlier. CASE, with 26,822 members and $405 million in assets, reported first-quarter earnings of $360,000, up from $97,000 in the same period last year, according to NCUA call report data.
Executives framed the partnership as a strategic response to shifting member expectations and rapid technological change. In a statement, Team One Chief Executive Derrick Barber said the move would allow the organization to “expand our capabilities, invest in innovation, and strengthen how we serve,” adding that the two institutions share “a commitment to people helping people.”
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For members, the immediate impact is expected to be minimal. Both credit unions said there will be no changes to accounts, services or access in the near term, and deposits will remain insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Customers can continue using existing branches, cards and digital banking platforms as integration plans are developed.
The two organizations describe the partnership as a “natural fit,” citing similar origins in educator-focused membership and a shared emphasis on financial education and community engagement. Team One was founded in 1935, while CASE began operations in 1936, each growing from small, local efforts into regional financial institutions.
CASE’s designation as a Community Development Financial Institution underscores its focus on expanding access to financial services, particularly for underserved populations. Team One, meanwhile, has emphasized financial education and inclusion, including national recognition for its regional performance.
The combined entity is expected to use its broader scale to invest more heavily in technology and product offerings, areas that have become increasingly important as consumers demand more seamless digital banking experiences. Leaders said the partnership would also enhance long-term stability and allow the credit union to better support members across Michigan.
The planned merger reflects a wider trend across the credit union industry, where consolidation has become a common strategy for growth. Smaller and mid-sized institutions, in particular, have sought partnerships to remain competitive with larger banks and to keep pace with rising costs tied to technology and regulatory compliance.
For Team One and CASE, the path forward will unfold gradually. Integration is expected to occur in phases through 2027, with both organizations pledging ongoing communication with members as details take shape.
“This is about building something stronger for the future.”
– Derrick Barber
CEO
Team One Credit Union
Ken McCarthy is manager of marketing communications at Tyfone, where he monitors the credit union industry and contributes to conversations shaping its future. He previously covered credit unions and community banking for American Banker and S&P Global Market Intelligence. He holds a journalism degree from Point Park University and has more than 15 years of experience covering financial services. He is also the author of three literary fiction novels.
