GRAND RAPIDS, MI (February 5, 2015) – Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) first jumped into the digital age in 2000 when its first website went live (as Credit Union Financial Group). LMCU’s virtual footprint has since fast-tracked to the point where it can now match almost any brick-and-mortar branch, task for task.
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Razi Qadri, oversees LMCU’s Information Services (IS) department. He’s not only had a front row seat for much of this exponential growth, but has indeed been driving the digital bus.
“There’s only one way this bus travels – forward. As a corporation, LMCU has committed itself to being an early adopter of digital technology. Our leading edge position puts us squarely up against major national competitors. LMCU’s steady upward growth has enabled us to invest in the digital technologies that will shape the financial industry for the foreseeable future. We aren’t scrambling to keep up. We’re leading the way.
“Our goal is to make sure that technology continues to drive new memberships, and retain and grow existing relationships. By studying the market and our competitors, we look to develop and implement systems that will keep LMCU growing.”
Qadri points to a number of innovative leaps that have kept LMCU on a forward track. “Our big initiative in 2014 was realization of our “virtual branch” concept - that members would be able fulfill all of their banking needs without ever setting foot in a brick-and-mortar branch. Branded LMCU Anywhere, this capability includes integration with mobile platforms for lending and account opening. No computer needed. Just a smartphone with our mobile app. Early returns have been very promising. In 2014, we fielded over 650 account applications and over 5,700 lending applications through our mobile architecture alone. Over $6 million in loans were underwritten to new members in 28 different states.”
LMCU houses both the talent and resources necessary to create its own web applications internally. And with all of this growing technology, member security takes top priority. Qadri said, “We’ve invested millions to make sure every bit of our members’ data is fully protected.”
LMCU’s Information Systems department is certain to remain quite busy going forward. Razi Qadri is available for interview by any publication seeking further information or details.
Founded in 1933, Lake Michigan Credit Union is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Michigan. With a staff of nearly 900, LMCU’s assets exceed $3.5 billion, with a mortgage serviced portfolio of over $4.2 billion. With over 304,000 members, LMCU has 37 convenient branch locations – including Traverse City, Fruitport Township, Farmington Hills and Troy – and nearly 100 ATMs in west Michigan and Kalamazoo – plus dedicated mortgage offices in Saginaw, Livonia and Grand Blanc. LMCU provides a full-range of financial services, from high interest-bearing checking accounts to mortgages, commercial loans, insurance and investment services. To find out more, please visit www.lmcu.org.