The Allied Angle

In this episode of Client Voices, we explore the rising risks and evolving realities of auto lending in today’s credit union landscape.

Joined by Dona Svehla (GTE Financial), Jose Iregui (CUautoFi), and Allied Solutions’ Jack Imes and Anne Holtzman, the conversation dives deep into:

🚗 The impact of extended loan terms and declining vehicle values

If your institution is navigating auto loan stress, tightening margins, or regulatory ambiguity, this episode delivers practical insight straight from the front lines.

In this episode, The Allied Angle sits down with Rick Hughes, Senior Vice President, Program Division, from Equity Protection Powered by NFP to explore the latest trends and growth opportunities in home equity lending. Rick discusses how flexible underwriting, embedded loss protection, and member-friendly pricing empower lenders to expand responsibly, attract new borrowers, and demonstrate sound risk controls to regulators. 

Learn more about Equity Protection at equityprotectioninsurance.com

This podcast is sponsored by Equity Protection Powered by NFP

0:36 – Meet Rick Hughes from NFP.

3:40 – Trends in equity lending: What’s resonating with today’s borrowers?

6:19 – Why underwriting flexibility is key to scaling lending programs responsibly.

9:02 – How NFP’s Equity Protection Program builds deeper member loyalty.

10:32 – Equity protection as a tool for stronger risk management.

11:45 – Innovations shaping the future of home equity lending (next 12–24 months).

13:36 – Key advice for lenders exploring equity protection programs.

In this episode of Client Voices: Weathering Financial Storms, Allied Solutions' Mark Rodriguez sits down with three seasoned credit union executives, Allan Prindle (Power Financial Credit Union), Brian Best (GTE Financial), and Mike Miller (iThink Financial), to discuss how they’re navigating today’s most pressing financial challenges.

From rising delinquencies and risk management strategies to talent retention, technology integration, and fostering a resilient culture, these leaders share candid insights on how to weather economic headwinds while staying true to the credit union mission.

00:00 – Intro & Panelist Introductions

In this episode of Client Voices, three credit union leaders — Jason Osterhage (Everwise CU), Mike Wilson (Members 1st FCU), and Steve Collins (Fort Financial FCU) — join Allied’s Bill Sarsfield to discuss how they’re navigating digital transformation while staying rooted in their mission. From AI adoption to strategic partnerships and mobile-first implementation, hear how these leaders are turning technology into real member impact.

Key Takeaways:

Join Allied’s Vice President, Strategic Partnerships Randy Salser and Chief Client Lending Consultant Jack Imes as they unpack the latest lending and deposit trends shaping today’s credit unions and banks. From the current state of the industry and asset‐quality challenges to proven growth tactics, product diversification, targeted marketing, and technology enablement — you’ll hear practical strategies to fuel loan growth, deepen deposit relationships, and proactively manage risk.

Mentioned on the Show:

In this Episode:

0:47 – Get to know Randy and Jack

5:40 – New webinar series focusing on loan and deposit growth strategies. 

6:54 – A look at today’s lending and deposit landscape.

9:55 – How Q1 2025 compares with previous years. 

12:00 – Which proactive measures are critical when navigating the current asset quality landscape?

15:07 - Which loan sectors are still seeing high demand? 

19:00 – Which market signals are most reliable for indicating shifts in borrower demand?

23:16 - Driving loan growth with product diversity, marketing, and technology.

27:00 – How do credit unions compete with one another?  

29:34 – What are the simplest ways to streamline the borrowing process?

33:45 – The transition to a new generation of credit union leadership. 

36:33 - Building stronger lender relationships through product bundling.

43:30 – Achieving sustainable growth in lending and deposits: Final advice for credit unions.  

On this episode of The Allied Angle, Allied’s Anne Holtzman, SVP of Client Experiences and Risk Management Services, and Cindy Bryant, SVP of Client Sales and Support demystify CPI. Together they unpack today’s regulatory spotlight, shifting lender and borrower expectations, and the tension between profit and purpose.

   :47   Get to know Anne and Cindy.

 7:55  The current state of CPI and how it's evolved over the past five years.

13:41  What are the trends driving how lending institutions are evaluating their CPI relationships? 

18:02  How a CPI relationship can either support or disrupt a credit union's member-first mission.

21:04  The risks when CPI providers prioritize automation and volume over precision and care. 

25:48  What's causing the rise in the number of CPI providers facing regulatory scrutiny? 

31:43  How CPI influences brand equity during times of customer financial hardship? 

38:28  Allied's unique approach to CPI and how it's changing the narrative. 

45:44  Why Allied's choice of delayed billing and reduced placements benefits both financial institutions and their customers.  

51:36  Final words of advice for FI executives looking to sign their next CPI contract. 

In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and user experience (UX) design are reshaping the future of financial institutions. Guests Brett Mitchell and Barrett Crites from Allied Solutions share how AI is moving beyond automation to build trust, enhance personalization, and deliver human-centered experiences. From virtual assistants to ethical design, we dive into the strategies FIs can use to innovate responsibly and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

00:40  Get to Know Brett and Barrett.

06:34  The current state of AI in the financial Industry.

09:12   The evolution of AI and the differences between the two types.  

11:27   How UX and AI need to evolve together to provide the maximum benefit for the end user. 

17:16   Ensuring the AI user experience remains human-centric and not robotic. 

23:29 – What financial institutions can do if they’re behind in AI implementation.

27:24 – Where resistance to AI adoption is strongest—and why.

31:45 – Can a credit union use AI to jumpstart their digital transformation?

34:01 – Balancing security and innovation in the age of AI.

35:45 – Key challenges and opportunities as AI continues to mature.

42:48 – How Brett and Barrett stay current in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

Continue your learning!

Brett's recommended listening:

Barrett's recommended listening:

Credit unions are facing rising fraud, liability, and insurance costs, prompting carriers to tighten underwriting, raise rates, and limit coverage – all while balancing member convenience with stronger risk controls. This episode explores the key threats driving these changes, how insurers are responding, and what credit unions can do to protect themselves and their members.

 0:39  – Get to know Patrick and Brandon.

 6:06  –  How insurance carriers have responded to the increased volatility of the past three years.

 8:35  –  The primary types of claims driving the rise in fraud and liability cases.

 11:31 –  Will the rise of AI create new challenges for credit unions in fighting fraud?

14:36 – Why is the credit union space such a prime target for fraudsters?

18:24 – The challenges credit unions face when transferring risk to insurance.

21:09 – What’s preventing credit unions from acquiring the resources needed to fight fraud?

25:33 – Steps credit unions can take to mitigate risks and potentially lower premiums.

28:04 – How insurers are addressing the growing threat of social engineering fraud and account takeovers.

33:20 – How insurance carriers are adjusting their underwriting approach for credit unions.

36:00 – Key traits credit unions should look for in a partner to help navigate insurance contracts and risk management.

40:55 – How increased competition will shape what insurance carriers offer credit unions in the future.

Fraud is a team sport and a growing concern in auto lending. Join James Maguire, Senior Director of Marketing at Experian Automotive; Suzi Straffon, Director Finance Company Markets at Allied Solutions; and John Denison, Senior Vice President Sales Enablement Operations at Allied Solutions, as they dig into why collaboration is key when it comes to fighting fraud. 

00:49 Get to know John, Suzi, and Jim.

06:43 The challenges lenders are facing in this complex auto finance environment. 

09:18  Fraud is growing and impacting every level of the industry. 

12:10  The growing sophistication of synthetic fraud and how to combat it. 

15:02 The importance of data sharing when it comes to fighting fraud.

18:25  How the industry is coming together to take on the challenge of fighting fraud. 

24:12  The two different paths for detection and prevention. 

29:14  How our experts personally protect their data and identity.

30:54  Key recommendations on how you can protect yourself and your business from fraud. 

Season three of The Allied Angle kicks off with Allied Solutions' CEO Pete Hilger. Pete shares 2024’s challenges, Allied's key accomplishments, and insights into navigating 2025’s evolving financial landscape - including AI, compliance, and innovation.

00:51  Reintroducing Pete Hilger. 

04:02 Navigating the highs and lows Allied and other financial institutions faced in 2024.

06:19 The biggest accomplishments for Allied and its partners in 2024. 

07:31  Key lessons learned in 2024 that are paving the way for future success.

09:33 Industry challenges in 2025, including the rapid growth of AI.

13:08  Allied’s top goals for 2025, and what financial institutions should prioritize.

17:38  Staying connected to members amidst constantly evolving technology.

18:54  The biggest factors set to impact the industry in 2025.

22:51   Innovations Allied is developing to better serve its clients.

24:43. A heartfelt letter Pete received from the daughter of an Allied employee.

27:09  How Pete stays inspired as a CEO and continues learning.

31:30  What Pete is most excited about for Allied in the year ahead.