North Coast CU’s Digital Leap Redefines Member Service and Inclusivity

TROY, Mich. – January 06, 2026 – North Coast Credit Union, a financial cooperative serving Washington State since 1939, has officially launched a new digital banking platform, marking a significant strategic pivot in its approach to member service and technological innovation. The successful deployment, powered by fintech provider Mahalo Banking, is more than a simple interface upgrade; it represents a fundamental overhaul of the credit union's digital infrastructure, aimed at strengthening its competitive position and deepening member relationships in an increasingly digital world.

The partnership underscores a critical trend in the community finance sector: the growing necessity for digital banking solutions that are not just feature-rich, but also deeply and seamlessly integrated with the institution's core processing system. For North Coast, this move modernizes its member-facing technology while simultaneously streamlining complex back-end operations.

The Core of the Matter: A New Standard for Integration

A key driver behind North Coast's selection of Mahalo was the platform's purpose-built integration with its Corelation Keystone core system. Unlike surface-level connections that can lead to data lags and disjointed workflows, Mahalo's architecture was specifically designed to harness the full power of Keystone’s relational data structure. This creates a tightly connected ecosystem where information flows in real-time between the digital platform and the core.

The practical benefits of this deep integration are twofold. For members, it translates into a faster, more accurate, and reliable banking experience. Account balances are always current, transactions are reflected instantly, and managing finances becomes a more fluid and intuitive process. For the credit union's staff, the benefits are equally profound. The unified workflow eliminates the need to manage and reconcile data across multiple, disparate systems. Staff can now manage member updates and service requests directly within KeyStone, a change that significantly boosts operational efficiency and reduces the potential for error.

“The new platform has been met with very positive feedback and strengthens our competitive position,” said A.C. Griffith, CEO of North Coast. “Members can now address more of their financial needs independently, and our staff can manage member updates directly within KeyStone without maintaining multiple systems. The strength of Mahalo’s Keystone integration has truly elevated both sides of our operation.”

This strategic focus on core integration allows community-focused institutions like North Coast to offer a digital experience that rivals those of much larger national banks, ensuring that their foundational commitment to member service is reflected in their most-used channel.

A Blueprint for Seamless Transformation

Embarking on a full-scale digital platform migration can be a daunting prospect for any financial institution, fraught with potential disruptions for both staff and members. However, North Coast's experience serves as a blueprint for a smooth and successful transition. The credit union reported a seamless implementation process, a success largely attributed to the collaborative nature of the partnership and Mahalo's specialized expertise.

The Mahalo team, with years of experience centered on the Keystone core, provided consistent and knowledgeable guidance throughout the project. This deep familiarity with both the digital platform and the core system it connects to was instrumental in preparing the credit union for a successful launch.

“We felt completely supported by the Mahalo team,” Griffith stated. “Their deep knowledge of the platform and their mastery of how it interacts with Keystone helped us feel fully prepared for the transition. They were responsive to every question we asked and even supported us with a last-minute change to ensure a smooth launch. It was truly a collaborative effort.” This hands-on approach demonstrates a shift from a simple vendor-client relationship to a more integrated partnership model, which is becoming essential for complex technology projects.

Beyond Accessibility: Pioneering Neuroinclusive Banking

While the deep integration provides a powerful technical foundation, Mahalo’s platform also introduces a groundbreaking approach to user experience: comprehensive neurodiverse functionality. Mahalo is the first and only digital banking provider to fully integrate features designed to accommodate the unique needs of neurodivergent members, a group that comprises an estimated 20% of the population.

This goes far beyond the standard accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The platform includes specific, research-backed tools to assist individuals with conditions such as dyslexia, autism, ADHD, visual sensitivity, and epilepsy. Features include:

• Customizable Fonts and Colors: Dyslexia-friendly font choices and color schemes to improve readability.
• Animation Control: The ability to disable on-screen movement and animations, which can be distracting for users with ADHD or trigger seizures in those with epilepsy.
• Left- and Right-Handed Modes: An ergonomic consideration that improves usability for a significant portion of the population.
• Consistent Design and Dark Mode: A predictable layout to reduce anxiety and a dark mode to assist users with light sensitivity.

This commitment to “Thoughtful Banking®” represents a significant step forward for inclusive design in the financial technology industry. By building these features directly into the platform, Mahalo and its partners like North Coast are ensuring that all members, regardless of their neurological condition, can manage their finances with confidence and ease.

Tangible Returns and a Competitive Future

Since going live with the new platform, North Coast has already seen substantial enhancements. Members now have access to a suite of advanced self-service tools that make banking more convenient, including sophisticated transaction tracking, seamless credit card management, and the ability to open new accounts online. This empowerment not only improves the member experience but also frees up staff to focus on more complex, relationship-building advisory roles.

The digital transformation aligns perfectly with North Coast's long-term vision. Founded in 1939 as the City of Bellingham Employees Credit Union, the institution has always been owned by its members and deeply committed to their financial well-being. This investment ensures that its legacy of service continues to thrive in the modern era, providing the tools necessary to serve a growing membership across Washington State.

“North Coast has prioritized delivering a modern, member-first experience,” said Denny Howell, COO of Mahalo. “We are thrilled to support its digital strategy with a platform that modernizes its functionality, improves self-service capabilities, and empowers members to manage their finances with confidence. Our teams have spent years refining the depth and reliability of our Keystone connection, and North Coast’s success is a strong reflection of that commitment.”