Who Is SECU?

Our mission is to be the trusted provider of financial services to every eligible member and to enhance the value of their lives and financial well-being while maintaining our fiscal strength.

It has never been more necessary for SECU to fill the role of a trusted service provider than it is today. We will meet our members where they are and help them get where they want to go. Our strategic plan outlines our approach to enhancing member value now and into the future.

In the video below, Board Chair Chris Ayers interviews our new CEO Leigh Brady about exciting changes to better serve our members, while staying focused on our longstanding "People Helping People®" philosophy.





See how we are providing more for members.

Invested in North Carolina

At State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU), we’re committed to providing financial products and services that meet your needs wherever you are in life. Our employees are friends, neighbors, and loved ones dedicated to helping people make better, more confident decisions around their finances. We are with our 2.7 million (and growing) members every step of the way.



Whether you’re located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the Outer Banks, or anywhere in between, we’re invested in helping you succeed. Because we believe that, by investing in the people of North Carolina, we’re investing in the future of North Carolina. That’s why we’ll continue to adapt and innovate our products and services to ensure we’re meeting the needs of our members across the state in ways that make a positive impact on their lives.

For more information on SECU’s continued investment in providing more for its members and employees, please view our Mission, Vision, and Values.

North Carolina’s Largest Credit Union

Since 1937, SECU has served as a not-for-profit cooperative financial institution owned by and operated for the benefit of our member-owners. SECU’s members share a common bond: generally employees of the State of North Carolina, public boards of education, and employees of associations formed for the benefit of State employees, and their immediate family members.1 Our mission is to be the trusted provider of financial services to every eligible member, and to enhance their lives and financial well-being while maintaining our fiscal strength.

SECU is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we value individual differences in our staff and in our North Carolina communities. We believe that embracing individual uniqueness makes our cooperative stronger, more innovative, and better able to serve our members. We are committed to making a difference in the financial lives of all SECU members. Founded on the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People®,” we strongly believe that to remain a sound organization, we need the support of our members and community.

As a federally insured, state-chartered financial institution, SECU is required to meet the rigorous requirements of a highly-regulated industry. Safety and soundness in all operations are paramount. Our membership relies on us to operate with unquestionable fidelity to the principles of honesty, integrity, prudence, and equity. “Do the Right Thing” is more than just a catchy slogan; it’s the working principle of our 8,000+ dedicated employees who serve you from branches and 24/7 Member Services statewide.

Our History

SECU was founded June 4, 1937, with 17 members and $437 in assets. SECU initially operated on a part-time basis from the basement of the Agriculture Building in Raleigh. Over the years, we have grown in services, membership, and assets. SECU now has $50 billion in assets and serves over 2.7 million members through 274 branch locations, more than 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services, a 24/7 voice response telephone service, an interactive website, and a mobile app.

A Commitment to Giving Back to Those We Serve

In 2004, the SECU Foundation began operating to promote local community development primarily through funding high-impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Today the SECU Foundation is the largest foundation in the credit union industry. SECU Foundation projects, which are completely funded by the credit union’s members, include scholarships for public high school and community college students, teacher-housing initiatives, SECU Family Houses, and others throughout the state. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $235 million to organizations within North Carolina, and currently donates about $20 million a year, including an annual commitment of over $5 million through “People Helping People®,” scholarship programs.

See how we are invested in North Carolina.

For more information on the history of the Credit Union, please view our Significant Dates in Credit Union History.

SECU Today

Whether you’re looking to purchase your first home, plan for retirement, expand your portfolio, consolidate your debt, or better plan for the future, we offer a wide variety of financial products and services to meet the needs of our members, including:

  • Salary Advance Loans as an alternative to predatory payday lending
  • Mortgage loan options with no required down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • FAT CAT and Zard youth accounts to promote financial literacy
  • Summer Cash and Holiday Cash accounts to assist eligible members with budgeting
  • Financial education and counseling tools designed to help you make the best decisions for where you are with your financial goals
At SECU, we’re dedicated to ensuring you have the tools and resources you need to meet your goals. We’re with you when you need us to provide our expertise and offer products and services that make good sense for where you are in your financial journey. Plus, none of our employees work on commission, meaning everything we suggest is done so with only your best interests in mind.

That dedication means we’re continually looking for ways to better serve our members, including introducing new, easier ways to access your account, receive funds, and stay informed.
1 For a complete list of our eligibility requirements, see the Membership Eligibility page.