UTQIAGVIK, Alaska — Global Credit Union plans to open a new branch in Utqiagvik, Alaska, a community on the state’s North Slope along the Arctic Ocean and the northernmost city in the United States. The town was formerly known as Barrow.
The branch, scheduled to open in June inside the AC Stuaqpak store, is expected to expand access to financial services for residents in the remote region, Global Credit Union said.
The credit union has been working since 2024 with Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation, which owns the town’s largest retail building.
“This has been a long time in the making, and we are excited to see it becoming a reality,” said Pearl K. Brower, president and CEO of the corporation. “Access to financial services is critical to the wellbeing of our people.”
The branch will employ three people, including a manager and two financial services representatives, and will offer traditional banking services along with financial education programs focused on budgeting, credit management and savings, the credit union said. Additional services are expected to include training on digital banking tools, guidance for small businesses and consultations on retirement and investment planning, the credit union said.
“We are honored to partner with UIC to bring these services to Utqiagvik,” Erica Kemp, Alaska region vice president of brand administration, said in a statement. “This new branch reflects our commitment to serving communities across Alaska by increasing access to financial tools, education, and resources.”
28th Branch in State
The location would become Global Credit Union’s 28th branch in Alaska and its first north of Fairbanks, the organization said. It also follows the credit union’s expansion in Juneau, where it upgraded to a full-service financial center last year.
“We recognized early on the importance of expanding access to financial services in Utqiagvik, and we’re grateful to partner with UIC to make this a reality,” Geoff Lundfelt, president and CEO of Global Credit Union, said in a statement.
