ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif.– Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal) is reporting it has finalized its merger LA Financial Credit Union (LA Financial), including Havasu Community Credit Union, which had operated as a division of LA Financial. HCCU is based in Havasu City, Arizona.

While LA Financial is now branded as CU SoCal, Havasu Community Credit Union will retain its Havasu Community Credit Union branding, but be known as a division of CU SoCal. 

The move increases CU SoCal’s assets to more than $3.3 billion and the number of members to more than 180,000. 

On its last 5300 filed with NCUA for year-end 2024, the $559-million LA Financial reported $1.3 million in net income for the year to go with net worth of 8.7%.

Branches Added

As part of the merger, CU SoCal said it is adding four more branches—Norwalk, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Lake Havasu City branch locations, increasing its branch network to 25 locations.

CU SoCal President and CEO Dave Gunderson will continue to serve as CEO within the organization, and Carol Galizia, former LA Financial CEO, will serve as Chief of Strategic Initiatives. 

The credit union said no jobs were lost as part of the merger.

‘Something Truly Special’

“This partnership is about more than combining two financially strong credit unions; it’s about creating something truly special,” Gunderson said in a statement. “With expanded resources, we can offer more affordable financial services, lower rates, and greater support to drive meaningful change in our pursuit to build better lives.”