Our roots
As a proudly bilingual, member-owned organization, we are driven by inclusivity, sustainability and community empowerment. With decades of experience and a deep commitment to service, we work to build stronger communities across Manitoba and create meaningful impacts for everyone we serve.
Our roots date back to 1937, when Caisse Financial Group was established in St. Malo, Manitoba, as the province’s first officially registered financial co-operative. With just 29 members and $96.85 in assets, Caisse St. Malo was born out of the francophone community’s shared vision of self-reliance and mutual support.
In 1943, Assiniboine Credit Union was created by Ed McCaffrey and eight co-workers from the Winnipeg Electric Company. In response to the financial hardships of World War II and the exploitative practices of moneylenders, these visionaries formed an open-bond credit union where everyone in the community was welcome. Members pooled their savings to lend money to one another to create fairness and accessibility in banking.
Westoba Credit Union began its journey in 1963, founded as the Brandon Consumers Credit Union Society Ltd. Serving members across Brandon, it grew steadily, adopting the name Westoba in 1973 to better reflect its expanding rural and agricultural reach.
