The members of BrightBridge Credit Union (BrightBridge) and Arrha Credit Union (Arrha) 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,” said BrightBridge President & CEO John J. Howard. “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!”
“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,” said Arrha President & CEO Mike Ostrowski. “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.”
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.
In 2019, 2020 and 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.
