Digital credit union recognized for its banking platform built around entertainment professionals’ irregular income streams and gig-based work

ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CineFi, the first fully digital credit union serving television, motion picture, music, gaming, content creation, and influencer professionals in Atlanta, has been honored as Best New Product in Tearsheet’s The Big Bank Theory Awards, which celebrates innovation in banking and finance. The award recognizes CineFi for introducing a fundamentally new category of banking: a fully digital credit union purpose-built for the entertainment industry.

Launched in 2026 by First Entertainment Credit Union, CineFi is designed for a workforce whose income arrives in irregular, project-based payments rather than steady paychecks. Members get high-yield checking and savings, round-up savings, early direct deposit, ATM surcharge rebates, and no account fees, along with financial education designed for freelance careers.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from Tearsheet,” said Stephen Owen, President and CEO of First Entertainment Credit Union and CineFi. “At CineFi, we understand the unique financial realities entertainment professionals experience. We’re providing both established and emerging talent with the tools, resources and financial education they need to succeed personally and professionally.”

Membership is open to entertainment industry professionals who live or work in the Georgia counties of DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding or Rockdale, or Los Angeles County in California, as well as people nationwide who join through a complimentary one year membership to the Filmmaker’s Alliance. As a fully digital credit union, CineFi gives members access to their accounts, digital banking tools and over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs from anywhere in the country. Learn more or join at cinefi.com.

The full list of the 2026 Tearsheet Big Bank Theory Award winners is available at https://tearsheet.co/announcement/bankings-big-ideas-get-their-moment-the-big-bank-theory-awards-2026/.

About CineFi
Launched in 2026 by First Entertainment Credit Union, CineFi is the first fully digital credit union created for film industry professionals and aspiring talent in Atlanta, Ga. With more than 50 years of entertainment industry expertise, CineFi delivers a future-ready banking experience designed to simplify financial management for those who live and breathe the craft. Offering premium financial products, competitive rates, and tailored financial education, CineFi empowers filmmakers—above and below the line—to achieve long-term success. Beyond banking, CineFi is committed to strengthening the entertainment and creative community by supporting industry nonprofits, schools, organizations, festivals, and events that advance the art and business of filmmaking. Visit www.cinefi.com.

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SOURCE CineFi