In this episode, Jill Robb explores the growing threat of synthetic identity fraud in auto lending and lenders' strategies to fight back. From income misrepresentation to false employment claims, we unpack what's driving the $9.2 billion in estimated fraud exposure and how smarter data and decisioning can make a difference.

Embedded finance, AI, and digital transformation aren’t just buzzwords—they’re reshaping how financial products are built, delivered, and scaled. But with the rapid pace of change, how can fintechs, lenders, and financial institutions stay ahead?

On this episode of The Lending Link, Matt Tepper, VP of Global Marketing at GDS Link, sits down with Angi Milano, CEO of Maven Advisory, to unpack the trends and challenges defining fintech’s future. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, sales, and enterprise fintech partnerships, Angi has been on the frontlines of major acquisitions and scaling efforts. Now, through Maven Advisory, she helps fintechs refine their go-to-market strategies, pinpoint their ideal customers, and drive sustainable growth.

In this insightful episode of The Lending Link, Rich Alterman sits down with Sarah Way Milovich, General Counsel and VP of Compliance at Carleton, Inc., to explore the intricacies of lending compliance, with a particular focus on the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) calculations. Carleton, a leader in financial software and services for over 50 years, has been at the forefront of helping lenders meet complex regulatory requirements.

Sarah shares her journey from corporate attorney to her current role, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Carleton’s long history of providing critical compliance tools to major lending organizations. Sarah explains how Carleton supports lenders in navigating these complexities, from managing regulatory differences across states to the challenges of staying compliant with APR calculations.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the differences between simple interest and add-on rates and the importance of accurate APR calculations in ensuring compliance. With the rise of state-level scrutiny and the growing use of AI in compliance, this episode is packed with expert perspectives on the evolving role of technology in the lending space.

Tune in to hear Sarah’s thoughts on the intersection of law, technology, and compliance, and discover how Carleton’s decades of expertise continue to provide essential support for lenders.

On this episode of The Lending Link, host Rich Alterman sits down with Agus Sudjianto, Senior Vice President of Risk and Technology at h2o.ai, for a candid conversation about the evolution of AI and machine learning in finance. Agus discusses his mission to make advanced AI tools, like generative AI, accessible to more people—especially in high-stakes sectors like finance. He breaks down why it’s crucial for financial institutions to use machine learning models that are not only powerful but also transparent and easy to explain.

With decades of experience, Agus reflects on the lessons he’s learned from financial crises, including the 2008 crash and the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to credit risk management. He also highlights the growing role of alternative data in smarter credit decisions and talks about the importance of rigorously testing AI models before they’re put to use.

Tune in for a compelling conversation on the future of AI in finance, the lessons learned from past crises, and how to prepare for the challenges ahead.

In the latest episode of The Lending Link, Rich chats with Jason Appel, Executive Vice-President & Chief Risk Officer at goeasy.

In this episode, Rich and Jason discuss goeasy's mission to provide everyday Canadians with access to credit and a path to financial improvement. Jason shares goeasy's approach to credit risk management, including their strategies for reducing net charge-off rates while maintaining high growth. They also explore the challenges and opportunities within the Canadian lending market, the impact of data proliferation, and the evolving regulatory environment.

Jason recounts goeasy's growth journey, from its beginnings in lease-to-own services to becoming a leading non-prime consumer lender in Canada. He provides valuable insights into responsible lending practices, the importance of customer education, and the significance of aligning with strong partner relationships.

This episode is packed with real-world experiences and actionable advice from a leader in credit risk management. Perfect for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of non-prime lending and the broader financial services sector.

Tune in and gain expert insights from Jason Appel!

Join us for an insightful episode of the Lending Link Podcast as host Rich Alterman chats with Peter Renton, former CEO of FinTech Nexus and now leading CEO of Renton & Co, LLC.

In this episode, Rich and Peter delve into the story of FinTech Nexus, exploring its growth and impact on the financial services and fintech industries. Peter shares practical strategies for growth, the importance of building strong professional relationships, and the power of networking.

Peter recounts his journey from direct mail and digital label printing to becoming a key player in fintech investments. He also provides valuable insights into the development of peer-to-peer lending, the need for solid regulation and consumer protection, and the potential impact of regulatory changes on the industry.

This episode is packed with real-world experiences and actionable advice from one of fintech's influential voices. Perfect for anyone looking to stay informed and ahead in the fast-paced world of fintech.

Join us on the Lending Link Podcast, powered by GDS Link, where we explore the latest in data decisioning and credit risk solutions. In this episode, host Rich Alterman chats with Misha Esipov, the CEO and co-founder of Nova Credit. Since its launch in 2016, Nova Credit has been breaking new ground in credit infrastructure and analytics, helping lending institutions streamline their processes and grow responsibly.

Listen to learn how Nova Credit is creating a more inclusive financial system and transforming the credit industry. Remember to subscribe to The Lending Link Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of The Lending Link, host Rich Alterman sits down with Adam Elliott, the CEO and Founder of Kevari, to delve into the critical issue of identity fraud and its evolving complexities.

Adam begins by sharing his journey from holding senior roles at Check Systems to founding Kevari, a leading identity fraud prevention company that combines machine learning with consortium velocity and identity networks to detect fraud in real-time. He explains the reasoning behind rebranding from ID Insight to Kevari, aiming to convey strength and technological innovation.

Adam also shares his optimistic outlook on the future of fraud prevention, emphasizing the potential of emerging technologies and data networks to turn the tide in the ongoing battle against fraud. Tune in now!

Join host Rich Alterman as he chats with Carlos Caro, founder of New Market Growth. Carlos delves into affiliate marketplaces, sharing insights from his journey at Credit Karma and Capital One. Discover how these marketplaces connect consumers with lending products, explore integration strategies, and learn about the opportunities for regional banks and credit unions. Carlos also addresses lenders' concerns about sharing credit policy intellectual property and the rise of emerging credit card issuers. Tune in for a concise guide to optimizing lender models in affiliate ecosystems.

In this episode of the Lending Link Podcast, host Rich Alterman welcomes Brett van Aswegen, CEO of Wonga, for an in-depth discussion on the South African lending market and Wonga's strategic evolution. Brett outlines how Wonga transitioned from a traditional payday lender to a leader in short-term financial solutions, focusing on ethical lending practices and the impact of these changes on consumers and the broader market.

Tune in to explore the nuances of consumer lending in South Africa, leadership strategies, and Wonga's future direction in ensuring responsible and sustainable financial services.