Together we’ll become Ontario’s credit union of choice for financial well-being - for members, for employees, for communities.
Members Voted Yes
On January 1, 2026, Libro Credit Union and Kawartha Credit Union* merged, bringing together more than 180,000 members, with financial solutions delivered through 57 locations and robust digital platforms. Together we’ll become Ontario’s Credit Union of choice – for members, for employees, for communities. Read the press release here.
To learn more about the merger benefits and why Libro and Kawartha chose to move forward together, read the Member Guide.
What Members Can Expect
Behind the scenes we’re working hard to bring our processes and systems together. For now, members will continue to engage with Libro and Kawartha in the same ways they always have.
Over time, we’ll explore ways to enhance your experience through added convenience, improved digital tools, and expanded service options. Any changes will be clearly communicated in advance.
*Now operating as Kawartha Financial Services, a division of Libro Credit Union.
180K+
members
1,100+
employees
55+
branches
$11B
assets under management
News
Read the latest news:
November 12, 2025
October 10, 2025
September 10, 2025
July 17, 2025
Frequently asked questions
Impact to the Credit Union
No branch closures are planned as part of this merger. Kawartha and Libro have no geographic overlap in our branch networks, and the combined organization would maintain and operate 57 branches. Our goal is to maintain strong local service while expanding our reach across Ontario.
The merged credit union will have its head office in London, while continuing to have a regional office in Peterborough.
The merged credit union’s legal entity name will be Libro Credit Union Limited. Recognizing the strength of our existing brands, we will continue to operate under those familiar names in their respective regions for the foreseeable future.
To meet regulatory requirements, Kawartha will make a name adjustment. Beginning January 1, 2026, it will operate as Kawartha Financial Services, a division of Libro Credit Union Limited. Members will continue to see and interact with the Kawartha brand they know and trust.
Yes. The Board of Directors of the merged credit union will include representation from both Kawartha and Libro. The proposed Board of the merged credit union is:
- From Kawartha: Judy Cameron, Jeff Carter, Allison C. Chenier, Lawrence Davis, Mary McGee
- From Libro: Elizabeth Balwin, David Billson, Jeff Brown, Jacquie Davison, Alan DeVilliaer, Jacqueline Peterson, Jodi Simpson, Garret Vanderwyst
- The Chair of the Board will be Garrett Vanderwyst. The Vice-Chair will be Allison Chenier.
Read the Supplemental Information Package for more information on each Board member.
Shawn Good is the CEO of the merged credit union. Norah McCarthy serves as President, Kawartha Financial Services, and continues to lead the Kawartha distribution channels while supporting transition and integration efforts. The full Executive Leadership Team is available here.
Yes. A combined Executive Leadership Team will lead the merged credit union. Details will be shared closer to the effective date, including how the team reflects the strengths of both organizations.
Impact to Members, Employees, and Community
At the time of the merger, you’ll continue to use your accounts and services as usual. Over time, we’ll explore ways to enhance your experience through added convenience, improved digital tools, and expanded service options. Any changes will be clearly communicated in advance.
Yes. Your existing banking arrangements, including direct deposits, automatic payments, and cheques, will continue to work as usual. If any updates are required later on, you’ll receive clear instructions and advance notice.
In the merged credit union, each membership share will be valued at $1.00. Every member will be required to hold at least five (5) membership shares, for a total minimum of $5
- If you are a current Kawartha Member, each of your shares will be converted into five shares in the merged credit union. For example, one Kawartha membership share (valued at $5.00) will become five membership shares (each valued at $1.00) in the merged credit union.
- If you are a current Libro member, your shares will be converted on a one-to-one basis. For example, one Libro membership share will become one membership share in the merged credit union.
No. After conversion, every Member/Owner will meet the requirement of holding at least five (5) membership shares valued at $1.00 each. You will not need to buy additional shares because the conversion process ensures that the minimum requirement is satisfied. The value of your membership will remain the same. The conversion simply adjusts the number of shares you hold so that all Members/Owners are treated fairly and consistently under the new By-Laws of the merged credit union.
Once the merger is complete, Libro and Kawartha will become one legal entity. That means FSRA deposit insurance coverage will also apply on a combined basis, not separately for each credit union. FSRA insures non-registered eligible deposits (such as chequing and savings accounts) up to $250,000 per member, per insured category, across the new merged credit union. Registered accounts (such as RRSPs, RRIFs, and TFSAs) continue to have unlimited coverage. If you currently have deposits at both Libro and Kawartha, your total coverage will be calculated together once we are one credit union.
We know how important this question is for you as employees and for the members you support every day. There will be many opportunities for employees to grow within the merged credit union, and we are excited about the opportunities for our employees. Operational and structural changes will occur over time with systems alignment, tentatively scheduled in 2027. While some change is inevitable in any merger, we are dedicated to supporting our employees through this transition and we are committed to minimizing job loss as a direct result of this merger. Whenever possible, employees will be integrated into the merged credit union in roles that align with their skills, expertise, and qualifications.
Yes, in a positive way. With greater resources, the merged credit union will be able to invest even more in local communities, continuing and expanding the impact of existing programs, partnerships, and sponsorships.