Prominent Industry Leaders Benson Porter, Louis Hernandez, Jr., and Steve O’Connell to Discuss Advanced Technologies Focused on Addressing Unique Needs of the Credit Union Movement
BOCA RATON, Fla., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Black Dragon Capital℠ (“Black Dragon”) has announced its collaboration with California Credit Union and California Credit Union League in co-hosting a private event catered towards the credit union community, happening this June 5, 2025.
Black Dragon Capital℠ is a multi-phased investment firm founded and led by recognized financial technology and Credit Union leaders which focuses on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments. The firm follows a unique, operationally led model which leverages their team’s deep domain expertise within their industries of focus. Black Dragon has a global footprint with portfolio operations in over 100 countries, experience in leading and transforming both startups and multi-billion-dollar organizations to create sustainable businesses for the long term. Its family of funds, founded over a decade ago, partners to create economic and social stability in the areas it serves.
The firm recently announced the beginning of its fintech focused strategic partnership with California Credit Union, a federally insured, state-chartered credit union that offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking to the community of approximately 200,000 members which it has been serving for over 93 years.¹
The California Credit Union League exists to help credit unions change people’s lives by supporting their operations, guidance, strategy, and philosophy. This trade association helps local credit unions in California serve more than 14 million members.
Together they are co-hosting a private reception to meet and engage with leaders from the credit union industry to discuss possible strategic partnerships. The exclusive event will feature renowned members of the credit union and fintech industries:
Benson Porter is a highly regarded credit union and financial services leader with over three decades of expertise in leading accelerated growth strategies and implementing effective control structures in high-growth scenarios. Mr. Porter is a Senior Advisor at Black Dragon Capital. His impressive track record includes serving as the President and CEO of the BECU, which grew into the third largest credit union in the country during his tenure and serving as the CEO of First Tech Credit Union after its merger with Addison Avenue FCU.
Louis Hernandez, Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Black Dragon Capital. He is also an award-winning entrepreneur, successful operating executive and investor, philanthropist, and author. Over his decades-long career, he has been a visionary in leading fintech innovation through community-focused financial solutions. Hernandez was the Chairman and CEO of Open Solutions during the creation and launch of the DNA core system. He was also the Founder of Payveris, a payments gateway hub. Having been inducted into the Innovator Leadership Hall of Fame by Banking Technology News, Hernandez has been a long-time advocate of the credit union movement. His previous books, Too Small To Fail and Saving The American Dream, advocated on behalf of the credit union community. Recently, Hernandez published his latest book titled Digital Tsunami: a compelling dive into the transformative impact of the digital era on industries across the globe which presents actionable strategies for businesses navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.
Steve O’Connell is the President & CEO of California Credit Union. He has dedicated the past two decades to championing credit unions as catalysts for community empowerment. His leadership has advanced financial literacy, education and access to banking services for underserved communities. He serves on multiple boards and continues to drive California Credit Union’s mission of “People Helping People” throughout Southern California.
By working closely with their strategic partners, Black Dragon Capital℠ will identify and leverage the most advanced technologies that will allow credit unions to successfully navigate digital disruption and reassert their importance in the communities they serve.
“Our goal is to collaborate with visionary credit unions to build solutions that not only drive growth but help our community reclaim their member service advantage in a digitized world,” said Benson Porter, Senior Advisor, Black Dragon Capital. “I’ve been very pleased with the positive feedback and growing interest we have received so far, and I am excited to welcome others joining our cause to strengthen the technological posture of the credit unions and community-based lenders.”
Black Dragon Capital℠
Black Dragon Capital℠, founded over a decade ago by recognized financial technology and Credit Union leaders, is a multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments that strengthen economic stability within communities. The firm is led by a collaborative team with a combination of intense operating experience, community impact focus, and a proven track record of successfully transforming companies.
California Credit Union
California Credit Union is a federally insured, state-chartered credit union founded in 1933 with assets of $5 billion, approximately 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. Named a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union in 2024, California Credit Union serves community members and businesses in the California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura as well as school employees throughout the state². The credit union operates in San Diego and Riverside Counties as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. The credit union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. California Credit Union is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a Low Income Designation, offering inclusive products and services to build financial stability in our underserved communities, including a checking account certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. Visit ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram® or Facebook® @CaliforniaCreditUnion.
California Credit Union League
Headquartered in Ontario, California, the League exists to help credit unions change people’s lives by supporting their operations, guidance, strategy, and philosophy. Our trade association helps local credit unions in California serve more than 14 million members. Credit unions are for people, not profit.
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SOURCE Black Dragon Capital
