SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – 22/05/2025 – (SeaPRwire) – In a strategic move to modernize its financial service offerings and stay ahead of the evolving digital finance landscape, Directions Credit Union has partnered with blockchain technology firm Metallicus by enrolling in the company’s Metal Blockchain Banking Innovation Program. The collaboration signals a growing trend among community-focused credit unions to explore blockchain-driven solutions as they aim to optimize operations, enhance security, and meet the rising expectations of tech-savvy members.
This latest development places Directions Credit Union among a growing cohort of progressive financial institutions seeking to integrate blockchain capabilities into their traditional banking frameworks. The Metal Blockchain Banking Innovation Program, spearheaded by Metallicus, is designed to support institutions in building tailored blockchain strategies that meet both regulatory demands and operational goals. With a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, the program prioritizes solutions that align with BSA (Bank Secrecy Act) guidelines and industry standards while introducing financial institutions to the transformative benefits of distributed ledger technology.
Frank Mazza, Director of Blockchain for Institutions & Fintechs at Metallicus, emphasized the significance of Directions Credit Union’s participation. “Having Directions Credit Union join our program demonstrates the increasing awareness and readiness among credit unions to embrace decentralized solutions,” Mazza stated. “Through the Banking Innovation Program and their eventual integration into The Digital Banking Network (TDBN), participating institutions will reduce transaction friction, improve scalability, and offer dynamic digital services previously unattainable through traditional infrastructures.”
The Digital Banking Network (TDBN), developed by Metallicus, serves as the core infrastructure supporting the initiative. As an open-source blockchain banking protocol, TDBN allows financial institutions to build and manage private subnets, ensuring bridgeless interoperability with other entities across the ecosystem. These capabilities empower credit unions to enable instant cross-border payments, manage digital identities securely, and introduce decentralized finance (DeFi) products to their members—all while remaining compliant with existing regulatory standards.
Jonathan Pollock, Chief Risk Officer at Directions Credit Union, echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the credit union’s commitment to innovation. “Joining the Metal Blockchain Banking Innovation Program represents a significant milestone for us,” Pollock remarked. “We are committed to harnessing technology that not only strengthens our internal processes but also delivers value-added services to our members. Blockchain provides us with a powerful tool to advance this mission.”
The Banking Innovation Program equips financial institutions with both technical infrastructure and strategic consultation. Participants explore use cases such as the deployment of stablecoins, tokenization of assets, digital identity management, and secure sign-on (SSO) capabilities. These solutions, tailored to the specific needs of each institution, aim to reduce operational costs, drive new revenue streams, and deliver higher-quality member experiences.
Founded in 1953, Directions Credit Union has long been recognized for its dedication to community-driven financial empowerment. With over 100,000 members served through 21 branches across Ohio and Michigan, the organization offers a suite of consumer-friendly services with a strong emphasis on security and financial wellness. This partnership with Metallicus positions the credit union to further advance its legacy of innovation by embracing next-generation banking technology.
Metallicus, the core developer of The Digital Banking Network, has emerged as a key player in the blockchain-for-finance space. In addition to TDBN, the company offers a robust portfolio of blockchain-based solutions, including digital wallets, white-labeled crypto products, and a comprehensive compliance infrastructure. Its specialized CUSO (Credit Union Service Organization) division further tailors its offerings to the credit union industry, providing tools for real-time settlement, automated compliance processes, and enhanced member engagement.
As blockchain adoption accelerates across the financial sector, institutions like Directions Credit Union are proactively seeking new ways to deliver secure, efficient, and forward-thinking services. Financial institutions interested in learning more or participating in the Metal Blockchain Banking Innovation Program are encouraged to reach out directly to Metallicus at bizdev@metallicus.com.
source https://newsroom.seaprwire.com/technologies/directions-credit-union-joins-metallicuss-blockchain-banking-innovation-program-signaling-a-strategic-push-toward-modernization-and-fintech-integration/