Christian Financial Credit Union (CFCU) and Catholic Vantage Financial (CVF) Monday announced their intent to merge, combining the strengths and resources of both organizations based in Sterling Heights and Livonia, resepectively.

The merger received preliminary approval from the federal and state regulators and if approved by members of CVF in May, will be finalized in July.

Once approved, Christian Financial Credit Union will remain headquartered in Sterling Heights and emerge as a $1.02 billion credit union with more than 63,000 members and a combined total of twelve branch locations throughout metro Detroit.

“CVF and Christian Financial have a similar origin story as we were born to meet the needs of everyday people who embraced a common faith and evolved to a more inclusive structure serving all the communities where we operate,” Patricia Campbell, president and CEO of Christian Financial Credit Union, said in Monday’s news release. “Together, we can better navigate the challenges facing financial services today and deliver on our promise of Everyday Easy for our members.”

Both credit unions have a history serving Southeastern Michigan’s faith community dating as far back as 1950 and 1953, respectively.

“Throughout this entire process, CFCU and CVF have stayed true to their core values of innovation, integrity, sustainability, making an impact in our communities, and most importantly, putting the members first,” said Peter Bagazinski, CEO, Catholic Vantage Financial. “CVF has always been committed to making life better and together we will constantly strive to earn the confidence of all our members with quality member service on every interaction.”

Officials called the merger a strategic step that will enable both credit unions to enhance economies of scale, better serve the needs of members, and become an employer of choice to attract top talent.

The credit union’s operating technology systems will be converted in late fall 2025. All CVF and CFCU employees will be retained by the merged institution and three board members from CVF will join the Christian Financial Board.

Campbell will remain as president and CEO of the merged credit union while Bagazinski will serve as chief business development and advocacy officer.

Once finalized, the merged Christian Financial will employ 212 metro Detroit residents. Currently, Christian Financial membership includes those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne or St. Clair counties. CVF Credit Union is open to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in twenty-nine counties across the lower peninsula of Michigan.

The combined credit union received approval to expand its field of membership charter to include the entire state of Michigan.

For more information visit christianfinancialcu.com/.