Credit-union trade groups merge to represent 458 members, $528.4B in assets

What's the deal? Members of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates and the MD|DC Credit Union Association have voted to merge, combining both associations and their service corporations into one organization. The deal takes effect January 1, 2027, and brings together credit unions across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

By the numbers: The combined organization will represent 458 credit unions with $528.4 billion in assets and 36.2 million members. The assets belong to the member credit unions themselves — this is a merger of trade groups, not of balance sheets.

Who's in charge? John Bratsakis will lead as chief executive officer. Samantha A.M. Beeler continues leading The League's association, and Steve Willis, president of LEVERAGEDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, will lead the service corporation.

What's the endgame? The merger is pitched as a way to expand advocacy, resources, and service offerings across a six-state footprint. "By aligning our resources and capabilities, we can expand our reach while remaining connected to the needs of the credit unions we serve," Bratsakis said.

Why now? The vote followed months of member conversations after the two groups signed a letter of intent in July. Members approved on October 30, with integration set for the new year.

The signal: The deal continues a wave of consolidation among credit-union trade groups. The League itself combined with the Virginia Credit Union League in 2025, while Tennessee and Mississippi's associations began operating as one in 2026. The pattern points toward fewer, larger organizations seeking scale for industry representation rather than mergers that reshape credit unions' finances.

Read more: americascreditunions.org

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