Mortgage Forward Completes Acquisition of First Federal Bank’s Third-Party Origination Division and QRL Financial
Chicago, IL. (August 25, 2026) — Mortgage Forward, a wholly-owned Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) of Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), is proud to announce it completed the acquisition of First Federal Bank’s Third-Party Origination (TPO) division, including QRL Financial, on July 31, 2026.
The milestone strengthens Mortgage Forward’s ability to help credit unions, financial institutions, and mortgage partners deliver more accessible, borrower-focused home financing solutions in communities nationwide.
The completed acquisition supports Mortgage Forward’s long-term strategy to expand its national mortgage lending platform while deepening the service, technology, and expertise available to partners.
With the TPO group now part of Mortgage Forward, clients will benefit from expanded products, added technology, and continued investment in digital solutions supported by CUSO expertise. Together, the teams are focused on making mortgage lending simpler, stronger, and more responsive for the partners and borrowers they serve.
“This completed acquisition reflects GLCU’s commitment to growing with purpose and supporting organizations that help people and communities achieve their goals,” said Michael Abraham, Chief Strategy Officer of Great Lakes Credit Union. “By bringing these teams together, Mortgage Forward will continue to expand its capabilities while prioritizing customer relationships and service.”
About First Federal Bank & QRL Financial Services
First Federal Bank, headquartered in Lake City, FL, is a leading financial institution committed to serving the needs of its customers and communities. With banking locations across the southeast, First Federal Bank is a community-owned bank that provides a wide range of consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans. QRL Financial Services provides mortgage solutions to financial institutions nationwide, out of Madison, WI. With over $4.4 billion in assets, First Federal’s family of brands has a steadfast focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. The bank has been consistently recognized with an “Excellent” rating from BauerFinancial, Inc. for over 20 years. Newsweek named First Federal the “Best Regional Bank” for 2024, 2025, and 2026. To learn more, visit www.ffbf.com.
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
About Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU)
Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Northern Illinois, Great Lakes Credit Union is banking for a greater good. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $1.4 billion in assets, GLCU is proud to serve more than 105,000 members in Chicagoland and surrounding areas, and to give back to its members and communities through education, volunteerism, and partnerships. Learn more at www.glcu.org.
About Mortgage Forward
Mortgage Forward, LLC is a credit union service organization in the Great Lakes Credit Union Family of Companies specializing in nationwide mortgage solutions. With a relationship-first approach, the organization helps credit unions, financial institutions, and originators expand mortgage offerings, strengthen operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional experiences across the full lending lifecycle. Learn more at www.mortgagefwd.com