A Year Shaped by Purpose for the People We Serve: Q1 CEO Letter

As we close one chapter and open the next, one thing remains constant: the people we serve and the purpose that drives our entire Frontwave Crew. That purpose shapes every decision we make and fuels our passion to serve.

You saw that purpose in your everyday banking experience. Members with our new Elite or Elite Plus Checking accounts gained added protection through identity monitoring, mobile phone coverage for the unexpected, like when you drop it in the toilet (hey, it happened to my daughter… twice), and a host of benefits to make your life easier and save you money. All of these changes share one goal: making everyday banking easier by saving you time, protecting your money, and reducing financial stress.

Our recent investments in technology have also made joining Frontwave easier, loan decisions faster, and getting answers quicker, so it’s easier to get help when you need it. In 2025 alone, we launched multiple AI-based anti-fraud platforms to help protect your hard-earned money. We simplified our consumer loan application process and introduced AI-enhanced communication tools, such as webchat.

And yes — we heard you loud and clear. Zelle is coming!

Stronger communities are an essential part of the story. Community Kickbacks helped Members save while supporting local businesses. Staff and volunteers built nearly 10,000 hygiene kits for people in need.

And when Community Valley Bank became a part of the Frontwave family, our reach across the region grew, and our business banking efforts took a big step forward, bringing more tools and support to the businesses that power our local economy. Together, these efforts make a real difference for the people in our communities and the businesses where they work!

Purpose isn’t only defined by the easy moments. It’s defined by how we show up when things get hard.

Wildfires, flooding and a federal shutdown tested many of the people we serve. When fires and floods disrupted daily life, we stepped in with payment relief, short-term loan options and personal outreach to ease the strain.

The federal shutdown placed a heavy burden on many of our Members. We prepared early, monitored the situation closely, and, when it appeared our military and federal employee Members were not going to get paid, we advanced more than $50 million to over 33,000 active-duty service members and DoD civilian employees so they could stay focused on their mission.

At the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, when delays left a company of recruits without funds for personal essentials, we provided advances to every recruit who needed them.

And... we’re proud to share that City of Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez declared November 19, 2025, Frontwave Credit Union Day, recognizing Frontwave for its “heroic and compassionate efforts in providing critical financial relief to our military and civilian members and families.”

If another shutdown arrives in February, we stand ready!

Looking ahead, there is plenty to be excited about. We’re investing in new technology that gives you more control at your fingertips, along with enhancements that make banking simpler and more seamless across every channel. Every step is guided by what Members tell us matters the most.

In 2026, we will launch Zelle, unveil a new website to make it faster to find what you need, expand instant issuance of debit and credit cards to all 18 of our branches, complete the integration of Community Valley Bank, and much, much more.

Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.

I’m proud of how our Frontwave crew stepped up for you throughout the year, and I’m grateful for the trust you place in us. No matter what 2026 brings, you can count on Frontwave to be standing tall at your side. Armed and ready to tackle whatever life throws our way.

Dream big. We got you. 

Bill Birnie
President and CEO
Frontwave Credit Union