Leaders in Lending

As technology evolves, open banking is reshaping how we manage and share financial data, creating exciting opportunities for innovation and better services.

In today’s episode, host Matt Snow welcomes Armen Meyer, Co-founder of the American Fintech Council, to explore the world of open banking. Together, they discuss the opportunities and challenges this transformation brings, from balancing innovation with preventing monopolies to what’s next for consumer protection and data privacy. 

Armen also shares some key post-election insights, exploring how recent political shifts may impact financial regulations, CFPB oversight, and potential rule changes that could shape the future of the industry.

Join us as we discuss:

• The role of balanced regulation in fostering innovation in financial services.
• How open banking promotes transparency, and the challenges smaller banks face.
• Key political and legal developments that could influence fintech regulations and the CFPB moving forward.

In banking, yesterday’s touchdowns don’t win today’s games. A great product is just the start — constant evolution is key to meeting ever-changing customer needs.

In today’s episode, host Matt Snow sits down with Rhett Roberts, CEO and Co-Founder of LoanPro, for an in-depth look at the modern financial landscape. Rhett shares key insights from the recent Money 2020 event in Las Vegas, covering everything from AI’s growing role in financial services to the critical shift toward customer-centric lending. Together, they explore how small lenders can embrace tech modernization, the importance of proactive customer service, and the far-reaching effects of regulatory changes on the industry. 


Join us as we discuss:

• Why small lenders should prioritize exceptional, cost-effective customer experiences over geographical reach.
• How AI and generative tech are transforming financial services, enhancing efficiency and compliance beyond traditional CRMs.
• The urgent need for financial institutions to modernize their tech to meet customer expectations and leverage open banking.

In a world where technology rapidly reshapes financial systems, credit unions must innovate to stay ahead. 

In this episode, host Matt Snow chats with Nat Hoopes, Head of Public Policy at Upstart, as they navigate the fintech landscape and highlight the importance of actionable insights from industry professionals. They discuss the evolving role of the NCUA, the need for diversified products in credit unions, and share compelling anecdotes about Synapse's bankruptcy and Upstart's partnerships with over 100 institutions. Together, they explore the delicate balance between partnership and regulation, the transformative power of AI in lending, and the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic sector.

Join us as we discuss:

• Why insights from real industry professionals outweigh the advice of self-proclaimed "gurus".
• How AI enhances credit access and performance compared to traditional methods.
• The importance of partnerships between credit unions and fintechs to offer diverse products and maintain competitiveness amid regulatory scrutiny and technological changes.

In the face of unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses across the nation have demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity, adapting to new realities and discovering innovative ways to survive. 

On today's episode, host Matt Snow is joined by special guest, Chris Pilkerton, the former head of the Small Business Administration and author of "Plandemic." Chris shares his unique insights from inside the SBA and the White House, detailing how the Paycheck Protection Program was crafted and executed at lightning speed. We’ll dive into his book, which explores the challenges and triumphs faced by small businesses during the pandemic. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pivotal role of community development financial institutions (CDFIs), the decision-making processes behind massive economic stimulus measures, and the crucial lessons learned for future crisis preparedness.

Join us as we discuss:

• How the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) sustained jobs and health benefits during the pandemic, highlighting the necessity for adaptable government interventions.
• Why CDFIs like the Accion Opportunity Fund were vital in providing financial assistance to underserved communities, highlighting the need for inclusive support systems.
• The importance of pre-written legislation and streamlined processes for swift, effective responses to future crises.

Can credit unions turn economic setbacks into stepping stones for success? 

Today, we sit down with Dustin Holmberg, Chief Revenue and Lending Officer at Clearview Federal Credit Union. With $2 billion in assets and a vibrant community of 120,000 members, Clearview is not only surviving but thriving in today’s financial landscape. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of AI, innovative lending strategies, and the critical role of community engagement. Dustin also shares his personal journey and insights on adaptability, revealing what it truly takes to lead in the credit union industry.

Join us as we discuss:

• How Clearview Federal Credit Union manages interest rate changes and liquidity crises through strategic oversight of margins, CD rates, and loan growth.
• The role of AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in boosting efficiency in underwriting and automating repetitive tasks, empowering employees.
• Clearview's "digital-first" approach and its expansion of physical branches to enhance community engagement and member convenience.

Ultimately, providing the best financial advice or service is all about having the right data in the right place at the right time.

This week, host Matt Snow speaks with Chris Gifford, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at USAA Federal Savings Bank, about the evolution of data analytics within the financial industry—as well as the importance of having a strong data foundation. Chris also shares insights on driving innovation through real-world problem-solving, the democratization of data, and the need to break down data silos for seamless integration.

Join us as we discuss:

• The democratization of deep data analysis and its effects
• What factors organizations should consider when deciding whether to build, buy, or partner for technological solutions
• Using timely data analysis to give personalized advice to members
• Strategies for fostering a culture of innovation within data analytics teams

From having a child to starting a business, every major life decision comes with financial implications—and with those come concerns and challenges. But even concerns come in all different shapes and sizes, so building trust as a bank means having an in-depth and empathetic understanding of the community they’re operating in. 

This week, host Matt Snow speaks with Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at KeyBank and CEO at KeyBank Foundation.  Eric delves into the evolving role (and perception) of banks as agents of positive change within their communities. He discusses how banks can go beyond traditional services by providing financial education and involving community leaders to better understand and address the specific needs of underserved areas. Eric shares practical steps that banks can take to truly invest in a community, rather than just operating within one.

Discussed in this episode:

• The need to create new homeowners and help build generational wealth.
• Gathering information about community needs through outreach and engagement initiatives
• How minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) help underserved communities
• Current trends in financial education

Like many institutions, credit unions can't afford to be left behind in the race to adapt to the new AI-driven technological landscape. But successfully and responsibly leveraging AI goes beyond adopting AI solutions for the sake of checking off a box—it involves identifying opportunities to collaborate with seasoned partners who can help solve the problems that AI is equipped to solve.

This week’s episode features a conversation with Upstart Senior Account Managers Barry Roach and Drew Megrey, which originally took place on an episode of The CU Lab. Barry and Drew outline the crucial role of a strong digital and AI strategy in helping credit unions tackle issues like liquidity restraints and regulatory hurdles—and they explore how strategic AI adoption can help credit unions not just keep up, but lead the way.

Join us as we discuss:

• The importance of transparency and education in forming successful partnerships between AI providers and credit unions
• Starting small and involving all teams for successful scaling
• The benefits of AI in underwriting, including better risk prediction and higher approval rates
• How Upstart’s "Recognized Customer Personalization" feature helps credit unions identify potential borrowers more efficiently

Things need to change, oftentimes more than we’d like.

This week, host Matt Snow is joined by Adam Goller, EVP and Head of Fintech Banking at Cross River Bank, for a conversation about transformation and innovation within fintech in the face of turbulent times and shifting preferences. Adam shares his insights on how smart strategy, rapidly evolving technology, and—most importantly—a willingness to adapt, is resulting in creative solutions for today and tomorrow’s challenges.

Join us as we discuss:

• The shifts in entrepreneurship and banking during global events like the 2008 Financial Crisis and Covid-19
• Why user experience solutions need to accommodate shorter attention spans
• The challenges of integrating AI in heavily regulated sectors like banking
• How the expanded skill sets of today’s students impacts what technical knowledge is required in finance

Although the US Supreme Court recently upheld the CFPB’s funding system—and removed a major threat to the agency’s ability to regulate financial products and services—the future of financial regulation is far from settled or certain. 

On today’s episode, host Matt Snow speaks with Armen Meyer, Co-Founder of the American Fintech Council, about the implications of the CFPB ruling on the financial industry and other regulatory and government institutions. Matt and Armen also explore the growth of the FinTech industry, the role of regulatory technology, and the potential risks and benefits of generative AI.

Discussed in this episode:

• Why finding a middle ground between pragmatism and aspiration is essential for regulatory stability
• The relationship between rising interest rates and the decline in bond prices
• How open banking rules facilitate the free flow of data and enhance competition in the banking sector
• The disparity in tech investment between big banks and small regional banks