SECU Partners with AKUVO to Modernize Collections for 3 Million Members

State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU), the second-largest credit union in the United States, has selected AKUVO to modernize its collections operations. For fintech professionals, this deal highlights the growing demand for AI-driven, automated recovery tools within massive financial institutions seeking to balance operational efficiency with high-touch member service in a shifting economic climate.

What was announced

State Employees’ Credit Union, which manages over $60 billion in assets for more than 3 million members, is integrating AKUVO’s collections platform to replace and streamline its existing manual recovery processes. Based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, AKUVO will provide a unified platform that focuses on three core pillars: intelligent playbook automation, advanced analytics, and digital member engagement. The implementation is designed to support the scale of one of the nation's largest credit unions while offering the flexibility to adapt to changing business needs.

By moving collections activities into this unified environment, SECU aims to gain deeper visibility into portfolio performance. The platform utilizes a scalable architecture that supports omnichannel engagement, allowing the credit union to reach members through their preferred digital or traditional channels. Key features of the technology include enhanced reporting and account insights, which are intended to facilitate faster, more informed decision-making for collections teams. The transition focuses on creating more personalized member interactions, moving away from generic outreach toward data-driven strategies that align with the credit union’s member-centric approach. This investment in technology is part of SECU's broader effort to support its employees and its growing membership base through improved operational effectiveness.

"As we continue investing in technologies that strengthen our ability to serve members and support our employees, it is important that we work with providers who understand both the scale of our organization and our commitment to member service. AKUVO demonstrated a deep understanding of the credit union industry and a clear vision for how technology can help us enhance operational efficiency while maintaining a member-centric approach. We are confident AKUVO will help position SECU for continued success as we evolve to meet the needs of our growing membership."

Stacie Walker, Chief Credit and Revenue Officer of State Employees’ Credit Union.

The companies involved

AKUVO is a specialized technology provider that has become a prominent fixture in the fintech landscape, particularly within the credit union and banking sectors. The company focuses on collections and credit risk, offering cloud-based platforms that leverage data science to improve recovery rates and member retention. Unlike legacy collections software, AKUVO’s architecture is built to integrate with modern financial ecosystems, emphasizing automation and predictive modeling. The firm has maintained a significant presence in industry reporting, with a track record of partnering with both community-focused and large-scale financial institutions.

State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) is a non-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. Headquartered in North Carolina, it holds a dominant position in the credit union market, trailing only Navy Federal Credit Union in total size. SECU provides a full range of financial services to employees of the state of North Carolina and their families. As a member-owned entity, SECU’s operational decisions are often viewed as a bellwether for technology adoption trends across the broader credit union movement, particularly regarding how large institutions manage the balance between automated efficiency and member welfare.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely tracked AKUVO’s rapid expansion and technological evolution throughout 2026. In early September, the company introduced AKUVO Launches Predictive Intelligence Models to Transform Collections Strategy for Lenders, which enhanced its platform's ability to forecast member behavior. This followed a significant growth milestone in July, when the firm Secures 16 New Financial Institution Partnerships to Modernize AI-Driven Collections. Additionally, AKUVO has focused on the community banking sector through a strategic alliance, as seen when AKUVO and COCC Partner to Deliver AI-Driven Intelligent Collections for Community Banks. Earlier in the year, the company also Advances Intelligent Collections with Two New AI Capabilities, signaling its commitment to maintaining a lead in the application of artificial intelligence within the debt recovery space.

What this means

This partnership is a major validation for the specialized collections technology market. When an institution of SECU’s scale moves away from legacy systems or manual workflows, it puts pressure on other top-tier credit unions and regional banks to modernize their recovery stacks. The industry is moving toward a "gentle collections" model where AI determines the best time and channel to contact a member, reducing friction and protecting the long-term relationship. However, the reliance on automated "playbooks" for $60 billion in assets raises questions about how these systems will perform during periods of high economic volatility. For competitors, the challenge is now to match the integration of behavioral analytics with member-facing digital tools.