PHOENIX — July 9, 2026
Executive Summary
Desert Financial Credit Union has expanded its Digital Investing platform with new investing tools designed to make online investing more accessible for members across different experience levels. Integrated directly into Online Banking and the Desert Financial mobile app, the enhanced platform introduces fractional share investing, educational resources, simulated trading, and an AI-powered robo-advisor, enabling members to begin investing with greater flexibility while supporting long-term financial planning and informed decision-making.
Announcement Overview
Desert Financial Credit Union announced new capabilities for its Digital Investing platform to provide members with additional investment options through a unified digital experience. The expanded platform combines investment education, self-directed investing, portfolio research tools, simulated investing, fractional share purchasing, and automated investment capabilities within the credit union’s existing digital banking environment. According to the credit union, the enhancements are intended to reduce barriers for first-time investors while continuing to support experienced investors seeking greater flexibility and control over their investment portfolios.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Digital investing platform expansion
- Company: Desert Financial Credit Union
- Announcement Date: July 9, 2026
- Platform: Desert Financial Digital Investing
- Primary Enhancement: Expanded digital investing capabilities integrated into Online Banking and the Desert Financial mobile app
- New Investing Feature: Fractional share investing for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
- Target Users: Beginner investors and experienced investors seeking greater flexibility and control
- Investment Access: Ability to purchase portions of stocks and ETFs without buying a full share
- Educational Resources: Integrated investing education and learning tools
- Practice Investing: Simulated trading environment using test funds with no real money at risk
- AI Capability: AI-powered robo-advisor that invests based on an individual’s goals and risk tolerance
- Self-Directed Investing: Members can research, select investments, and manage portfolios independently
- Platform Benefits: Real-time digital access, investing flexibility, portfolio control, and simplified investing experience
- Accessibility Features: Low minimum investment requirements and user-friendly digital experience
- Brokerage Provider: TAPP Engine Securities, LLC (FINRA/SIPC)
- Advisory Provider: TE Advisors, LLC (SEC-registered)
- Member Protection: SIPC protection available for eligible brokerage accounts, subject to applicable limits
- Investment Risk Disclosure: Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal
- Credit Union Disclosure: Not NCUA insured • No credit union guarantee • May lose value
Digital Investing Platform Expansion
Desert Financial Credit Union announced the expansion of its Digital Investing platform, introducing additional investing capabilities through its existing digital banking ecosystem.
The platform has been designed to serve members at different stages of their investing journey, including individuals opening their first investment account as well as members focused on building wealth over the long term.
According to the credit union, the expanded offering is fully integrated into:
- Desert Financial Online Banking
- Desert Financial mobile application
This integration enables members to access investing tools alongside their existing digital banking services through a single online experience.
Fractional Share Investing
One of the newly expanded capabilities is the ability to purchase fractional shares.
Rather than requiring investors to purchase an entire share of a security, eligible members can invest in portions of individual stocks and exchange-traded funds.
According to the announcement, fractional investing allows members to participate in financial markets without needing the capital required to purchase a full share.
Key characteristics include:
- Investment in fractional portions of stocks
- Investment in fractional portions of exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
- Market participation without purchasing a full share
- Greater accessibility for investors with limited available funds
- Support for self-directed brokerage accounts
The credit union stated that fractional shares move with market performance in the same manner as full shares within a self-directed brokerage account.
Investing Experience Built Into Digital Banking
Desert Financial stated that the investing platform has been incorporated directly into its existing digital banking infrastructure.
Members can manage investing activities through familiar digital channels while maintaining flexibility over their investment decisions.
According to the announcement, the integrated experience is intended to simplify access to investing services without requiring members to move between separate platforms.
Investing Education and Learning Resources
The expanded platform also includes educational resources intended to support informed investment decisions.
According to the announcement, members have access to tools that encourage learning while allowing investors to build confidence over time.
Educational features include:
- Investment education resources
- Research tools
- Self-directed investment capabilities
- Learning resources for new investors
- Support for ongoing portfolio development
The credit union stated that these resources are designed to help members make investment decisions based on their own financial objectives.
Simulated Trading Environment
The platform includes simulated trading functionality for members who wish to gain investing experience before committing real funds.
According to the announcement, simulated investing enables users to practice investment strategies using test funds rather than actual capital.
Features highlighted include:
- Practice investing with simulated funds
- No real money placed at risk during simulation
- Opportunity to develop investing confidence
- Hands-on experience before live investing
The simulated environment is intended to provide practical learning opportunities while reducing barriers for first-time investors.
AI-Powered Robo-Advisor
Desert Financial also announced that the platform incorporates an AI-powered robo-advisor.
According to the credit union, the automated investment capability is designed to invest on behalf of members based on individual financial goals and selected risk tolerance.
Key capabilities include:
- AI-powered portfolio management
- Goal-based investing
- Risk tolerance consideration
- Automated investment management
The robo-advisor complements the platform’s self-directed investing capabilities by providing an additional option for members seeking automated portfolio support.
Flexible Self-Directed Investing
The Digital Investing platform allows members to remain in control of their investment decisions while accessing supporting resources throughout the investment process.
According to the announcement, members can:
- Research investment opportunities
- Select their own investments
- Learn while investing
- Build portfolios over time
- Maintain flexibility throughout the investment journey
The platform combines educational content with investment functionality to support members who prefer an independent investing experience.
Accessibility for New and Experienced Investors
Desert Financial stated that the expanded platform has been designed to accommodate investors with varying levels of experience.
The digital investing experience emphasizes accessibility through:
- Low minimum investment requirements
- Simple digital experience
- Flexible investing options
- Educational support
- Long-term portfolio development tools
According to the announcement, these capabilities help reduce traditional entry barriers while continuing to serve members who already have investing experience.
Leadership Commentary
Josh Fadel, Managing Director of Desert Financial Wealth Management, said:
“Investing often feels out of reach for many people, especially those who think they need thousands of dollars to get started.”
He added:
“Our digital investing tools are designed to meet the needs of every member, whether they’re investing for the first time or building long-term wealth.”
Brokerage and Advisory Information
According to the announcement, brokerage services supporting the Digital Investing platform are provided by TAPP Engine Securities, LLC, while advisory services are provided by TE Advisors, LLC.
Additional information provided includes:
- Brokerage Provider: TAPP Engine Securities, LLC
- Advisory Provider: TE Advisors, LLC
- Brokerage Registration: FINRA/SIPC
- Advisory Registration: SEC-registered
- Broker information available through: FINRA BrokerCheck
- SIPC member protection applies up to applicable limits
The announcement also notes that investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Investment Disclosures
The announcement includes the following investment-related disclosures:
- Payment options and investing remain subject to applicable regulations
- Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal
- Not NCUA insured
- No credit union guarantee
- May lose value
About Desert Financial Credit Union
Desert Financial Credit Union has served Arizona communities for more than 87 years and today serves more than 500,000 members with nearly $9 billion in assets. The credit union operates more than 50 locations across Arizona while offering digital banking services that allow members to manage their finances online, by phone, or in person. In 2026, the credit union returned $16 million to members through its Member Giveback Bonus program. Desert Financial is also the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University® and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics, and the NAU Alumni Association. The credit union is federally insured by the NCUA.
About TAPP Engine
TAPP Engine develops technology and infrastructure supporting capital formation, wealth management, and liquidity solutions for credit unions, community financial institutions, and regional financial institutions. Brokerage services are offered through TAPP Engine Securities, LLC, while digital advisory services and technology are provided through TAPP Engine Advisors, LLC, supporting financial institutions with digital investment capabilities.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit desertfinancial.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement
