22 Minutes in Lending: Conversations about Credit Unions, Fintech, and Future of Finance

The Big Beautiful Bill is set to upend student lending starting July 1, 2026, with changes to everything from loan amount caps to repayment options to program availability. In this episode, John Volpini, VP of Relationship Management at Sallie Mae , draws on his decades of industry experience to explain how these changes will affect the private student lending market — and how credit unions c...

While lawmakers debate a proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap, credit unions are asking what this could mean for access to credit, profitability and member relationships. In this episode, credit card expert David Shipper of Datos Insights takes a deep dive into the potential impact of legislative rate caps, what could happen to credit card programs, and what credit union leaders sh...

While many credit unions look to expand their field of membership or enter new markets, Merck Employees' FCU is bucking the trend—and reaping the rewards. In this episode the $1.8 billion credit union's president and CEO, Paul Gentile, discusses the unique relationship the credit union maintains with one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, and how doubling-down on Merck employees cont...

In the second part of our conversation with Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) president and CEO, Tony Hernandez, we explore what the future holds for credit unions in an ecosystem dominated by crypto, governed by unpredictable legislators, and disrupted by increasingly savvy innovators. Highlights: ‎00.30: Tony discusses the Genius Act, Stablecoin, and his concerns that modern financial innovati...

Two years ago, CUNA and NAFCU—the credit union system's two primary trade associations—merged to form America's Credit Unions. But was that the right move? In this episode, the Defense Credit Union Council's (DCUC) president and CEO, Tony Hernandez, explains why he's expanding the organization's reach and remit to provide credit unions with more support, different services, and a second voice on C...

A little over a month into his tenure as President and CEO, NACUSO's Randy Salser joins us to discuss his vision for the Credit Union Service Organization trade association. For Salser, it's a case of getting back to basics, doubling-down on where NACUSO can add the greatest value, and maximizing impact through its channels and events. Key takeaways: 03.30: Randy's vision for NACUSO to be at the c...

While many credit unions grapple with low liquidity and a high cost of borrowing, Iowa-based Veridian seems to be bucking the trend. In this episode, the credit union's CLO, Kara Van Wert, discusses how her team is winning with younger members, using fintech to drive growth, and embracing AI to improve underwriting and streamline borrowing ... and the results are there for all to see. Key Takeaway...

Mick Olson, President and CEO of TopLine Financial Credit Union, joins 22 Minutes in Lending host Vince Passione to talk growth, strategy, and the overlooked opportunity of education lending. With $1.1B in assets and 70,000+ members, TopLine has proven education loans can be profitable, member-friendly, and a pipeline for lifelong relationships. So why do so many credit unions still sit on the sid...

From Wall Street to fintech, James Chemplavil has seen both sides of lending. After 16 years underwriting corporate debt at Barings, he launched Salus to tackle a problem too many hardworking people face: being denied small but critical loans. Now as Founder and CEO, James is helping credit unions use alternative data and automation to extend microloans, attract younger members, and cut charge-off...

From banking to startups to serving in Iraq, John Ballantyne has worn many hats. Now as CEO of Tru Treasury, he’s helping more than 70 credit unions build treasury management programs that keep them competitive in a growing commercial lending market. In this episode of 22 Minutes in Lending , John joins host Vince Passione to share the origin story of Tru Treasury, how it’s filling a critical gap...

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Becky Reed, COO at BankSocial. In this episode, Becky maps out the future of lending—from smart contracts and stablecoin-powered car loans to how DAOs could change underwriting and credit union governance. She also shares how boards can (and should) engage with these technologies, why waiting isn’t a strategy, and what the credit union system might l...

Becky Reed, COO at BankSocial, joins 22 Minutes in Lending to talk about her long-standing involvement with CUSOs, why cooperation is credit unions’ superpower, and how blockchain, DAOs, and stablecoin are shaping the future of financial services. From her roots leading credit unions and chair emeritus for the NACUSO board, to leading fintech innovation today, Becky unpacks big ideas with clarity...

How do you modernize a 100-year-old credit union without losing sight of your mission? John Anderson, Chief Lending Officer at Atlanta Postal Credit Union, joins us to share how APCU is navigating dual branding, fintech partnerships, liquidity pressures, and AI adoption—all while staying grounded in its mission to serve both legacy postal-service members and the broader community. Key Highlights 0...

From rebranding to AI-assisted underwriting and member experience, Central One is redefining what it means to be a “wicked local” credit union. In this episode, Devon Lyon, President and CEO, shares how the Massachusetts-based credit union approaches lending and how they’re embracing data-driven accountability. Key takeaways: 00:37 – Central One’s rebrand, revamped website, and renewed mission whi...

If your member experience is broken, you’re already losing. As fintechs outpace traditional lenders, CEO Omar Jordan of Coviance believes credit unions have a choice: retreat or run toward the fire. In this episode, he shares how Coviance is helping credit unions shift their mindset, embrace their role in the financial intelligence business, and deliver experiences members can’t help but talk abou...

Rob Keatts, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Chartway Credit Union, joins us to talk about the bold moves Chartway is making—from investing $25 million in branch infrastructure to earning the Juntos Avanzamos designation to better serve Hispanic communities. With a strategy shaped by both data and values, Rob explains how Chartway is using technology, partnerships, and community insight to stay m...

Whether it’s cybersecurity, liquidity, or finding the right fintech fit, credit unions are navigating a complex landscape with limited resources. Steve Willis explains how LEVERAGE connects nearly 900 credit unions with tailored solutions that don’t just plug holes—they drive meaningful, measurable progress. Key takeaways: 00:49 : Steve explains the role LEVERAGE plays within the credit union syst...

In part two of our conversation with Samantha Beeler, president of the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates, we debate taxation and advocacy efforts, discuss the complexities of finding, sourcing and integrating fintech, and unearth a bold vision for the credit union movement’s near and longterm future. Highlights: 00.30: The unspoken truth about credit union taxation: That some credit union CEO...

Samantha Beeler, President of the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates, joins 22 Minutes in Lending for an unfiltered conversation about the pressures and possibilities facing credit unions today. From board governance to regulatory uncertainty, Samantha shares how credit unions can respond with clarity, collaboration, and confidence—and why “doing business as usual” might just be the greatest f...

Millions of consumers are overpaying on their auto loans, yet few know refinancing is an option. In this episode, Nicholas Goraczkowski, president of iLending, lays out the opportunity for credit unions to boost loan portfolios, improve member financial health, and capture market share in a booming auto refinance space. Key takeaways: 00.58: Nick explains the primary reasons consumers don't refina...

With relentless technological advances, generational shifts in employment trends, and upended perceptions of “community”, traditional deposit strategies may no longer work for credit unions. In this episode, we speak with Ron Shevlin of Cornerstone Advisors to explore how fintech has paved the way for credit union innovation.  Key takeaways: 00.55: A decade-long annual study skewed overly pos...

Join student lending expert Mark Kantrowitz as he unpacks the drastic Department of Education layoffs, how these changes will impact federal and private student loans—and how credit unions are primed to bridge the gap, and support millions of members through the chaos and confusion. Key takeaways: 01.07: An overview of the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the Department of Education, and th...

Any credit union adding one million new members per year could be forgiven for resting on its laurels–not so for Navy Federal Credit Union. At the nation’s largest credit union, there’s always an opportunity to improve: to increase trust, deepen brand loyalty, and strengthen support for their members. In this episode, we talk with Chief Lending Officer, Aaron Aggerwal, about how relationship-build...

Fintech. Disruption. Digital transformation. Panic! Credit unions are constantly behind, struggling to keep up, always at risk of redundancy… Or are they? In this episode, Kristina Kovacevic, AVP of retail services at Minnesota’s First Alliance Credit Union, discusses “Storybook lending”–the art of prioritizing individual members above everything else–and how it is driving her credit union’s long-...

Disruption may be the new norm, but have credit unions caught on? In the latest episode of 22 Minutes in Lending , Brian Kaas , president & managing director of TruStage Ventures, discusses the fintech saturation problem, the evolving role of embedded finance, and how credit unions need to break out of the echo chamber to avoid being left behind and realize the benefits of partnerships. Key ta...