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

After years of turbulence, the auto lending market is finally leveling out–and credit unions are primed to capitalize. In the latest 22 Minutes in Lending we talk to Eric Stradley , president of auto refinancing fintech Caribou, about the growth opportunity for credit unions, and the potential positives for millions of consumers. Key takeaways: 00.56: The organization’s initial vision to enhance c...

From embedded finance and fintech partnerships, to upsell/cross-sell marketing and education lending, in this episode of 22 Minutes in Lending , Casey Mauldin , Chief Revenue and Lending Officer at Jovia Financial Credit Union, discusses the deposit strategies that could help credit unions grow in 2025. Key takeaways: 00.40: An overview of Long Island-based credit union, Jovia Financial Credit Uni...

In the latest episode of 22 Minutes in Lending , we’re joined by Elizabeth Adcock and Darcie Morgan of MAC Federal Credit Union who have helped oversee transformational growth at the credit union, driven by a diligent approach to AI and digital investments. Discover how this credit union has bridged the gap between traditional and technical services while still keeping their communities loyal and...

In this episode, Capitol Hill insider John McKechnie takes an unflinching look at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Rule 1033, unpacking what it means for credit unions, consumers, and fintech. In this top-level discussion, McKechnie and host Vince Passione discuss the liability risks posed by third-party data sharing, the rule’s black, white, and grey areas, and the roadmap for na...

In this episode of 22 Minutes and Lending , host Vince Passione welcomes Juan Fernández Ceballos , president and CEO of Luminate, the credit union league for Louisiana. From helping smaller credit unions build economies of scale to challenging core providers to do better; addressing succession issues to navigating the incoming political administration, Juan Fernández offers a bold new vision for h...

In this second of two episodes with Kareem Saleh , Founder and CEO of FairPlay AI, host Vince Passione continues the conversation on how AI, to date, has fallen short of its potential to deliver a fairer lending environment for all consumers, but how addressing historical bias in the learning data can create a more equitable future.  Key takeaways: 0:00 Intro 1:00 How historical data–the data...

In this first of two episodes with Kareem Saleh , Founder and CEO of FairPlay AI, host Vince Passione takes a deep dive into the world of AI underwriting: How it’s been used in the past, how it has fallen short of its potential to remove bias in lending decisioning, and how the pioneering concept of Fairness-as-a-Service may yet revolutionize the AI lending game. Key takeaways: 0:00 Intro 2:06 How...

In this episode, Misha Esipov , co-founder and CEO of Nova Credit, joins host Vince Passione to discuss the millions of “Credit Invisible” people in the country, and how innovations in credit reporting can help more lenders reach and serve them. Key takeaways: 0:00 Introduction 1:29 Millions of people arrive in the U.S. each year, many of whom have been credit-worthy in their respective nations bu...

Join host Vince Passione as he meets with Bill Moniz , CEO of Cinch, to discuss the turbulence and trends of the auto finance industry. From the rise of negative equity to prime-only lending strategies, Bill shares insights on how credit unions can navigate credit quality challenges, discusses educating members on financing options, and gives his thoughts on market reactions to an expected Federal...

If the 67 million Hispanic consumers in the USA were their own nation, they’d have the sixth largest GDP in the world. And yet, they’re overlooked and underserved by mainstream banks and credit unions alike. On this episode, host Vince Passione and Victor Corro , CEO of Coopera Consulting, discuss how credit unions can earn the right to serve these nuanced members. Key takeaways: 03:17 - “Hispanic...

Serious mistakes on credit reports is the number one consumer complaint, but are these issues really a surprise? The systems were developed decades ago, and were never intended to take the scale and breadth of information the modern consumer can now provide. On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Christian Widhalm , CEO at Bloom Credit, to discuss the opportunities for improvement. Key...

Is the key to credit union success just better marketing? On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Barry Kirby, co-founder and chief revenue officer of Union Credit, to discuss the products and placements that could revolutionize consumer preferences. Key takeaways: 2:07 - How a “marketplace” helps expand credit unions’ institutional reach and brand awareness. 5:25 - Opportunities for cre...

On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Dave Ledwell, SVP, Consumer and Business Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union–the world’s largest credit union. The discussion covers all things auto-lending, the opportunities and risks facing fintech, and how credit unions can thrive in both areas by focusing on outstanding member service. Key takeaways: 2:24 - How member service–proactive, clear...

On this episode, host Vince Passione talks mortgage lending, consumer behaviors, credit-building and financial wellness with Richard Wada, Chief Lending Officer of Patelco Credit Union. Key takeaways: 0:00 - Intro 1:12 - Patelco Credit Union overview 1:59 - The value of diversifying a loan portfolio. 4:35 - Challenges and changes of mortgage books in a high-rate environment 7:56 - How partnerships...

On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Jeff Kesler, President Dallas-Ft Worth at Veritex Community Bank, for an exploration of how a financial institution’s values and principles can drive strategic growth—even through the most economically challenging times. Key takeaways: (1:25) How Veritex Community Bank was founded with strong values. (4:55) Veritex’s M&A strategy, and how i...

On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Dr. Brandi Stankovic , a strategic advisor to credit unions, focusing on risk, growth, profitability and leadership. The no-holds-barred conversation challenges credit union leaders to look internally first, for everything from fintech and innovation to leadership succession and their institutional strategies to achieve long-term financial sustaina...

On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Shirley Senn , Chief Consulting Officer at CU Strategic Planning, a Callahan company, for a deep-dive into the CDFI program: How it can strengthen credit unions, what's required to achieve and retain a CDFI designation, and how it ultimately benefits credit union members. Key Takeaways: (2:35) The criteria for CDFI designation - for credit unions,...

On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Tony Boutelle , CEO of Origence (formerly CU Direct). Tony shares insights into the evolution of auto lending and the strategic shifts in the credit union sector. The discussion delves into pioneering work at Origence, touching on the integration of technology and the future of finance in the auto industry. Key Takeaways: (01:32) The early days of...

On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Gary Lewis , Senior Managing Director of Lending and Deposit Solutions at Jack Henry . Gary discusses the impact of AI on the financial services industry and strategies for navigating market cycles. Key Takeaways: (02:15) Having a long-term strategy is crucial for handling market cycles and managing liquidity to fund loan demand. (06:45) Branches s...

On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Dee Edie, President and CEO of Pine Bluff Cotton Belt Federal Credit Union; Tanya Romero-Sturgeon , President and CEO of Guadalupe Credit Union; and Tyler Valentine , President and CEO of StagePoint Federal Credit Union , for a 3-part series. In this final episode of the series, they talk about using loan participations to mitigate geographic risk,...

Host Vince Passione is joined by Dee Edie, President and CEO of Pine Bluff Cotton Belt Federal Credit Union; Tanya Romero-Sturgeon , President and CEO of Guadalupe Credit Union; and Tyler Valentine , President and CEO of StagePoint Federal Credit Union for a 3-part series. In this second episode, they look at strategies for working with delinquent borrowers, regulatory considerations around debt r...

Host Vince Passione is joined by Dee Edie, President and CEO of Pine Bluff Cotton Belt Federal Credit Union; Tanya Romero-Sturgeon , President and CEO of Guadalupe Credit Union; and Tyler Valentine , President and CEO of StagePoint Federal Credit Union for a 3-part series. In this first episode, they discuss strategies for dealing with economic challenges. Key Takeaways: (02:12) Collaborative disc...

On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Brian Creagh , SVP, Credit Card and Education Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union . Brian talks about serving member needs across their financial lifecycle, education loans, establishing trust with members and growth opportunities. Key Takeaways:  (03:07) Serving rising tuition costs. (05:48) Student loan refinancing demand. (06:45) How to prepa...

On the second half of this two-part episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Ronaldo Hardy , President and CEO of NACUSO , to discuss the future of credit unions. Ronaldo talks about how, since the industry will be built on technology, leaders must have tech proficiency. He also emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence in leadership and the benefit of CEOs from diverse backgrounds. Key Take...

On this episode, host Vince Passione is joined by Ronaldo Hardy , President and CEO of the National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations ( NACUSO ). Ronaldo talks about the basics of a credit union service organization as well as the benefits for fintech companies in partnering with credit unions through CUSOs. With nearly a decade leading financial institutions, Ronaldo provides insi...