For the eighth straight year, Canadians have ranked credit unions number one in overall customer service excellence among all financial institutions, according to the 2012 Ipsos Best Banking Awards. Credit unions also topped all other financial institutions in terms of branch service excellence and valuing members’ business.

“For over a hundred years, Canadian credit unions have met the personal and business financial needs of their members by focusing on what they believe is most important — putting their members’ needs first, and treating them as individuals,” explained David Phillips, president and CEO, Credit Union Central of Canada (Canadian Central).

“While innovative ideas, products and services are an integral component of our co-operative system, Canadian credit unions and caisses populaires never lose sight of what is most important: our dedication to meeting the individual needs of our over five million members,” added Phillips.

Launched in 1987, the Ipsos (formerly Synovate) Customer Service Index (CSI) quarterly survey generates the winners of the annual Best Banking Awards. The Ipsos 2012 Best Banking Awards are based on quarterly Customer Service Index (CSI) survey results.