Desert Financial

Desert Financial is Arizona's largest local credit union, a not-for-profit financial institution serving more than 500,000 members across the state. Founded in 1939 by 15 educators who pooled $78.75 in capital, it was originally established as Desert Schools Federal Credit Union. The organisation holds over $9 billion in total assets, operates more than 50 branches throughout Arizona, and employs around 1,400 people.

Its business spans banking, consumer lending and wealth management. Members are offered checking and savings accounts, auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, investment services and wealth management, alongside digital banking channels that complement the branch network. Technical work is concentrated in digital banking, financial technology and wealth management technology.

As a member-owned not-for-profit, the credit union returns earnings to members through better rates and lower fees rather than distributing profit to outside shareholders; there is no external venture funding. Its stated founding principle is "people helping people", and its activities include financial education programmes, community fundraising and volunteering, and a Random Acts of Kindness programme.

Headquartered in Arizona, with presence spanning the Phoenix metro area and the rest of the state, the institution describes itself as holding to its founding values while developing modern digital banking services.