Intellect Design Arena Inc., Canada (Intellect) has completed the transition of Central 1 Credit Union’s (Central 1) Digital Banking operations. The move marks a major step forward in digital banking as Intellect assumes responsibility for the digital banking services of over 170 credit unions and banks in Canada.
The transition follows the operating partnership agreement announced on January 23, 2025, between Central 1 and Intellect. Effective immediately, key digital banking platforms, including Forge, MemberDirect, Public Website, and Mobile Application, have been successfully transferred to Intellect. Additionally, over 140 digital banking engineers and service team members from Central 1 have joined Intellect to ensure seamless operations and client support throughout the transition phase.
Expanding Digital Capabilities for Canadian Financial Institutions
With this acquisition, Intellect has solidified its position as one of the largest technology providers in the Canadian financial services sector. The credit unions and banks previously served by Central 1 will now have access to Intellect’s eMACH.ai Digital Engagement Platform, which offers advanced, AI-powered digital banking capabilities. Intellect is providing curated commercial plans with out-of-the-box solutions tailored for Retail, SMB, and Commercial Members.
Intellect’s digital banking suite enhances existing capabilities with next-generation banking features, including new member self-onboarding, personal finance management, and loan origination. The platform is available as a multi-tenant SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) offering, integrated with a vast ecosystem of third-party providers and banking hosts, ensuring a smooth digital banking experience.
Commenting on the transition, Sheila Vokey, President & CEO of Central 1, emphasized that the partnership ensures a stable pathway for clients as they transition to new digital banking platforms. She expressed confidence in Intellect’s ability to continue providing seamless service and technological innovation.
Rajesh Saxena, CEO of Intellect Global Consumer Banking, reinforced the company’s commitment to its growing client base in Canada. “With the eMACH.ai Digital Engagement Platform, we empower credit unions and banks with advanced digital engagement capabilities that drive growth and enhance member satisfaction. Our expanded team in Canada brings deeper insights into the opportunities and challenges credit unions face, ensuring a safer, faster, and low-risk migration from Forge.”
Central 1 is a key player in Canada’s financial sector, providing essential banking services to over five million customers. With assets totaling $11.6 billion as of September 30, 2024, the organization plays a crucial role in payments, treasury, clearing, and settlement services.
Intellect Design Arena Inc., Canada, a subsidiary of Intellect Design Arena Limited, India, delivers innovative digital banking, cash management, core banking, and lending solutions tailored for Canadian financial institutions. With a presence in 57 countries, Intellect is a leader in enterprise-grade financial technology solutions.
