At Filene, innovation isn’t just an idea, it’s a shared journey. And this year, that journey takes another bold leap forward.
At the 2025 FiLab Symposium in Madison, Wisconsin, credit union leaders and fintech innovators came together to explore the future of financial services and to choose which groundbreaking ideas FiLab will put to the test next year. Out of 85 applications and 25 semi-finalists, seven standout solutions have been selected for real-world testing in 2026.
These new FiLab tests represent the next evolution in collaborative experimentation across the credit union system, tackling big challenges like member engagement, financial well-being, community impact, and operational efficiency.
Each year, our FiLab tests push the boundaries of what’s possible for credit unions. These seven solutions represent the collective insight and boldness of our community, each one has the potential to redefine how credit unions deliver value and improve financial well-being.
Filene Research Institute
Introducing the 2026 FiLab Test Lineup
Here’s a sneak peek at the seven solutions our community chose to advance:
Agentic AI (Discovery) – Exploring AI-mediated member experiences
A discovery-style test in partnership with Filene’s Center of Excellence for Design for Digital, focused on understanding how AI agents can improve service and operational efficiency.
Carefull – Financial safety platform for aging adults and caregivers
Empowers credit unions to detect and prevent elder fraud and protect vulnerable members.
Delfi – AI-powered analytics and advisory platform for asset-liability management (ALM)
- Transforms risk management and balance sheet modeling with faster, data-driven insights.
Goodbuy – CU-branded marketplace for members and local small businesses
- Connects members with nearby merchants through exclusive, values-aligned perks that support community growth.
Reset – Earned wage access tied to core deposits
Helps members access earned income earlier while promoting liquidity and retention.
Ribbon – AI-driven campaigns to re-engage dormant accounts
- Reduces escheatment losses and drives deposit retention through proactive outreach.
Vertice COMPOSE – AI-powered content generation
Accelerates compliant, personalized marketing at scale, helping credit unions strengthen digital engagement.
Together, these tests showcase how collaboration and experimentation can turn industry challenges into opportunities for growth and how FiLab continues to push the frontier of what credit unions can achieve.
By working together, we’re not just testing technology, we’re shaping the future of member service.
Chartway Credit Union and FiLab sponsor
Testing with FiLab
What Happens Next
In the months ahead, FiLab will work hand-in-hand with participating credit unions to scope, launch, and measure each test. The insights that emerge will help credit unions of all sizes adopt proven, scalable solutions that strengthen member relationships, grow market share, and expand impact in their communities.
And the best part? These learnings won’t stay locked inside FiLab — they’ll be shared across the credit union ecosystem, empowering leaders everywhere to apply real-world innovation to their own organizations.
Get Involved
FiLab is powered by collaboration — and there’s still time to join this movement.
If your credit union or organization is ready to help shape the next wave of innovation, learn more about becoming a FiLab sponsor at filene.org/filab or contact McKaye Black at [email protected].
FiLab Sponsors Include:
