Balancing Risk and Speed in the New Era of Digital Lending

In this episode of Banking Transformed, we explore the transformative power of data in the financial services industry. Joining us is Jeremiah Lotz, SVP of Product & Data Experience at Velera, formerly known as PSCU/Co-op Solutions. We discuss how banks and credit unions can harness data to drive strategic decisions, enhance customer experiences, and navigate the delicate balance between AI capabilities and human insights. Jeremiah also shares his expertise on developing effective data strategies, ensuring privacy and security, and measuring the success of data initiatives in the ever-evolving landscape of modern banking. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by Velera Velera, formerly PSCU/Co-op Solutions, is the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider. With over four decades of industry experience and a commitment to service excellence and innovation, the company serves more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America, operating with velocity to help its clients keep pace with the rapid momentum of change and fuel growth in the new era of financial services. Velera leverages its expertise and resources on behalf of credit unions and their members, offering an end-to-end product portfolio that includes payment processing, fraud and risk management, data and analytics, digital banking, instant payments, strategic consulting, collections, ATM and POS networks, shared branching and 24/7/365 member support via its contact centers. For more information, visit velera.com.

As financial institutions face growing competition and increasing regulatory pressure, AI could unlock unprecedented efficiency, innovation, and growth—if only they could overcome the hesitation that holds them back. In this episode of Banking Transformed, we sit down with Sandeep Mangaraj, Microsoft's Managing Director of Fintech, to explore the critical role of speed in AI transformation for financial services. Sandeep discusses the barriers to AI adoption in financial services, the risks of falling behind in this fast-moving technology landscape, and the tangible benefits of empowering employees with AI tools today. He also shares insights into how banks can experiment with AI responsibly while building the foundations for long-term success. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Microsoft: Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. More at Microsoft.com/financialservices

In this episode of Banking Transformed, recorded at MeridianLink LIVE in Nashville, I interview Deanna Bublik, manager of product origination at American Airlines Federal Credit Union. Deanna offers unique insights into the digital transformation journey of a workplace credit union. We explore how American Airlines FCU is leveraging technology to enhance member experience, streamline operations, and tackle fraud prevention challenges. Deanna also emphasizes the importance of research, understanding workflow needs, and learning from other institutions' experiences when implementing new technologies. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by MeridianLink MeridianLink® (NYSE: MLNK) powers digital lending and account opening for financial institutions and provides data verification solutions for consumer reporting agencies. MeridianLink’s scalable, cloud-based platforms help customers build deeper relationships with consumers through data-driven, personalized experiences across the entire lending life cycle. MeridianLink enables customers to accelerate revenue growth, reduce risk, and exceed consumer expectations through seamless digital experiences. Its partner marketplace supports hundreds of integrations for tailored innovation. For more than 20 years, MeridianLink has prioritized the democratization of lending for consumers, businesses, and communities. Learn more at meridianlink.com.

In an era of digital transformation reshaping the financial landscape, understanding shifts in consumer behavior is crucial for banks and credit unions aiming to stay competitive. Today, we have Dave Feuer, the Chief Product Officer at Galileo, on the Banking Transformed Podcast. We delve into the fragmentation of banking relationships, the satisfaction paradox, and the imperative for data-driven personalization across generations. We discuss the challenges and opportunities these shifts present for traditional banks and credit unions, the importance of leveraging real-time data, and the need for seamless digital experiences. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Galileo Galileo Financial Technologies, LLC and certain of its affiliates collectively comprise a financial technology company owned and operated independently by SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFI) that enables fintechs, financial institutions, and emerging and established brands to build differentiated financial solutions that deliver exceptional, customer-centric experiences. Through modern, open APIs, Galileo’s flexible, secure, scalable and fully integrated platform drives innovation across payments and financial services. Trusted by digital banking heavyweights, early-stage innovators and enterprise clients alike, Galileo supports issuing physical and virtual payment cards, mobile push provisioning, tailored and differentiated financial products and more, across industries and geographies. Visit galileo-ft.com for more information

Today we're joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by David Acevedo, president of 360View. David discusses the critical importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of customers in the banking industry. We delve into how a 360-degree customer view can transform marketing, analytics, product development, and overall customer experience. Acevedo discusses the challenges and benefits of implementing a holistic customer data strategy and provides practical advice for banks looking to enhance their customer understanding. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by 360View 360 View is the CRM Platform developed for banks and credit unions, providing the necessary tools to maximize your team’s performance. Their solution offers the best 360-degree view of your customers empowering you to make smarter decisions and grow your relationships. The platform includes CRM, Marketing Automation, Analytics, Profitability, and Goal and Incentive Tracking and was recently named a Top CRM Solution by Banking CIO Outlook. For more information visit www.360view.com

In this episode of Banking Transformed, we sit down with Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer of Money20/20, to explore the remarkable journey of this unique fintech and financial services event. Since its inception in 2012, Money20/20 has grown from a startup conference to a global phenomenon, mirroring the rapid evolution of the banking industry itself. Scarlett shares insights on industry trends, the challenges facing traditional banks, and the innovations shaping our financial future. Join us for a fascinating look at how Money20/20 has both witnessed and catalyzed the transformation of banking over the past decade.

In this episode of Banking Transformed, recorded at MeridianLink LIVE in Nashville, I interview Janel Hartin, Senior Loan Administrator at Bangor Savings Bank. We discuss the bank's digital transformation journey, focusing on streamlining the lending process and enhancing customer experience. Hartin shares insights into Bangor Savings Bank's evolution from a paper-based lending system to a fully digital process, highlighting the bank's advancements in achieving rapid loan processing times and improving customer service. Hartin emphasizes the importance of balancing digital innovation with maintaining strong community connections, covering topics such as risk management, employee training, and strategies for engaging younger customers. This episode of Banking Transformed Solutions is sponsored by MeridianLink MeridianLink® (NYSE: MLNK) powers digital lending and account opening for financial institutions and provides data verification solutions for consumer reporting agencies. MeridianLink’s scalable, cloud-based platforms help customers build deeper relationships with consumers through data-driven, personalized experiences across the entire lending life cycle. MeridianLink enables customers to accelerate revenue growth, reduce risk, and exceed consumer expectations through seamless digital experiences. Its partner marketplace supports hundreds of integrations for tailored innovation. For more than 20 years, MeridianLink has prioritized the democratization of lending for consumers, businesses, and communities. Learn more at meridianlink.com.

Today on the Banking Transformed podcast, we’re joined by Jaime Dominguez, Principal Product Marketer at Q2, to discuss their groundbreaking report on cross-generational banking preferences. This study, conducted in partnership with Harris Research, offers crucial insights into how financial institutions can deliver personalized experiences across different age groups. We discuss the surprising similarities in banking preferences across generations, the high level of trust in the banking industry, and the strong desire for personalized experiences. We'll also delve into the role of AI in fraud detection, the importance of data-driven personalization, and Gen Z's unique banking behaviors. The findings challenge some common assumptions about generational differences in banking preferences and highlight important opportunities for financial institutions.

As the credit landscape shifts under the pressures of economic changes, new technologies, and evolving consumer behaviors, financial institutions must explore how to adapt strategies to meet these challenges head-on. We are excited to have Josh Turnbull, VP of Card and Banking Strategy, and Craig LaChapelle, VP of Market Development at TransUnion, join us on the Banking Transformed podcast. They discuss the changing patterns in consumer credit management, the emergence of new user segments, and how financial institutions are innovating to meet evolving demands. They also delve into successful market strategies, the impact of AI and new technologies, and the ongoing battle against fraud, offering valuable insights for financial institutions looking to stay ahead in this dynamic marketplace. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by TransUnion As part of a global information and insights company, the TransUnion Card and Banking business supports over 5,000 financial institutions in the US — from the largest card issuers and retail banks to community-based institutions and technology-driven card issuers — providing actionable data and insights to help them better compete and succeed in an ever-changing environment. Extra Credit: A Card and Banking Podcast by TransUnion

We're excited to have JB Orecchia, CEO of SavvyMoney, joining us again on the Banking Transformed podcast to discuss their groundbreaking new product, Get My Rate. This innovative tool offers personalized loan pre-qualifications without impacting credit scores. We discuss how this solution allows consumers to get pre-qualified for multiple loan offers simultaneously, receive ongoing alerts when rates change in their favor, and how consumers benefit from continuous credit monitoring and expanded financial wellness tools. Finally, we discuss how generative AI is set to revolutionize credit solutions and financial well-being across the entire banking ecosystem.