- Flagship Branch Transformation -
Arizona Financial Credit Union
Biltmore Branch | Phoenix, AZ
The Branch That Started an Industry Conversation
Arizona Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution with more than $3.9 billion in assets, serving more than 180,000 members across Arizona. Recognized by Forbes and Newsweek as one of America’s best credit unions, the organization has built its reputation on innovative financial solutions and deep community roots since 1936.
When Arizona Financial Credit Union set out to establish a flagship presence in Phoenix’s Camelback business corridor, the vision was clear: create a branch that feels like a destination, not an errand.
Partnering with DBSI, the credit union transformed a formerly low-profile location at 3178 E. Camelback Road into a bold, recognizable landmark. The space blends cutting-edge technology, community-forward amenities, and intentional design to create an experience that serves both individual members and local businesses.
“This new flagship branch represents a significant milestone for Arizona Financial and our presence in Phoenix. This space is designed around our community and clients, giving them convenient access to comprehensive financial solutions along with the benefits of a local partner such as faster decision-making, personalized service, and deep-rooted Arizona market expertise.”
- Mike Thorell
Arizona Market President and Chief Lending Officer, Arizona Financial Credit Union
Built to Turn Heads and Open Doors
This transformation is visible before you even walk through the door. The building’s exterior was completely reimagined to elevate Arizona Financial Credit Union’s brand presence, turning a previously overlooked location into a bold, recognizable destination in one of Phoenix’s most competitive commercial areas.
Inside, the space is designed to meet members wherever they are, whether they’re stopping in for everyday banking, sitting down for a financial consultation, or looking for a local partner to help grow their business. The layout is open and inviting, centered around a welcome desk that greets members immediately upon entry, with dedicated conference room space for private meetings and in-depth financial discussions.
DBSI's unique design-build approach brought the credit union's vision to life through a suite of standout features:
Mesh LED Display (ClearLED)
A modern, eye-catching digital layer that adds visual energy to the environment while helping Arizona Financial Credit Union share timely information, highlight community messaging, and support member education.
Open, Inviting Layout
Designed to feel approachable and comfortable from the moment members walk in, this space encourages exploration, connection, and natural conversation.
Golf Simulator (Indoor Golf Design)
An unexpected, community-forward amenity that reinforces the branch’s role as a destination and creates new opportunities for member engagement, networking, and business relationship-building.
Comfort Area
A relaxed lounge space where members can unwind, connect to Wi-Fi, and feel at home while they wait or simply take a break from their day.
Welcome Desk
A first point of contact that sets the tone for the entire experience, replacing traditional teller lines with a hospitality-inspired greeting.
Conference Room Space
Private, professional meeting areas for in-depth financial consultations and business banking discussions.
From Ribbon Cutting to Making Headlines
The Flagship Biltmore Branch generated attention well before its doors officially opened, and the momentum only grew from there. DBSI captured the full arc of the project through social media coverage, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes construction updates that gave followers a front-row seat to the transformation.
Arizona Financial Credit Union marked the grand opening with two days of on-site celebrations, bringing members, partners, and the local community together.
A new branch experience is almost here, bringing innovation, thoughtful design, and enhanced member service to the Biltmore community.
A former bank is being transformed into a dynamic destination featuring immersive technology, engaging experiences, and modern banking solutions.
The new Biltmore branch is now open, delivering a high-tech, high-touch environment designed for members and the community.
Discover how technology, digital signage, and innovative design are redefining the branch experience for today’s members.
Join us in celebrating the opening of a new branch that elevates member experiences through design, technology, and brand innovation.
In the News
From Ribbon Cutting to Making Headlines
The Flagship Biltmore Branch generated attention well before its doors officially opened, and the momentum only grew from there. DBSI captured the full arc of the project through social media coverage, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes construction updates that gave followers a front-row seat to the transformation.
Arizona Financial Credit Union marked the grand opening with two days of on-site celebrations, bringing members, partners, and the local community together.
Phoenix Business Journal
Arizona Financial expands with flagship branch in prime Camelback business corridor
AZ Big Media
Arizona Financial Credit Union opens flagship branch in Camelback Corridor
CUInsight
Arizona Financial Credit Union expands Phoenix presence with new flagship branch in Camelback corridor
DBSI
Arizona Financial Credit Union and DBSI Celebrate Grand Opening of Flagship Biltmore Branch in Phoenix
See the Biltmore Branch Come to Life
From the first day of construction to the ribbon cutting and beyond, the Flagship Biltmore Branch was captured on camera at every stage. Explore the video library below for a closer look at the transformation, the people behind it, and the moments that brought it all together.
See the Biltmore Branch Come to Life
From the first day of construction to the ribbon cutting and beyond, the Flagship Biltmore Branch was captured on camera at every stage. Explore the video library below for a closer look at the transformation, the people behind it, and the moments that brought it all together.
Arizona Financial Credit Union’s CEO Takes the Mic with Jim Marous
The Biltmore Branch served as the backdrop for a special collaboration between DBSI and the Banking Transformed podcast. Hosted by top-5 banking influencer Jim Marous, the episode featured an interview with Amy Hysell, President and CEO of Arizona Financial Credit Union, exploring what it takes to make branch transformation real and connecting DBSI’s flagship project with one of the industry’s most recognized voices on the future of branch banking.
“We’ve been in partnership with DBSI for nearly 25 years. They really try to understand what we are trying to accomplish, first and foremost. From there, DBSI goes through that process with us to say this is how we can bring that vision to life.”
- Amy Hysell
President and CEO, Arizona Financial Credit Union
The conversation covered Arizona Financial Credit Union’s distribution strategy, the evolving role of physical branches, and how the credit union’s nearly 25-year partnership with DBSI helped bring their flagship vision to life. Hysell shared firsthand insights into how the Biltmore Branch was designed to attract small businesses, deepen member engagement, and stand out in a competitive market.
More Than a Branch. A Blueprint for What Comes Next.
As part of DBSI’s Visionary Voices 2026 event, financial institution leaders from across the country were invited to experience the Flagship Biltmore Branch during an exclusive on-site private mixer.
The event gave attendees the opportunity to walk the space, see the design and technology in action, and hear directly from the teams behind the project.
As part of the event, DBSI presented a $2,500 donation to the Arizona Financial Credit Union Foundation, reinforcing the shared commitment to community at the heart of the partnership.
FI Leaders Experience the Builtmore Branch Firsthand
Built for Impact
The Flagship Biltmore Branch demonstrates what happens when a financial institution and its transformation partner share the same ambition: to build something members, businesses, and the community want to be part of.
It’s proof that the right combination of design, build, and technology can create a space that generates real business value and industry impact.
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