Island Savings Credit Union

From Local Experts to Financial Powerhouse: Island Savings’ Transformative Journey

Island Savings Credit Union is a trusted financial institution serving individuals, businesses, and communities with personalized banking, lending, and investment solutions. While it had a strong reputation as a trusted neighborhood expert that fostered local prosperity, its brand lacked the refinement needed to compete with larger financial players. To redefine the market perception of Island Savings to one of a sophisticated financial leader, the credit union required a rebrand.

Boyle Design partnered with Island Savings on this transformation, which included a new visual identity program, product identity, and redesign of the retail banking experience.

Crafting the Way Forward

Our team embarked on a strategic rebranding process to transform Island Savings’ identity into a bold, future-ready brand aligned with its strategic goals. At the heart of this renewal was a new logo, tailored to represent the institutions’ professionalism and modern approach while maintaining an approachable essence. The new mark stood for community, fuller and customer-centric relationships, and a sense of place (island).

Typography emerged as a cornerstone of the visual identity system, designed to stand out and resonate. Drawing inspiration from Vancouver Island’s natural surroundings, a humanistic typeface was carefully chosen to embody the essence of the financial organization. The color system, reflecting trust, progress, and the spirit of the island, became integral to the identity’s visual language.

To further strengthen the brand, we used a strategic approach to clarify and elevate the organization’s four core banking products. Drawing inspiration from the sand dollar, we reimagined ISCU’s products and their communication, transforming them into cohesive, branded offerings that seamlessly aligned with the new identity to tell a unified story. This approach not only enhanced customer understanding but also fostered greater trust and confidence by making the benefits and distinctions of each product more transparent and accessible. The result was a stronger connection between the organization and its customers, driving engagement and loyalty.

The new logo, a sleek and modern design, symbolized a bridge between trust and innovation. This visual language extended to the reimagined branches, where bright, open spaces and cohesive signage reflected the institution’s bold new identity. Collaborating with Ratio Architecture and Interior Design, we reimagined the retail experience, using the new brand as a lens to redesign branch interiors and exteriors. This holistic approach ensured a seamless, engaging experience for clients at every touchpoint, unifying the organization’s image and message.

Results That Matter

The impact of the rebrand was redefining. In less than a year, Island Savings caught the attention of First West Credit Union, resulting in an acquisition. This was more than a financial milestone—it was validation of the new identity and market positioning.

The rebrand not only boosted Island Savings’ external perception but also strengthened internal alignment, rallying employees around a shared vision for growth and innovation. The change was pivotal. It wasn’t just about a new look but about realizing Island Savings’ potential as a financial leader.

Dennis Boyle is an exquisite designer and highly innovative thinker. He has a flair for innovative and brilliant designs that truly reflect the needs and desires of the intended audience. He is meticulous and thoughtful and truly sees design from every angle and possibility. I have worked with Dennis on Island Savings Credit Union for their brand transformation and Pacific Arbour Retirement Communities (PARC) for their brand relaunch. I would highly recommend Boyle Design for creative brand strategy and execution.

Louisa Flinn, VP Sales & Marketing 
PARC Retirement Living