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BrightBridge Credit Union, Arrha Credit Union Members Approve Merger

By
Daily News

LAWRENCE, SPRINGFIELD — The members of BrightBridge Credit Union and Arrha Credit Union voted in favor of merging the two financial organizations this week, following separate member votes at each organization’s corporate headquarters. BrightBridge will be the continuing credit union, with Arrha changing its name to Arrha Credit Union, a Division of BrightBridge Credit Union.

The newly merged credit union will have 23 retail branches, combined assets of nearly $2.4 billion, and approximately 125,000 members. The merger will combine the resources, expertise, and values of two long-standing and like-minded credit unions.

“Our member vote marks an exciting new chapter for both BrightBridge and Arrha members,” BrightBridge President and CEO John Howard said. “By combining our strengths, we are building a stronger credit union that remains deeply committed to delivering exceptional service, expanding access to competitive financial products and investing in the communities we proudly serve. We are thrilled to bring our two credit unions together and create one big family.”

The merger is expected to be finalized on Jan. 1, 2026, pending regulatory approval. Built on a shared commitment to outstanding service, competitive financial solutions, and meaningful community engagement, this partnership allows BrightBridge to broaden its reach, now serving members in Massachusetts’ Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, as well as Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut.

“This partnership will create more value and opportunity for both our staff and members, and for that we are so grateful to have cleared this hurdle,” Arrha President and CEO Mike Ostrowski said. “Arrha and BrightBridge share a long history of putting people first, and this next step will allow us to offer even greater convenience, resources, and financial strength to our communities. I’m proud of what Arrha has built, and I’m equally proud to see that legacy continue as part of a unified BrightBridge Credit Union.”

In 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2025, BrightBridge completed successful mergers with Bridgewater Credit Union, Ocean Spray Employees Federal Credit Union, RTN Federal Credit Union, and Cabot Boston Credit Union, respectively. For more information about the proposed merger between BrightBridge and Arrha, visit www.brightbridge.com/merger.

Arrha Credit Union, BrightBridge Credit Union Announce Intent to Merge

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Arrha Credit Union and BrightBridge Credit Union announced their intent to merge. BrightBridge will be the continuing credit union following the merger.

This strategic partnership is based on a mutual commitment to people-first values, competitive financial offerings, and community engagement, credit unions stated. With this merger, BrightBridge will expand its field of membership to include Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties in Massachusetts, and Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut.

Pending regulatory and member approvals, the combined credit union will operate 23 branches across Southern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut, and provide access to shared branching nationwide. Together, they will serve approximately 125,000 members and manage nearly $2.4 billion in assets.

“We believe this partnership is exceptionally beneficial to our members, our team, and our community,” said Michael Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union. “Together, we’ll be stronger and better equipped to serve our members’ evolving financial needs. We look forward to working with the BrightBridge team to ensure a smooth transition for all.”

BrightBridge Credit Union President and CEO John Howard added That “we’re honored to be joining forces with a credit union like Arrha that has such a strong legacy of caring for its members. We believe this partnership will bring even more value and opportunity for all our members and team members.”

Throughout the merger process, both organizations have committed to transparency and open communication, with members receiving regular updates and information regarding the proposed merger.