Updated April 15, 2025

MESSSAGE REGARDING MARKET VOLATILITY

We understand that times of market volatility and political uncertainty can create unease, especially when it comes to your hard-earned money. Please know that your deposits at Ardent Credit Union are safe and protected.

As a member-owned financial institution, your trust and financial well-being are our top priorities. Here are a few important points that can help reaffirm the security of your funds:

• Federally Insured Deposits: Your deposits at [Credit Union Name] are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a U.S. government agency. This insurance provides coverage of up to $250,000 per individual depositor, per account category. This means that even in the unlikely event of a credit union failure, your insured funds are fully protected.
• Strong Financial Oversight: We are closely regulated and undergo regular audits and examinations to ensure we remain financially sound. Our credit union maintains healthy capital levels and risk management practices that prioritize long-term stability over short-term market reactions. Because we know transparency matters, we post our monthly financials in our branches for Member awareness. Additionally, we have an active member-led Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee that monitor the credit union's progress and hold us accountable.
• Local, Member-Focused Model: Unlike large banks or investment firms that may be exposed to high-risk market behaviors, we operate with a conservative, community-focused approach. We only have one goal – to serve our members, who are also our shareholders. Our dedication to doing what is in the best interest of our members mean we avoid risky investment strategies that could jeopardize your money.
• Diversified and Conservative Investment Strategies: We manage our assets with care, prioritizing security and stability. This includes a diverse loan portfolio and careful liquidity management, helping us weather economic uncertainties while continuing to meet member needs.
• Ongoing Vigilance and Communication: We are constantly monitoring economic and regulatory developments, and we adapt proactively to ensure continued safety and access to your funds. If anything changes that might affect you, we’ll be transparent and communicate openly.

We deeply value your membership and are here to answer any further questions you have. Your peace of mind matters to us, and we're committed to keeping your money safe.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are my deposits in Ardent Credit Union safe?

Yes. Ardent is considered “well-capitalized” by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Ardent is also rated Five Stars (Superior) by BauerFinancial, a leading independent financial rating agency.

Deposits in Ardent Credit Union accounts are insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per individual depositor, the highest amount possible under federal limits from both the FDIC and NCUA. More detailed information about what is covered by the NCUA can be found in this NCUA brochure.

What is the NCUA?

The NCUA is an independent federal regulatory agency similar to the FDIC, but for credit unions only.

What makes Ardent different from banks like SVB and Signature Bank?

Unlike SVB and Signature Bank, Ardent Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that does not offer commercial lending nor does it have a concentration in a specific industry.

Ardent accepts deposits and makes loans primarily to its members, who are individuals and families in our local community. Ardent members are our shareholders and it’s our duty to make financial decisions in their best interest.

SVB and Signature Banks are publicly traded companies with large concentrations of customers in start-up technology companies and the crypto industry, respectively. In contrast, Ardent has a well-diversified balance sheet.

Has Ardent Credit Union ever done business with SVB or Signature Bank?

No.

How are my Ardent Credit Union deposits protected?

The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) insures Ardent member shares. The NCUSIF is administered by the NCUA.

How does NCUSIF protect Ardent members against loss?

Each credit union approved for NCUSIF coverage must meet high standards of safety and soundness in its operations. Federal and state examiners conduct regular examinations to determine whether Ardent is following these standards. If an insured credit union gets into financial difficulties and must be closed, the NCUSIF acts immediately to protect each member’s share accounts.

What is the Standard Maximum Share Insurance Amount?

The Standard Maximum Share Insurance Amount for a credit union member is $250,000. Share accounts maintained in different rights or capacities, or forms of ownership, may each be separately insured up to the $250,000 standard maximum, or in the case of certain retirement accounts, up to $250,000. A member may hold or have an interest in more than one separately insured share account in the same insured credit union.

What types of accounts are insured?

All types of member share accounts and deposits received by the credit union in its usual course of business, including savings, certificates of deposit, money market, checking and individual retirement (IRA) accounts are insured. Investment products offered by a credit union to its members, such as mutual funds, annuities and other non-deposit investments are not insured by the NCUSIF.

How do I figure out my NCUSIF insurance coverage?

Here are the basic NCUA coverage limits.

To calculate your own coverage, visit the NCUA’s online estimator at mycreditunion.gov/estimator.

For more details on insured deposits, visit see the NCUA Insured Funds Brochure