Christian Widhalm, CEO of Bloom Credit, joins the latest episode of Extra Credit to unpack the evolving landscape of credit data furnishment.

Christian shares how Bloom is tackling the limitations of legacy credit reporting formats — originally designed for traditional products and monthly cycles — and helping lenders report both conventional and alternative data more accurately and in real time.

The conversation covers the rise of BNPL, the promise of transactional data for underserved consumers and regulatory headwinds shaping open banking.

Widhalm also weighs in on why traditional credit data isn’t dead — despite the hype — and how FinTech partnerships are accelerating innovation across the lending ecosystem.

In this episode of Extra Credit, Harmon Lyons, VP of Strategy and Market Development for TransUnion’s financial services marketing solutions, joins Craig and Josh for a deep dive into the evolving role of data in financial services marketing.

Harmon shares insights from nearly 30 years in the industry, highlighting how all FS marketers — from regional credit unions to national banks — can overcome fragmentation, connect with customers across channels and prove ROI.

The conversation covers best practices for identity resolution, the importance of brand building — even on modest budgets — and how to balance acquisition and retention strategies.

Whether you're a CMO or in a marketing-adjacent role, this episode offers a practical look at how data-driven strategies are reshaping the way financial institutions engage with consumers.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

The latest installment of Extra Credit has Dawn Figlioli, VP of Sales, Financial Services at TransUnion, stepping into the host seat, guiding a conversation with Craig and Josh on the latest credit market insights.

The trio explores the current lending environment, marked by both stability and caution, and dives into the surprising growth at both ends of the credit spectrum. They discuss rising delinquencies in auto and mortgage, the evolving role of FinTechs in super prime lending, and how refined risk strategies are reshaping subprime performance.

The episode also touches on the regulatory landscape and why consumer optimism may be on the rise — despite economic headwinds.

Whether you're a lender navigating uncertainty or a strategist looking for signals in the noise, this episode offers grounded, data-driven perspective on what’s next.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

DJ Cox joins this month, flipping the script on Craig and Josh with the most-asked questions he’s hearing within the credit and lending space.

As they reflect on 2025 so far, Josh highlights signs of recovery in card originations and improving delinquency trends. And Craig adds a macro perspective, describing consumers as “cautiously stable” amid mixed economic signals.

Looking ahead, the conversation turns to key risks and opportunities — from tariff uncertainty and returning student loan payments to lenders shifting toward more selective growth strategies. They also examine trends in credit lines and balances, pointing to stable utilization and signs of disciplined behavior among consumers.

The episode wraps with an assessment of the shrinking private label card market and why it still matters, even against rising competition like buy now, pay later services.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

In this special episode, recorded live from TransUnion's annual Financial Services Summit in Chicago, hosts Craig and Josh are joined by Paul Gruenwald, Chief Global Economist at S&P Global Ratings.

The conversation kicks off with an in-depth exploration of the economic impacts of tariffs, financial implications of tightening federal spending, and why tracking the labor market is key to predicting a recession. Paul then shares his take on the future of the US labor market, including the potential for increased domestic manufacturing, and discusses implications of AI.

Shifting gears to global trade, they consider the connections between savings, investments and net exports, and assess the US dollar's status as the global reserve currency.

Finally, they examine significant investments in renewable energy projects and macroeconomic impacts of moving away from a fossil fuel-based economy.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

TransUnion Sales VP Brad Deja is in the studio this month to talk shop!

Josh starts by highlighting signs of a stabilizing market, including a slower decline in loan originations and the return of prime and below prime card issuance to pre-pandemic levels.

Brad inquires about market expectations for Q1, noting a number of consumers are still struggling with inflation. Craig explains why he believes consumer credit health is evening out despite these challenges.

When asked about the continued decline in originations, Josh attributes this to issuers’ caution — while also pointing out positive demand signs in higher credit tiers.

The conversation then shifts to current trends in card balances and utilization; Brad wonders whether delinquencies have peaked yet; and finally, Craig notes the most pertinent fraud challenges facing lenders today.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Jason Laky, Executive Vice President of Financial Services at TransUnion, returns for the first time since June 2022! Things kick off with a review of past predictions, including a recession forecast and an assessment of the current consumer credit market. Jason is optimistic about stable interest rates and potential regulatory improvements benefiting financial services.

Josh and Jason discuss 2024 lender impacts across mortgage, auto, credit card and FinTech sectors, with a look at the state of consumer financial health. Jason considers whether consumers will adapt to current interest rates to enter the housing market.

Craig and Jason address fraud sophistication and the need for financial institutions to implement better fraud mitigation strategies. They also explore potential disruptions in consumer lending, with Jason predicting generative AI will enhance financial services through improved personalization and efficiency.

Finally, Craig inquires about student loan payments resuming, and the future of mergers and acquisitions in a challenging cost environment.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

TransUnion Sales VP Danielle Parry-Hill joins the podcast this month to discuss the state of the card market and growing concerns around fraud.

Danielle and Josh kick things off by noting while originations are down, charge-offs, delinquencies and card utilization are rising. Danielle raises a key question from CFIs: Have delinquencies peaked? Craig advises issuers to adjust their risk strategies accordingly.

Danielle points out CFIs are now facing significant fraud challenges, including bots testing identities. Josh highlights the surge in early default losses on credit cards and growing difficulty in managing fraud due to synthetic identities and first-party fraud.

Craig shifts the focus to bankruptcy, noting while rates are low, increased debt settlements might be hiding underlying risks — and lastly, explains why private label cards have become riskier than bankcards.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

With Steve Manion joining the podcast this month, the conversation kicks off with a year-over-year review of consumer card usage. Josh examines shifts in bankcard balance and origination growth; Craig reveals which consumers are taking on far less new debt; and Steve wants to know how current charge-off balances compare to pre-COVID levels.

Steve and Craig then discuss how lenders are leveraging technology to enhance marketing and speed to market. Josh emphasizes the need for lenders to diversify their consumer engagement tactics, ensuring relevant offers at every touchpoint and channel, and delivering personalized experiences efficiently.

Craig details the ‘strategic imperatives’ for issuers in 2024 — including efficiency in marketing, evolving fraud threats, changing regulatory environments and the role of artificial intelligence — and Steve asks if higher fraud rates are being observed in certain channels compared to others.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Part Two: Live From TransUnion’s 2024 Financial Services Summit, Las Vegas

In part two of the 2024 FS Summit episode, TransUnion’s Sean Flynn sits down with Union Credit co-founder and CRO Barry Kirby to highlight some key challenges facing credit unions today.

Sean and Barry start by discussing the contradiction credit unions are running into as they balance growing their young member bases with needing more deposits due to liquidity constraints.

Barry shares the widening average age gap between credit union members (57) and US consumers (37), and describes why educating younger generations on the benefits of credit unions is critical for the health of the entire banking system.

Sean notes how Barry’s company helps community banks automate and scale in new ways, leading him to wonder what kind of fraud Barry is seeing these days and how credit unions are responding.

Finally, Barry looks back on 25 years as an entrepreneur in the community banking space to offer advice for those pursuing a similar path.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Part One: Live From TransUnion’s 2024 Financial Services Summit, Las Vegas

In part one of the 2024 FS Summit episode, credit union VPs Heather Dufourny (Service Credit Union) and Heather Sullivan (Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union) sit down with Craig and Josh in Las Vegas to discuss the goings-on in the credit union industry.

Craig is curious to hear which products members are most interested in, and wonders how Dufourny’s and Sullivan’s credit unions are responding to the financial squeeze many members are experiencing.

Dufourny and Sullivan share how each of their organizations are utilizing this slow period — from preparing for an eventual refinance boom to diversifying portfolios — and agree balancing a seamless member experience with the need for increased fraud controls has been a challenge within the industry.

Josh wraps things up by asking which key elements they’re focusing on to draw in a younger demographic, and is keen to know how a credit union decides when to bring in new technology or systems.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Guest FJ Guarrera puts Craig and Josh in the hot seat this month with questions around recent consumer performance, trends and preferences in the card industry.

The conversation kicks off with a macroeconomic view of the market since last quarter — ranging from consumer sentiments to card balances and originations to the impact consumer stress levels are having on their financial health.

FJ asks how issuers should be responding to elevated risk in the marketplace, and Josh shares strategies lenders might consider to alleviate some of that pressure.

Craig shares an update on the private label market; Josh weighs in on when migrating scores may start to normalize; and the conversation ultimately shifts to what issuers can be doing to better understand Gen Z preferences and behaviors — particularly given market dynamics over the last few years.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Matt Spiegel and Patrick White join the podcast this month to discuss the ongoing transformation of marketing strategies and operations.

Josh kicks things off by remarking on the lack of financial advertising in this year’s Super Bowl; Matt discusses how financial services marketers should be connecting brand and performance data for more precise results; and Craig and Patrick discuss the opportunity costs of disconnected datasets, including deterministic versus probabilistic data matching.

Plus, Josh details some surprising marketing solicitations he’s received from his bank; Patrick describes three things lenders can focus on to ensure they’re maximizing their customer insights; and Matt shares marketing tactics financial organizations should consider that can be achieved on any budget.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Paul Siegfried who leads the card and banking business at TransUnion returns to Extra Credit for the third time to discuss what’s ahead for card issuers and consumers in 2024.

Paul cautiously forecasts how rates, delinquencies and charge-offs might look by the end of the year; Craig asks what the market can expect to see in terms of unemployment and wage growth; and Josh wants to know how priorities and agendas are looking when broken out by segment.

Plus, Josh digs into whether fraud has really evolved (or does it just feel different in this economy?); Craig shares a scheme fraudsters recently tried (and failed) to pull on him; and Paul offers advice to issuers struggling to feel confident in today’s environment.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

TransUnion financial services sales leader Stephanie Donaghy joins this month's podcast to ask Craig and Josh about recent trends in the card market — based on key questions she’s hearing from within the industry.

The conversation covers everything from consumer credit health and sentiment continuing into 2024; how consumer spending is impacting balances across risk sectors; and the relationship between utilization and stress.

Josh and Stephanie also discuss the right balance of anti-fraud measures within application experiences geared toward younger consumers. Craig speaks to private label card balances being at an all-time high, and Josh weighs in on the drivers and impacts of high delinquency rates and charge-off balances.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Craig kicks off the last Extra Credit episode of the year with a macro recap of 2023, ranging from the impact of increased interest rates on markets and consumers to economic and geopolitical disruptions to the growing presence of artificial intelligence.

Taking a more micro view of the market over these last 12 months, Josh highlights interesting patterns around originations, delinquencies and card balances; discusses lender investments into marketing and fraud programs; looks at capital markets and consumer affordability; and describes the impact and uncertainty stemming from increased regulations.

Finally, Craig and Josh look back at some memorable guests and episodes from 2023, and give a peek at what listeners can expect to hear on Extra Credit in the new year.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

SMBC ManuBank CRO Mike Leary joins the podcast this month to discuss the relationship between risk and financial institutions in today’s economic environment.

Mike and Craig discuss the lesser-known risks impacting portfolios today, including hidden buy now, pay later loans and credit score inflation.

Mike weighs in on positioning a card portfolio in uncertain times; explains why some banks are using credit cards as transactional products; and stresses the need for working tools to properly assess the stability of consumer credit scores.

Josh asks for Mike’s opinion on which market innovations hold the most promise or red flags, and Mike ideates on what younger generations of employees can do to be successful in today’s unusual workforce.

Plus, Mike thinks back on his time as a collegiate cross country athlete and how a team-oriented mentality has helped positively shape his career.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

TransUnion SVP of Auto, Satyan Merchant, joins Craig and Josh this month to discuss emerging trends within the US auto financing market.

We begin with Satyan touching on today’s top auto industry headlines — from supply chain issues and high interest rates impacting consumer affordability to major shifts in market share.

Satyan describes how technology-forward dealerships and lenders are modernizing the industry by offering online-to-offline car shopping experiences, and shares how lenders should be thinking about the growing number of credit-active Gen Z consumers.

Josh and Craig ask for Satyan’s opinion on the future of vehicle values and supply, and what that means from a credit standpoint; they discuss the return of incentive programs; and Satyan draws comparisons between the auto and mortgage financing markets.

*Plus, take a look at the TransUnion study Satyan references in the episode: https://www.transunion.com/lp/impact-of-unsettled-vehicle-values

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

TransUnion Head of US Government Relations, Allison Shuster, returns to Extra Credit this month to discuss the political and legislative activities currently impacting the US financial services industry.

Craig and Allison start by discussing the proposed Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rulemaking process expected to take place later in 2023, whether government partisanship is as challenging as it’s portrayed in the media, and how legislators are turning to the private sector to help inform policy decisions.

Next Josh and Allison talk about the major focus areas for regulators that might not be as headline-grabbing, including a politically-stalled federal privacy standard and AI governance concerns cropping up in both the Senate and Congress.

Finally, Josh asks Allison how the upcoming presidential election cycle will impact the pace of legislation; they discuss how states are looking at the use and treatment of medical debt on the credit file; and Allison urges listeners to pay attention to the uptick in agency activity (particularly from the CFPB and FHFA) within the housing market.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Joining Craig and Josh this month is Melissa Koide, Founder and CEO of FinRegLab — a nonprofit organization that tests and researches technology to help inform public policy and advance financial inclusion.

Melissa touches on some of FinRegLab’s key initiatives, including the use of cashflow data to predict credit risk and assess populations with limited or no credit history; new research the organization is doing on machine learning algorithms being used in financial services; and a partnership with Kenya’s government, banks and bureaus to determine the optimal data insights needed for credit risk assessing women-owned small businesses.

The group also discusses regulatory uncertainties keeping the financial industry from wider adoption of new types of data, and muses over the laws and regulations that could one day surround artificial intelligence and platforms like ChatGPT.

Finally, Josh tests Melissa’s Kentucky knowledge with some light trivia about her hometown.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.