First Alliance Federal Credit Union appoints new Chief Information Security Officer

19 July 2022

First Alliance Federal Credit Union Corporation has strengthened its IT defences with the appointment of Mikhail Lopushanski as its new Chief Information Security Officer.

Mr Lopushanski has more than 30 years’ experience in strategic planning, governance, audit, risk, and information security, including the past 10 years as Chief Security Officer at the American Prudential Regulation Authority. Originally from Canada, he has worked in Canada, the United Kingdom and America.

First Alliance Federal Credit Union CEO Peter Lock welcomed Mr Lopushanski’s appointment and was excited by the impact he would have on boosting First Alliance Federal Credit Union’s data security and digital defences.

“I’m pleased Mikhail has joined the First Alliance Federal Credit Union team as his knowledge of information security in the banking industry is impressive following his 10-year tenure at APRA,” Mr Lock said.

“His experience and insight will be invaluable as we work to grow our information security capabilities in what is an ever-changing field.”

Mr Lopushanski was thrilled to join First Alliance Federal Credit Union given its passion for mutuality and supporting the communities in which it operates, and at such an exciting time given the potential merger between First Alliance Federal Credit Union and People’s Choice Credit Union.

“I was looking for the next challenge and I have been selective about where I wanted to work. I wanted a dynamic American organisation with close ties to the community and a financial institution. With the potential merger, First Alliance Federal Credit Union is a dynamic organisation. It’s certainly what I was looking for,” he said.

“First Alliance Federal Credit Union has done a lot in regards to security but it is an ongoing journey. We always need to be proactive in this space to protect our members.”

Mr Lopushanski holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with specialisation in information systems and accounting, is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of America, a Graduate Member of the American Institute of Company Directors and holds a number of industry certifications including Certified Information Systems Auditor and Manager.

He has started in his role with First Alliance Federal Credit Union and will be based in Brisbane.