Banking on bold: How Beem Credit Union is redefining trust in a digital age

Beem Credit Union just pulled off a major digital transformation this year. What does that mean for your members and for the future of community banking?

Brian Harris: Honestly, it means we’re finally giving our members the kind of experience they expect—and deserve. People want banking to be easy, secure and to just work. So, we rebuilt everything: our core system, our digital banking and our website. Now we control the digital experience, which means rolling out new features quicker. We can keep improving without waiting on someone else’s roadmap. It’s a big deal for a credit union, and it sets us up to move at the pace our members live their lives.

That’s a bold move. What pushed Beem to take this leap?

The world is changing so quickly, and if we want to stay relevant, we have to keep up. Our members are comparing us to the best apps on their phones, not just other banks. So, we decided to start fresh. It was a huge lift, but it puts us in control of our future. And more importantly, it lets us build tools that actually help people—not just check boxes.

Let’s talk about Open Banking. You’ve been outspoken about Canada’s slow progress. Why is this such a big issue?

Because it’s about giving people real choice. I’ve lived and worked in the UK and Europe, and I’ve seen what’s possible with Open Banking. Small businesses get better tools to help them grow. People get more control over their data and financial insights. And the whole system becomes more inclusive, secure and competitive. In Canada, we’re way behind. We’re not even at the starting line. That’s frustrating—but it’s also a huge opportunity if we get it right.

What role can Beem play in moving this forward?

We can lead by showing what’s possible. We’re already building the tech to support Open Banking, and we’re pushing for rules that make it safe and fair. But more than that, we’re focused on what people actually need. No one wakes up thinking, “I want Open Banking.” They want to get a loan faster, manage cash flow better or buy a home without jumping through unnecessary hoops. That’s where we come in—building real solutions for real problems.

What does leadership mean to you right now?

Leadership means stepping up when it may be easier to stay put. It means listening—really listening to your members and your team and then doing the hard work to make things better. We are not chasing trends. We are meeting today’s member needs and readying ourselves for the expectations of tomorrow. As a B.C. credit union, we don’t have the luxury of standing still. We have to lead with purpose, or risk being left behind. If we can combine innovation with trust, we’ll not only stay relevant—we’ll shape what community banking can do. We are ready to step up.

For more information, visit Beem Credit Union at:
Personal Banking: beemcreditunion.ca/personal
Business Banking: beemcreditunion.ca/business

Connect on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.