Leaders in Lending

Credit unions are operating in a new lending environment defined by risk, regulation and rapid innovation. In this episode of Leaders in Lending, hosts Barry Roach, Drew Megrey and Lynn Sautter Beal share how forward-thinking credit unions are adapting to win.

They explore how to build confidence in AI-driven models, balance compliance with growth, and strengthen governance through smarter data. The hosts also discuss why being too conservative on credit can cost market share, how approval experience matters more than rates and why data-driven models now outperform traditional underwriting.

From model oversight to regulatory readiness, this conversation gives credit union leaders practical strategies to stay competitive, confident and compliant in today’s lending landscape.

Don’t risk falling behind. Learn how to strengthen your governance, leverage smarter data, and prepare for the future of lending today.

Credit union membership growth is shrinking as per TruStage research, and the competition isn’t slowing down. In this episode of Leaders in Lending, co-hosts Lynn Sautter Beal, Drew Megrey, and Barry Roach dig into the hard truths about why CUs are losing members—and what can be done to turn the tide. They explore how fintech partnerships, smarter onboarding, and personalized member experiences can help credit unions thrive in a digital-first world. This isn’t a list of quick fixes; it’s a new way of thinking about building lifelong member relationships.

2025 has been all about the crunch. Credit is tight, uncertainty is everywhere and lenders are asking: is this the new normal or just another cycle? In this episode, we unpack what’s driving the squeeze, from regulation and rates to global risk, and how smart institutions are staying ahead.

We also look forward. 2026 will not be business as usual. AI, new lending models and shifting borrower behavior could reshape the landscape. Hear how leaders are finding opportunity in a market defined by uncertainty.

00:00 Anticipating a Fed Rate Cut
03:48 Embracing a New Financial Normal
08:48 Model Accuracy Relies on Recent Data
12:14 Advocating for Participation Loans
14:39 Credit Union Credit Builder Insights
19:16 Economic Uncertainty and Market Resilience
20:04 "Seizing High Yield Opportunities"

Auto loan rates are high, millions of borrowers are rate-locked, and a refinancing wave is on the horizon. In this episode, co-hosts Lynn Sautter Beal, Drew Megrey, and Barry Roach break down why credit unions are uniquely positioned to win the auto refi surge. They dig into smarter underwriting, targeted outreach, and the fintech tools helping CUs capture opportunity at scale. This isn’t a “wait and see” conversation; it’s a roadmap for owning the next big lending moment.

What if the next conference you attended didn’t just inspire ideas, but actually drove change? In this episode of Leaders in Lending, hosts Lynn Sautter Beal, Drew Megrey, and Barry Roach share practical strategies for turning insights from ACU Strategic Growth Conference into meaningful action. They explore how credit unions can prioritize takeaways, implement initiatives, and keep momentum going long after the event ends. From selecting the right vendor partners to engaging frontline staff, this conversation is packed with tactical advice. Plus, they challenge common assumptions about the value a conference can translate to in business.

Access to credit can be life-changing, but for many members, the process still feels out of reach. Great Lakes Credit Union is working to change that with practical solutions that meet people where they are.In this episode, host Drew Megrey sits down with Steve Bugg, President and CEO of GLCU, to talk about how his team is rethinking lending through small-dollar loans, credit builder programs, and face-to-face financial coaching. Steve shares how they’re making a difference for underserved members while keeping risk low and impact high.

Join us as we discuss:

• How GLCU uses $300 loans to create long-term financial confidence
• Why second-chance lending isn’t as risky as most think
• Where mobile tools and in-branch service come together
• How community partnerships and DEI efforts support sustainable lending
• What it means to put trust at the center of the loan process

Technology is reshaping every corner of financial services. For credit unions, the challenge isn’t just keeping up, it’s choosing the right tools, partners, and processes to stay ahead without losing sight of the member experience.In this episode, host Drew Megrey sits down with Bill Clancy, Vice President of Consumer Lending at Advia Credit Union, to explore how his team navigates digital transformation while maintaining the high-touch service members expect. From managing 50+ lending technology systems and partners to empowering older members with mobile banking, Bill shares how Advia strikes the balance between innovation and relationships.Join us as we discuss:

• How Advia curates a tech stack to match rising member expectations.
• Why digital adoption looks different across age groups—and what to do about it.
• Where AI decisioning fits into a long-term lending strategy.
• How to bring automation into lending without losing the human touch.
• What a frictionless future for loans could actually look like.

Rising vehicle prices, longer loan terms, and shrinking margins. As credit unions adapt, standing out requires more than competitive rates. It takes consistency, clarity, and a lending team built for speed and service.In this episode, host Barry Roach sits down with Adam Brice, Chief Lending Officer at EFCU Financial, to unpack how his team reimagined consumer lending from the ground up. From creating a centralized loan contact center to balancing common sense with emerging tech, Adam shares what it really takes to grow a high-performing, resilient lending strategy.Join us as we discuss:

• What happens when you move your best loan officers out of branches.
• How EFCU maintained low charge-offs while doubling down on auto.
• The ripple effects of extended terms and negative equity.
• How AI can strengthen, not replace, sound underwriting.
• Why NIL deals and financial literacy can drive deeper community impact.

As credit unions grapple with an increasingly digital-first market, the path to growth lies in strategic partnerships, streamlined onboarding, and data-driven cross-sell strategies.

In this episode, host Matt Snow sits down with Kirk Drake—author, entrepreneur, and founder of CU 2.0—to explore how credit unions can stay relevant in a fast-changing financial landscape. Drawing on decades of experience in FinTech and community banking, Kirk shares practical insights on building strategic partnerships, leveraging emerging tech like crypto and transforming credit unions into digitally driven community hubs.

Join us as we discuss:

• Why credit unions must embrace AI to meet evolving member expectations
• The growing importance of FinTech collaboration in driving innovation
• How shifting consumer behavior is reshaping onboarding and engagement
• Strategies for serving both traditional and non-traditional demographics
• What it takes to future-proof credit unions in a digital-first world

As the regulatory environment continues to shift and technology reshapes the compliance landscape, today’s lending leaders are under increasing pressure to stay agile and forward-thinking. 

In this episode, recorded live at CBA Live 2025 in Orlando, host Lynn Sautter Beal sits down with Aaron Rykowski, Chief Compliance Officer at WesBanco, and Mikey Reynolds, Director of Compliance at Zions Bank Corporation. Both serve on the CBA’s CFPB Committee and share how their institutions are responding to growing uncertainty—from changes in CFPB leadership and examiner shortages to the fast-moving rise of AI in compliance.

Join us as we discuss:

• How shifts at the CFPB are shaping compliance strategies
• The challenges of operating with fewer examiners and less regulatory clarity
  Where AI and emerging tech fit into modern compliance programs
• What lenders need to know about the final 1071 and 1033 rules
• Why collaboration and proactive engagement are essential in today’s environment