Filene Research Institute
Financial ServicesWisconsin, United States11-50 Employees
Filene Research Institute is an independent nonprofit think tank within the financial services sector, focused on rigorous analysis of consumer financial wellness, the future of credit unions, and cooperative finance. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the organization was founded about 30 years ago as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and supports credit unions through research and incubation initiatives. Its work targets credit unions and related cooperative financial institutions, helping illuminate strategies to improve member well-being and access to financial services. In February 2026, Filene partnered with Flow Networks to run a controlled study across two live credit union environments, illustrating its commitment to empirical evaluation of new concepts. In January 2026, Filene announced the launch of a Center of Excellence focused on payments, signaling an expanding specialization within its research portfolio. Through collaborations with credit unions and industry organizations, Filene positions itself as a neutral partner for research and incubation within the credit union ecosystem.