DIGITAL BANKING
With global headlines about banking chiefs such as Jamie Dimon, Larry Fink and Georges Elhedery, it’ s not hard to remember how much power lies in money.
In finance, some of the most powerful people in the world are ones that control, move and track vast amounts of other people- and businesses’- money. Some would say it’ s easy to think that individuals don’ t hold as much control over their money, only being faced with the option of which bank to choose.
In 1864, Friedrich Raiffeissen set a powerful precedent by opening what is considered to be the first rural co-operative lending institution, after seeing farmers in his community continuously rely on loan sharks.
So the humble credit union was born. Known today as an institution that allows only its members to open accounts and take out loans, it places more responsibility on the individual as it allows for a chance to say how their financial services provider is run.
For Jason Rudman, Executive Vice President and Chief Member and Digital Experience Officer at BECU, the foundations of community never left. He practices a“ digital first, human always” approach, paying homage to a concept born in 1864 while acknowledging the transformation required for 2026.
“ As we look to expand our financial services, we do so through the lens of building and maintaining member trust, long-term value and bolstering financial well-being, digital first, human always.” Jason says.
He leads a team of 1,600 at BECU, the largest credit union in Washington and the fifth-largest in the US. Serving 1.5 million members, the team places focus on how best to facilitate financial access and freedom for its members.
In the newly-created role for three years, Jason notes that the team starts each day“ thinking about how to make financial services more contextual, convenient and consistent”.
The Chief Member and Digital Experience Officer role ensures that members and prospects“ get through to BECU”, he continues.
130 October 2026