CU*NorthWest
CU*NorthWest is a cooperative Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) that operates the CBX browser-based core banking platform and lifecycle services for approximately 46 credit unions, primarily in the Pacific Northwest.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersLiberty Lake, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What CU*NorthWest does
CU*NorthWest is a cooperative Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) headquartered in Liberty Lake, Washington, that provides the CBX browser-based core banking platform and adjacent services to approximately 46 credit unions, predominantly in the Pacific Northwest. The company is owned by the credit unions it serves, with governance vested in a Board composed of credit-union CEOs that directs product and platform priorities. Founded in 2003 (per company history) and operating for over 20 years, CU*NorthWest delivers an integrated core that combines member service and teller, lending and collections, accounting and back office, digital banking, payments and cards, security and compliance, plus add-on modules for online membership and applications, document imaging, digital forms, e-signatures, and compliance and audit monitoring.
The CBX core is built and maintained by CU*Answers and operated, configured, and supported locally by CU*NorthWest, allowing the company to function as the single point of contact that abstracts the broader CUSO network on behalf of clients. Support services cover the full client lifecycle, including Conversions & Upgrades with a dedicated conversion team, ongoing Training Services (live webinars, conversion training, self-service resources such as CU*Answers University, CU*Answers on Demand, AnswerBook), and Support & Escalation via named contacts. Consulting services are positioned as an additional revenue stream and include Core Optimization Review, Core System Health Check, Custom Reporting Subscription, Reporting Automation Projects, and Marketing Services.
The business model combines subscription recurring revenue from the CBX platform with professional services. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is sold through a consultative motion that begins with "Book a Demo" or "Let's Talk" website CTAs. Go-to-market is anchored by the annual Empower Conference held each September in Washington State and a regional direct sales force targeting credit unions, particularly those under $500M in assets. Compliance posture is documented through SSAE 18 SOC 1 reports (2020, 2021, 2023), HIPAA compliance references, and Site-Four ACH audit reports covering 2019–2024. The company earned a 2025 Best Places to Work Inland Northwest recognition. No external funding, M&A, or geographic expansion beyond the Pacific Northwest is publicly disclosed.
CU*NorthWest firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CU*NorthWest
- Legal name
- CU*NorthWest
- Website
- https://cunorthwest.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- CU*NorthWest is a cooperative Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) that operates the CBX browser-based core banking platform and lifecycle services for approximately 46 credit unions, primarily in the Pacific Northwest.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CU*NorthWest industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Credit Union Core Banking Software
- NAICS
- Credit Unions (522130), All Other Support Services (561990)
- SIC
- Functions Related To Depository Banking, Nec (6099), Finance Services (6199)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Core Banking & Ledger Systems (Cloud Core, Deposits, Accounts) (FSAGAAAC)
Keywords
Where CU*NorthWest is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Liberty Lake
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
CU*NorthWest business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Core Banking Software Subscription: Recurring subscription fees for CBX core banking software platform, including integrated support and access to the platform's core capabilities (member service, lending, accounting, digital banking, payments, compliance)
- Consulting Services: Additional services including Core Optimization Review, Core System Health Check, Custom Reporting Subscription, Reporting Automation Projects, and Marketing Services
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
CU*NorthWest product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CU*NorthWest provides the CBX Core Banking System, a browser-based core banking software platform, along with hands-on support, conversion services, training, and consulting to credit unions. As a cooperative CUSO (Credit Union Service Organization), it serves as the local partner that supports, configures, and operates CBX for its credit union owner-clients, coordinating with network partners like CU*Answers behind the scenes.
Product overview
CU*NorthWest is a cooperative CUSO (Credit Union Service Organization) that provides the CBX Core Banking System - a browser-based core banking platform. CBX Core includes integrated modules for Member Service & Teller, Lending & Collections, Accounting & Back Office, Digital Banking, Reporting & Automation, Payment & Cards, and Security & Compliance. Additional add-on modules include Online Membership & Applications, Document Imaging & Storage, Digital Forms, E-Signatures & Digital Documents, and Compliance & Audit Monitoring. The company also provides associated services including Conversions & Upgrades, Training Services, Support & Escalation, and Consulting Services (Core Optimization & Consulting, Marketing Services).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CBX Core Banking System Browser-based core banking software platform providing member service, teller transactions, lending, accounting, digital banking, payments, and compliance tools in one integrated system. Sold to credit unions as the primary subscription product of CU*NorthWest.
- Online Membership & Applications Online account opening and loan application add-on tools for digital member acquisition, available to credit unions on top of the CBX core platform.
- Document Imaging & Storage Document management add-on system for imaging, storing, and retrieving important credit union documents, sold to credit unions as an add-on to the CBX core platform.
- Digital Forms Digital form creation and management add-on tools for credit union operations, sold as a standalone add-on offering on the CBX core platform.
- E-Signatures & Digital Documents Electronic signature capabilities and digital document management add-on for paperless workflows, sold to credit unions on top of the CBX core platform.
- Compliance & Audit Monitoring Compliance tracking and audit monitoring add-on tools to help credit unions meet regulatory requirements, sold as an add-on to the CBX core platform.
- Conversions & Upgrades Structured conversion service with a dedicated team to transition credit unions to CBX, including bookkeeping and operational support during the move.
- Training Services Ongoing training service including live webinars, conversion training, and self-service resources built around how each credit union works.
- Support & Escalation Hands-on support service from a team that knows the credit union's name, setup, and goals, with direct access to subject matter experts rather than ticket queues.
- Core Optimization & Consulting Consulting service including core optimization review, system health checks, custom reporting subscriptions, and reporting automation projects for credit unions.
- Marketing Services Marketing assessment, planning, and activation service to help credit unions reach members effectively.
Companies that use CU*NorthWest
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
CU*NorthWest technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
CU*NorthWest partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- CU*AnswerscoreCU*Answers builds and maintains the CBX core banking system. CU*NorthWest is the local cooperative partner that supports, configures, and operates CBX for credit unions. This is the foundational technology partnership at the core of CU*NorthWest's service offering.
- eDocminoreDoc sponsored the Breakfast/Registration session during the 2026 Empower Conference
- XtendminorXtend sponsored the Lunch session during the 2026 Empower Conference
- SAVVY MONEYminorSAVVY MONEY sponsored the DINNER event during the 2026 Empower Conference
- SITE-FOUR LLCcoreSITE-FOUR LLC provides ACH audit services referenced in CU*NorthWest's due diligence documentation. They also provide Security and Resiliency Assurance Program materials, indicating a long-standing compliance and security partnership.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
CU*NorthWest competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Temenos: Temenos is a global core-banking incumbent with credit-union reference customers in North America; its scale and R&D depth compete with CBX on modernization narratives.
- Finastra: Finastra's core and digital banking suites (e.g., Fusion) are deployed at credit unions globally, positioning it as a broad incumbent competing for the same modernization budgets.
- Fiserv: Fiserv offers DNA and other core platforms that compete for credit union business as part of a broader financial-services portfolio, frequently displacing smaller niche cores.
Direct peers
- Corelation: Corelation's KeyStone core platform is purpose-built for credit unions — the same niche CU*NorthWest serves — making it a direct functional and vertical competitor.
- Jack Henry & Associates (Symitar): Jack Henry's Symitar division is one of the largest core banking platforms dedicated to credit unions, competing head-to-head with CBX for the same small-to-mid-size U.S. credit union segment.
- Sharetec Systems: Sharetec provides core processing specifically for credit unions and community banks, directly overlapping CU*NorthWest's target buyer profile and product scope.
- CUSO Development (CURITES): CURITES is a cooperative CUSO offering core and technology services to credit unions, structurally and functionally similar to CU*NorthWest's cooperative service model.
Emerging players
- Alkami Technology: Alkami provides a digital banking platform purpose-built for U.S. credit unions and community banks — overlapping on CU*NorthWest's digital banking module and adjacent to core modernization discussions.
Others
- CUNA Strategic Services: An industry alliance that vets and endorses credit-union vendors; CU*NorthWest's cooperative model and endorsements through similar industry channels make this a directly comparable ecosystem entity.
Regional players
- Northeast Credit Union Technologies (NECUT): A regional CUSO providing core and technology services to credit unions in the U.S. Northeast — analogous operating model and product set but different geography.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CU*NorthWest social profiles
Digital presenceCU*NorthWest compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
CU*NorthWest financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CU*NorthWest leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
CU*NorthWest funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CU*NorthWest M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CU*NorthWest
What does CU*NorthWest do?
CU*NorthWest provides the CBX Core Banking System, a browser-based core banking software platform, along with hands-on support, conversion services, training, and consulting to credit unions. As a cooperative CUSO (Credit Union Service Organization), it serves as the local partner that supports, configures, and operates CBX for its credit union owner-clients, coordinating with network partners like CU*Answers behind the scenes.
Is CU*NorthWest a public or private company?
CU*NorthWest is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was CU*NorthWest founded?
CU*NorthWest was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is CU*NorthWest based?
CU*NorthWest is headquartered in Liberty Lake, United States, in the North America region.
How does CU*NorthWest make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Core Banking Software Subscription is the primary driver. The others are consulting Services.
Who are CU*NorthWest's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Temenos, Finastra and Fiserv. Direct peers are Corelation, Jack Henry & Associates (Symitar), Sharetec Systems and CUSO Development (CURITES). Alkami Technology is listed as an emerging player. CUNA Strategic Services is listed as an others. Northeast Credit Union Technologies (NECUT) is listed as a regional player.
Does CU*NorthWest have an API?
No public API is recorded for CU*NorthWest.
What industry is CU*NorthWest in?
CU*NorthWest's product category is Credit Union Core Banking Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAGAAAC, Core Banking & Ledger Systems (Cloud Core, Deposits, Accounts). Its NAICS code is 522130 and its SIC code is 6099.