RIVERSIDE, Calif. – According to an ex-Zions Bank executive, thebitter credit union/bank clash in Utah has much to do with “basiccompetition at work” and an eagerness by Zions management to keepan out-of-state rival from gaining market share in that state. Thatassessment comes from Christopher O'Malley, who joined the $623million Altura Credit Union here last month as vicepresident-sales, a new position. “Competition is what keeps us allon our toes, but what is happening in Utah centers on Zions'efforts to surpass Wells Fargo after it acquired First Security,”observed O'Malley, referring to Wells Fargo's acquisition of Zions'main rival, the old Salt Lake-based First Security Corp. formerlythe largest bank in the state. Prior to joining Altura, O'Malleyhad been with Zions First National Bank for three years as vicepresident-sales and service heading up the bank's 33-branchnorthern division O'Malley maintains Utah credit unions remain acompetitive force that Zions felt had to be reckoned with while theSalt Lake bank, with large operations in California and Nevadasought to curb the inroads of San Francisco-based Wells Fargo. “Ibelieve Zions has now moved ahead of Wells Fargo,” said O'Malleywho also expresses his satisfaction at joining a CU where he saidhe admires “the passion of fellow employees to serve members andthe sense of giving something back to the community.” O'Malley is aformer branch manager, credit analyst and loan officer. He attendedBrigham Young University and holds a degree from Arizona StateUniversity, Tempe.