First Credit Union, one of New Zealand’s largest member-owned credit unions, knew it was time for a change. With more than 60,000 members relying on its mobile and online banking offerings, the organization viewed Passkeys as an opportunity to enhance user experience and future-proof security with the phishing-resistant authentication standard across its banking platform. First Credit Union partnered with Authsignal to implement a FIDO Certified passkey infrastructure.

The challenge

As a progressive, modern financial institution, First Credit Union has embraced a path toward digital transformation. As part of their journey, they identified several critical challenges impacting both security and user experience.

• Cybersecurity risks from password-based logins.
• User friction from traditional MFA tools.
• Cross-device complexity across mobile apps and browsers.
• Integration hurdles with existing systems.

They evaluated options ranging from authenticator apps to email magic links, but each created new problems or left gaps in security.

Why passkeys

Instead of adding yet another MFA layer, First Credit Union chose to leap forward with FIDO-certified passkeys powered by Authsignal. Passkeys gave them what other methods couldn’t:

• Phishing-resistant security.
• A seamless passwordless experience.
• Standards-based compatibility across devices and platforms.

“Implementing FIDO authentication through Authsignal has been a game-changer for our members’ digital experience. It’s secure, seamless and sets a new standard for trust in online banking.”
— Herb Wulff, Treasury and Agency Banking Manager, First Credit Union.‍

Results so far

Early results have been impressive:

• Over half of all authentications now use passkeys.
• Tens of thousands of members have already enrolled.
• Members cite ease of use and improved trust in their feedback.

And that’s just the beginning.