Nusenda acquires Western Heritage Bank

Mar. 13—Nusenda Credit Union announced earlier this week that it finalized its acquisition of Western Heritage Bank.

The announcement came after the acquisition received approval from the National Credit Union Administration.

As part of the closing, the financial institutions became one entity. Western Heritage's website, social media and other communications will say "Western Heritage — Powered by Nusenda Credit Union."

More than 50 Western Heritage employees will become part of the credit union. Western Heritage is headquartered in Las Cruces.

"On behalf of our board of directors and entire team, I am pleased to welcome Western Heritage customers and employees to the Nusenda family," Joe Christian, the president and CEO of Nusenda, said in a statement. "The combination of our community focused institutions and shared beliefs about customer service, community impact, and employee well-being will support the ongoing growth and financial service needs in the Borderplex region."

Nusenda is New Mexico's largest locally owned and operated credit union. It has 260,000 members, more than 750 employees and more than 20 branches.

A news release announcing the finalization said that accounts and systems will be moved to Nusenda by later 2024. Until then, Western Heritage account holders will be served at existing Western Heritage branches, ATMs, websites and the bank's mobile applications.