CorePlus and Scient:
Uniting to Serve You Better

This merger is a strategic decision made by both organizations to create a stronger, more competitive financial institution. By combining our unique strengths and leveraging complementary resources, we’ll be able to offer broader financial solutions, improved technologies, and enhanced services to all our members. Together, we will be better positioned to compete regionally, grow sustainably, and continue our shared mission of supporting the financial wellness of our members and communities.

Additionally, CorePlus Credit Union (CPCU) members will benefit in the following ways:

• Expanded Products and Services – With a larger organization comes economies of scale. We pride ourselves on our ability to keep up with the most innovative technology and services, but that is only sustainable for so long in our ever-changing environment. This new, combined organization will be able to continue investing in the channels that will provide a top-of-the-line experience for our members that rivals any large bank or credit union.
• Larger Branch Network – Once the merger is complete, CPCU members will gain access to additional branches. Pfizer employees will be able to utilize Scient’s on-campus location, and our consolidated Groton branch will offer a drive-up teller lane, which our current Groton branch does not. Additionally, CPCU members will soon be able to access Scient’s New London and New Haven locations, with some branches offering extended and Saturday hours to better serve our members.
• Increased Community Impact – Both CPCU and Scient have a steadfast commitment to serving the communities in which they operate and beyond. The additional resources gained from this merger will allow us to continue our efforts to provide support to our communities, be it through monetary, volunteer, or educational efforts. Additionally, we plan to add a community impact department to our team, whose sole focus will be to provide financial resources and education to our communities.

Scient was founded in 1968 by four Pfizer pharmaceutical scientists as Pfizer Employees Credit Union. Renamed Scient in 2012 (From Ledge Light Federal Credit Union), the credit union underwent several mergers, with New Haven Postal Employees Credit Union in 2015 and the New London Municipal Employees Credit Union in 2022. Scient FCU is a full-service credit union that provides exceptional service to its members and focuses on improving people’s lives with creative and competitive solutions. Their culture is grounded in integrity, trust, and the desire to help others. Scient FCU has branches in Groton, New London, and New Haven, CT, and serves almost 19,000 members.

The official timing of the merger process will follow a formal member approval process, with the effective date of the merger tentatively slated for September 1, 2025. A core processor conversion will potentially take place in the second quarter of 2026. Upon completion, members will be able to utilize the combined entity’s services at all branch locations.

We will keep our members informed of the merger process as it progresses.

Unlike traditional acquisitions, this is not one organization taking over another—it is a true merger of equals, uniting two respected credit unions to grow and evolve together. We anticipate the full merger being finalized in late 2025, contingent on regulatory and membership approvals.

The Board of Directors of both CPCU and Scient consider this a merger of equals. Regardless of the two credit unions being similar in size and scope, only one credit union charter number can be retained. After an extensive due diligence, our team of accountants determined it would be more financially beneficial to retain the CPCU charter number. Since Scient would be moving to the CPCU charter number, the Scient members are required by regulation to vote.

During the merger process, both credit unions will continue to operate independently, and members at both credit unions will continue to enjoy their familiar banking products, services, and staff throughout this period. Members will continue to utilize www.coreplus.org, our contact center, and our virtual communication methods to reach a CorePlus representative until our core processor conversion is complete in the second quarter of 2026.

CPCU and Scient currently operate two different processing systems. Once our core processor conversion is completed, members can utilize our services at any of our combined organization’s branches.

For general banking transactions, members may continue to utilize the Shared Branching Network at either institution.

Yes, all accounts will continue to be insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and the National Credit Union Administration.

The rates on fixed-rate loans and certificates would remain the same until the end of their existing terms. Other products would adjust as normal due to market conditions.

Our staff are our largest asset and are essential to any successful merger. CPCU and Scient have a shared commitment to stability, and no reductions in staffing are planned at this time.

Leadership will be aligned to incorporate the values and unique identities of both institutions.

Ray Currier, current President/CEO of CPCU, will continue as CEO of the new organization. Chris Maynard, President/CEO of Scient, will assume the role of President.

All existing locations are expected to remain open, with the exception of the CPCU Groton branch, which will be combined with the larger Scient branch and will have two drive-up lanes to serve members more efficiently.

Yes! As community credit unions, both CPCU and Scient pride themselves in delivering a stellar member service experience. This new organization will allow for expanded training resources to ensure that we continue to exceed your expectations each time we serve you.

The structure of the new Board is still being finalized, with a focus on fair representation from both institutions.

A new brand will be developed to represent the combined identity of both credit unions. Employees and members will be engaged in shaping our future identity.

Though this is a merger of equals, there will be an intermediary period during which Scient will operate under the CPCU name. We anticipate the new brand being launched in late 2025 or early 2026.

Both credit unions will continue operating independently for now, so no immediate changes to credit/debit card providers are planned.

There will be no changes to online banking until the core processor conversion takes place in the second quarter of 2026.