1989 - Filene incorporates with support from charter members CUNA Mutual Group, CUNA and state credit union leagues; David Chatfield, a former NCUA Board member, hired as first executive director and goes on to become president of the California Credit Union League. 1991 - Bob Hoel, a Colorado State University marketing professor, becomes executive director, serving until his retirement in 2006. 1993 - Publication of "Field of Membership: An Evolving Concept," an important milestone on the path to the Credit Union Membership Access Act. 1999 - Filene branches into applied research by studying opportunities for serving low-income individuals, building the intellectual basis for REAL Solutions. 2004 - i3 group is launched; Filene also launches REAL Solutions for low-wealth households. 2005 - George Hofheimer joins the institute as chief research officer and initiates the "Filene Fellows" model, with participants from world-class universities and consulting firms. 2006 - Mark Meyer becomes executive director; Denise Gabel, a member of the original i3 group, replaces him as chief innovation officer.

2007 - Filene pilots CU Tomorrow project for young adults. 2008-2009 - Filene celebrates a record year of output, publishing more than 35 research and innovation projects.