TDECU, Smart Financial Complete Credit Union Merger
The merged Houston credit union will serve more than 463,000 members across more than 45 branches.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Financial Services
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TDECU and Smart Financial Credit Union have completed their merger after receiving approval from Smart Financial's voting Members and state regulators. Isaac Johnson will lead the combined organization as CEO.
Why it matters
The merger creates a combined organization of approximately $6 billion in assets and nearly 1,000 employees serving Houston-area members. It brings together two of Houston's longest-standing credit unions into a single institution.
The combined organization will operate more than 45 branches, up from TDECU's prior base plus Smart Financial's 13 locations. Smart Financial's prior 13 locations and TDECU's prior footprint are being integrated, with the source not detailing which branches will close or be retained.
The players
TDECU
TDECU is Houston's largest credit union, founded in 1955 by seven Dow Chemical employees.
Smart Financial Credit Union
Smart Financial Credit Union is one of Houston's oldest credit unions, founded in 1934 by public school teachers.
Isaac Johnson
Isaac Johnson is the chief executive officer who will lead the merged credit union.
The details
TDECU, Houston's largest credit union, completed its merger with Smart Financial Credit Union, one of the city's oldest. LeAnn Kaczynski will serve as Chief Integration Officer while Isaac Johnson leads the merged organization.
Timeline
1934: Smart Financial Credit Union was founded by Houston public school teachers.
1955: TDECU was founded when seven Dow Chemical employees contributed five dollars each.
November 9, 2026: The merger completion was announced.
Market Landscape
Credit union mergers like this one combine two Houston institutions into a larger organization with roughly $6 billion in assets. The combination positions the merged credit union among the larger financial institutions serving the Houston market.
Members of both credit unions will be served by a single combined institution with more than 45 branches. The source does not specify whether account terms, fees or branch access will change for members.
The takeaway
Combining two long-established Houston credit unions creates a larger institution serving over 463,000 members. Members should watch for integration updates from the merged organization as it confirms changes.
Further reading
Explore more Financial Services coverage for Houston readers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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