Credit unions are operating in a new lending environment defined by risk, regulation and rapid innovation. In this episode of Leaders in Lending, hosts Barry Roach, Drew Megrey and Lynn Sautter Beal share how forward-thinking credit unions are adapting to win.

They explore how to build confidence in AI-driven models, balance compliance with growth, and strengthen governance through smarter data. The hosts also discuss why being too conservative on credit can cost market share, how approval experience matters more than rates and why data-driven models now outperform traditional underwriting.

From model oversight to regulatory readiness, this conversation gives credit union leaders practical strategies to stay competitive, confident and compliant in today’s lending landscape.

Don’t risk falling behind. Learn how to strengthen your governance, leverage smarter data, and prepare for the future of lending today.

Credit union membership growth is shrinking as per TruStage research, and the competition isn’t slowing down. In this episode of Leaders in Lending, co-hosts Lynn Sautter Beal, Drew Megrey, and Barry Roach dig into the hard truths about why CUs are losing members—and what can be done to turn the tide. They explore how fintech partnerships, smarter onboarding, and personalized member experiences can help credit unions thrive in a digital-first world. This isn’t a list of quick fixes; it’s a new way of thinking about building lifelong member relationships.

2025 has been all about the crunch. Credit is tight, uncertainty is everywhere and lenders are asking: is this the new normal or just another cycle? In this episode, we unpack what’s driving the squeeze, from regulation and rates to global risk, and how smart institutions are staying ahead.

We also look forward. 2026 will not be business as usual. AI, new lending models and shifting borrower behavior could reshape the landscape. Hear how leaders are finding opportunity in a market defined by uncertainty.

00:00 Anticipating a Fed Rate Cut
03:48 Embracing a New Financial Normal
08:48 Model Accuracy Relies on Recent Data
12:14 Advocating for Participation Loans
14:39 Credit Union Credit Builder Insights
19:16 Economic Uncertainty and Market Resilience
20:04 "Seizing High Yield Opportunities"

Auto loan rates are high, millions of borrowers are rate-locked, and a refinancing wave is on the horizon. In this episode, co-hosts Lynn Sautter Beal, Drew Megrey, and Barry Roach break down why credit unions are uniquely positioned to win the auto refi surge. They dig into smarter underwriting, targeted outreach, and the fintech tools helping CUs capture opportunity at scale. This isn’t a “wait and see” conversation; it’s a roadmap for owning the next big lending moment.

What if the next conference you attended didn’t just inspire ideas, but actually drove change? In this episode of Leaders in Lending, hosts Lynn Sautter Beal, Drew Megrey, and Barry Roach share practical strategies for turning insights from ACU Strategic Growth Conference into meaningful action. They explore how credit unions can prioritize takeaways, implement initiatives, and keep momentum going long after the event ends. From selecting the right vendor partners to engaging frontline staff, this conversation is packed with tactical advice. Plus, they challenge common assumptions about the value a conference can translate to in business.

Access to credit can be life-changing, but for many members, the process still feels out of reach. Great Lakes Credit Union is working to change that with practical solutions that meet people where they are.In this episode, host Drew Megrey sits down with Steve Bugg, President and CEO of GLCU, to talk about how his team is rethinking lending through small-dollar loans, credit builder programs, and face-to-face financial coaching. Steve shares how they’re making a difference for underserved members while keeping risk low and impact high.

Join us as we discuss:

• How GLCU uses $300 loans to create long-term financial confidence
• Why second-chance lending isn’t as risky as most think
• Where mobile tools and in-branch service come together
• How community partnerships and DEI efforts support sustainable lending
• What it means to put trust at the center of the loan process

Technology is reshaping every corner of financial services. For credit unions, the challenge isn’t just keeping up, it’s choosing the right tools, partners, and processes to stay ahead without losing sight of the member experience.In this episode, host Drew Megrey sits down with Bill Clancy, Vice President of Consumer Lending at Advia Credit Union, to explore how his team navigates digital transformation while maintaining the high-touch service members expect. From managing 50+ lending technology systems and partners to empowering older members with mobile banking, Bill shares how Advia strikes the balance between innovation and relationships.Join us as we discuss:

• How Advia curates a tech stack to match rising member expectations.
• Why digital adoption looks different across age groups—and what to do about it.
• Where AI decisioning fits into a long-term lending strategy.
• How to bring automation into lending without losing the human touch.
• What a frictionless future for loans could actually look like.

Rising vehicle prices, longer loan terms, and shrinking margins. As credit unions adapt, standing out requires more than competitive rates. It takes consistency, clarity, and a lending team built for speed and service.In this episode, host Barry Roach sits down with Adam Brice, Chief Lending Officer at EFCU Financial, to unpack how his team reimagined consumer lending from the ground up. From creating a centralized loan contact center to balancing common sense with emerging tech, Adam shares what it really takes to grow a high-performing, resilient lending strategy.Join us as we discuss:

• What happens when you move your best loan officers out of branches.
• How EFCU maintained low charge-offs while doubling down on auto.
• The ripple effects of extended terms and negative equity.
• How AI can strengthen, not replace, sound underwriting.
• Why NIL deals and financial literacy can drive deeper community impact.

As credit unions grapple with an increasingly digital-first market, the path to growth lies in strategic partnerships, streamlined onboarding, and data-driven cross-sell strategies.

In this episode, host Matt Snow sits down with Kirk Drake—author, entrepreneur, and founder of CU 2.0—to explore how credit unions can stay relevant in a fast-changing financial landscape. Drawing on decades of experience in FinTech and community banking, Kirk shares practical insights on building strategic partnerships, leveraging emerging tech like crypto and transforming credit unions into digitally driven community hubs.

Join us as we discuss:

• Why credit unions must embrace AI to meet evolving member expectations
• The growing importance of FinTech collaboration in driving innovation
• How shifting consumer behavior is reshaping onboarding and engagement
• Strategies for serving both traditional and non-traditional demographics
• What it takes to future-proof credit unions in a digital-first world

As the regulatory environment continues to shift and technology reshapes the compliance landscape, today’s lending leaders are under increasing pressure to stay agile and forward-thinking. 

In this episode, recorded live at CBA Live 2025 in Orlando, host Lynn Sautter Beal sits down with Aaron Rykowski, Chief Compliance Officer at WesBanco, and Mikey Reynolds, Director of Compliance at Zions Bank Corporation. Both serve on the CBA’s CFPB Committee and share how their institutions are responding to growing uncertainty—from changes in CFPB leadership and examiner shortages to the fast-moving rise of AI in compliance.

Join us as we discuss:

• How shifts at the CFPB are shaping compliance strategies
• The challenges of operating with fewer examiners and less regulatory clarity
  Where AI and emerging tech fit into modern compliance programs
• What lenders need to know about the final 1071 and 1033 rules
• Why collaboration and proactive engagement are essential in today’s environment

As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and innovation accelerates, fair-and-responsible banking leaders are coming together to keep compliance programs adaptive, effective and aligned with evolving expectations.

In this episode, recorded at CBA Live 2025 in Orlando, host Lynn Sautter Beal sits down with Lindsay Yousif, Executive Compliance Director at Ally, and Nick Roesler of M&T Bank. Both serve on the CBA’s Fair and Responsible Banking Committee and share how their institutions—and the committee at large—are tackling today’s most pressing compliance challenges, from AI-driven fair lending tools to examiner turnover and uneven regulatory interpretations.

Join us as we discuss:

• How FinTech partnerships can drive innovation while meeting evolving regulatory expectations
• The value of benchmarking and third-party consulting in building more resilient compliance programs
• The growing role of AI in fair lending—and what that means for oversight and risk management
• Strategies to manage inconsistent regulatory requirements and examiner transitions

As the auto finance industry faces mounting regulatory scrutiny and increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics, lenders are working together to navigate risk, improve compliance, and better serve today’s borrowers.

In this episode, recorded at CBA Live 2025 in Orlando, host Matt Snow sits down with Fabien Thierry, Head of Indirect Lending at Bank of America, and Mike Gilbert, Director of Consumer Lending at Associated Bank. Serving as chair and co-chair of the CBA Auto Finance Committee, Fabien and Mike discuss how the committee is helping lenders respond to the most urgent challenges in auto finance—from new CFPB directives to the rising threat of synthetic identity fraud—through collaboration, data-driven strategies, and shared best practices.

Join us as we discuss:

• The impact of evolving federal and state regulations on lender operations and how the committee is driving policy advocacy
• The surge in synthetic identity and first-party fraud, and the tools being deployed to detect and prevent financial losses
• Financing complexities tied to electric vehicles, including rising costs, residual value concerns, and infrastructure limitations
• How digital lending innovations are improving decisioning speed, borrower transparency, and overall loan experience
• Why industry-wide coordination—between lenders, dealers, and tech providers—is essential for managing disruption and delivering value

As tariffs and inflation drive up vehicle prices, both lenders and consumers are feeling the pressure to adapt. In this episode, host Lynn Sautter Beal speaks with Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Financial Insights at Experian, and Mark Pregmon, VP of Consumer Lending at USAA, to explore how market shifts, financial pressures and evolving consumer demands are reshaping the auto financing landscape. 

They discuss the impact of pricier vehicles on affordability, the surge in flexible loan terms to manage monthly costs and the growing role of refinancing—even without dramatically lower rates.

Join us as we discuss:

• How tariffs and inflation are influencing vehicle affordability and driving demand for flexible financing options
• Why lenders are extending loan terms to help borrowers manage payments in a tightening market
• The rise of auto refinancing—not just to secure better rates, but to re-amortize loans for lower monthly bills

Strategies for risk management and customer care as consumers seek more personalized, adaptable finance solutions

With 97 percent of Americans already banked, acquiring new customers means convincing them to break existing relationships. So how can financial institutions stand out when banking feels increasingly commoditized?

Live from CBA 2025, host Matt Snow from Upstart is joined by Kurt Lin, Co-Founder and CEO from Pinwheel as well as Dennis Chira and Wei Ke from Oliver Wyman to tackle the question: “How do we create a 2x, 5x or even 10x better experience that delivers genuine value to customers?”

From leveraging direct deposit switching to power seamless onboarding to designing subscription management services that truly simplify financial lives, discover how next-gen technology and open banking solutions are reshaping the fight for loyalty. Tune in to learn how banks, credit unions, and fintechs can differentiate on more than just price—building deeper relationships and winning in the battle for primary account status.

As regulatory and political landscapes shift, financial institutions must stay agile and innovative to navigate new challenges and opportunities. In this episode, host Lynn Sautter Beal is joined by David Pommerehn, General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Affairs at CBA, and Billy Rielly, Head of Public Affairs at CBA, to unpack how political shifts, state-level regulations and consumer protection mandates are reshaping the lending landscape. They also dive into the growing influence of AI and the potential for new legal frameworks around crypto and stablecoins.

Join us as we discuss:

• The challenges of navigating regulatory uncertainty with a new administration
• The growing influence of state-level regulations and consumer protection laws
• The impact of late fees and overdraft fees on institutions and consumers
• How AI is reshaping compliance and risk management

As economic conditions shift, financial institutions must adapt their lending strategies to balance growth, risk, and liquidity. A "Slow and Grow " approach is emerging as a sustainable way to navigate today’s market while expanding financial services.

This week, host Lynn Sautter Beal welcomes Joseph Mayans, Chief Economist at Experian North America, to discuss the key economic drivers impacting lending in 2025 live at the CBA conference. They dive into the current state of the economy, including inflation, policy uncertainties and the evolving global landscape. Plus, they explore new lending opportunities in the auto and small business sectors and offeractionable insights on how lenders can remain adaptable to thrive in the coming years.
Join us as we discuss:

• How inflation and policy changes will impact lending strategies
• The future of auto and small business lending opportunities
• Navigating economic uncertainty while balancing growth and risk
• Expert strategies to stay adaptable in a rapidly shifting market

In episode re-air, joining our host Ed Walters is Simon Darchis, Head of Partnership at Finwise Bank, to discuss his trajectory in the financial services sector from Europe to the US. With this multi-cultural background in finance, Simon explains the intricacies of FinTech, unraveling the cultural and regulatory intricacies that shape these distinct markets.

Ed and Simon discuss:

• The pivotal role of adaptability in navigating the evolving landscape of financial services
• Insights into the contrasting FinTech practices between America and Europe, emphasizing the significance of cultural understanding in the industry
• The critical importance of compliance in FinTech partnerships, from the challenges faced by banks collaborating with FinTechs to the meticulous partner selection process.

As economic conditions shift, financial institutions must adapt their lending strategies to balance growth, risk, and liquidity. A “Slow and Grow” approach is emerging as a sustainable way to navigate today’s market while expanding financial services.

This week, host Barry Roach welcomes Michelle Goeppner, Vice President of Consumer Lending & Product Strategy at Vantage West Credit Union, to explore how lending programs are evolving post-COVID. They discuss the role of AI-powered underwriting, flexible loan programs, and the importance of internal alignment in driving loan growth. Plus, they dive into how financial institutions are expanding their reach beyond state borders while enhancing community impact.


Join us as we discuss:

• How AI-driven lending programs help manage risk, return, and volume
• Strategies for deposit growth, cross-selling, and member onboarding
• The financial wellness programs turning borrowers into savers
• Innovative mortgage solutions tackling housing affordability

In episode re-air, host Lynn Sautter Beal talks with Jillian Murrish, CEO of Pier Asset Management, about the waves she and her firm are making in the market — targeting less liquid and underserved areas while focusing on secondary markets and early-stage credit facilities. Jillian shares her journey from working in online real estate to co-founding Pier Asset Management, while offering valuable lessons on flexibility, operational ease, and evolving borrowing bases for early-stage originators along the way.


Join us as we discuss:

• Why early-stage originators should avoid using expensive equity capital to fund loans
• The change in defining secured vs. unsecured lending
• How targeting less liquid areas can help generate alpha and deliver better returns for investors
• The role of privacy, reputational risk, and the regulatory environment play in decision-making in evaluating potential partners and deals

In today’s episode, we dive into the dynamic world of financial services, specifically auto and mortgage lending. Join host Drew Megrey as he speaks with Rick Moore, the Chief Lending Officer at Maine Savings Credit Union. With nearly 39 years of experience under his belt, Rick provides invaluable insights into the evolving mortgage landscape, tackling challenges like rising interest rates and soaring home prices. He’ll also share how financial institutions are pivoting with innovative strategies in auto lending and unsecured loans to navigate these turbulent times. Plus, we’ll explore Rick’s personal tech preferences and his take on the future of AI advancements in finance.

Join us as we discuss:

• The potential of AI to transform the industry and pave the way for a four-day workweek
• Why rising home prices and high interest rates have shifted mortgage production.
• How Maine Savings Credit Union enhances auto and unsecured loan programs while exploring cutting-edge solutions.