The Lending Link

Why is fraud getting harder to spot just as AI gets better at pretending to be human? In this episode of The Lending Link, host Nathan George sits down with Justin Keene, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of Moveris, to explore one of the fastest-growing threats in digital onboarding and account access: deepfakes and AI impersonation.They talk about why old ways of spotting fraud, like checking device information, how people act, and even video checks to see if someone is real, are not enough anymore. As AI-powered attacks become smarter and easier to deploy widely, scammers can now bypass many of the checks that banks and lenders have relied on for a long time. Justin shares how Moveris tackles the problem in a new way by looking for real signs that a person is actually there, not just signs of trickery, using body and mind signals picked up by a regular camera.They also talk about how AI is changing the way fraud works, making smaller banks, credit unions, and lenders who work with people with lower credit scores more likely to be targeted. They explain why tricks like using stolen usernames and passwords, reusing old identities, and using fake videos to fool people are happening more often. They end by looking to a future where showing you are a real person and the same person each time could become the main way to prove who you are online, instead of using passwords, CAPTCHA, and other steps that slow things down.

Why is underwriting small businesses so much harder than underwriting individuals? In this episode of The Lending Link, host Nathan George sits down with Michael LaSala from Baselayer to unpack one of the most persistent challenges in small business lending: verifying identity when businesses do not fit clean, predictable profiles.They discuss why matching business names, owners, and entities is much more complicated than verifying consumers. Fragmented data, thin files, and unstructured information make things harder for lenders, leading to more risk and manual reviews. Michael explains how lenders can use AI to organize messy data, identify useful behavioral signals, and better distinguish real businesses from fraud.They also talk about how automation speeds up decisions, helps more applicants finish the process, and lets underwriting teams focus on more important tasks. The conversation looks ahead to new trends like Know Your Agent and more applications, and to what lenders should do as AI continues to change small-business onboarding and credit decisions.

How is data science changing the way we lend? In thisepisode of The Lending Link, host Nathan George sits down with Aarthi Muthukrishnan, Chief Product Officer at GDS Link, and Jose Tagunicar, Head of Product Strategy at Stratyfy, to discuss how AI, transparency, and ongoing learning are shaping credit decisions.

Most lenders are still treating bank data like a second-look tool. That’s a missed opportunity.Open banking has changed, and so has the way lenders can use cashflow data to make smarter, faster credit decisions. But with so many different aggregators, confusing connections, and news from the CFPB and JPMorgan, it can be tough to figure out what really matters.That’s where this conversation comes in.GDS Link and Quiltt teamed up for an open, straightforward discussion about what lenders should be doing with bank data right now. We’ll talk about:What the shift from screen scraping to OAuth really means for your teamHigh-impact use cases that go beyond second-look and drive real ROIHow to get started when you’ve got limited resources and no room for trial and errorWhat small lenders can learn from big players, even without a large budgetA straightforward look at the CFPB and Chase news, without the hype

Most conversations about fraud either overcomplicate the tech or overlook what's happening on the ground. This one skips the noise and gets real.Join Darren Thomas, Director of Data Solutions at Point Predictive, Justin Davis, Vice President of Product at Point Predictive, and Nathan George, Head of North America Partnerships at GDS Link, for a fireside chat built around what lenders are really dealing with today; from synthetic identities and fake documents to how fraudsters are now using AI better than some lenders.You'll get a clear breakdown of how machine learning fits into daily fraud prevention, why generative AI creates new risks, and what to watch for in digital and face-to-face channels. The conversation also covers how to test fraud solutions effectively, reduce friction, and measure what's working without slowing down your process or frustrating your team.

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!