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 credit unions’ reach and impact through an innovative marketplace.

02.49: An overview of the auto refinance market and the potential financial benefits for millions of consumers.

03.55: The nuances of auto refinancing vs. traditional mortgage refinancing–namely how credit typically improves during the duration of an auto loan.

05.30: The vast majority of auto loans being refinanced were not originated by a credit union, but instead are an opportunity to win market share from bigger banks.

06.57: How the turbulence of loan-to-value ratios has skewed underwriting and lending over the last few years, and what the future holds for credit unions.

09.09: A major portion of credit unions took a step back from auto lending in the early 2020s but are using refinancing as a lower risk re-entry strategy.

11.09: An overview of the Caribou process–how it works for consumers and credit unions, and why that’s a benefit for both parties.

14.02: The shifting picture of typical FICO scores for auto refinancing, and how credit unions can reach and engage members that they wouldn’t typically take a risk on.

16.53: Auto refinancing provides non-prime members for prime risk, and helps credit unions support members on their upward credit trajectory.

17.48: Caribou is essentially national, and is looking for credit union partners to meet consumer demand.

19.50: This isn’t about replacing existing credit union services; it’s about augmenting them at a larger scale, reaching potentially millions of more consumers.

Resources Mentioned:

1. www.caribou.com Caribou
2. www.qedinvestors.com QED Investors
3. us.dealertrack.com Dealertrack Insurance product

Thanks for listening to the 22 Minutes in Lending podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#CreditUnions #AutoLending #GrowthMarketing

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 Union, its field of membership, and the competitive landscape.

02.23: The implications of having a dual role that oversees both revenue and lending.

04.06: How the cost of funds has influenced the credit union’s deposit growth strategy, and how they navigate significant competition.

05.43: Detail on how Jovia has successfully partnered with fintech to drive deposit and membership growth.

08.42: The opportunities for smaller credit unions to maximize their marketing efficacy to reach new members and grow deposits.

10.40: How education lending can help credit unions reach and engage younger members, grow deposits, and increase loans.

15.40: Why business lending has been so critical to Jovia Financial’s growth–so much so that the organization recently launched a business lending CUSO to support other credit unions.

19.16: Ongoing uncertainties around office space lending, particularly in highly dense urban areas.

Resources Mentioned:

1. www.jovia.org Jovia Financial Credit Union
2. www.lendkey.com/podcast/community-lenders-the-best-kept-secret-in-town 22 Minutes in Lending episode with Barry Kirby
3. www.unioncredit.app Union Credit
4. www.lendkey.com/lend LendKey’s education lending platform

Thanks for listening to the 22 Minutes in Lending podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#CreditUnions #Lending #Deposits #GrowthMarketing

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 engaged.

Key takeaways:

01.35: An overview of MAC FCU and how they strategically expanded their physical footprint to more effectively serve their members.

03.00: The rationale behind MAC FCU’s expansion into real estate lending, both commercial and residential.

05.36: How MAC FCU’s digital transformation addresses both the needs and wants of its membership.

07.34: The infrastructure roadmap and additional investments necessary to upskill and launch MAC FCU’s digital services.

08.30: What taking “a foundational approach to AI” means, and how credit unions can safely adopt open source solutions.

12.26: Navigating member perceptions, usage, and risks of newly launched AI solutions.

14.30: Working in primarily auto-lending to support people with “bumped and bruised” credit.

16.19: How credit unions can navigate increasingly high delinquency rates, and support personal and commercial members through financial difficulties.

17.42: Increasing process efficiencies and focusing on products-per-member growth are critical growth areas for 2025.

Resources Mentioned:

1. www.macfcu.org MAC FCU

Thanks for listening to the 22 Minutes in Lending podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#CreditUnions #Lending #AutoLending #DigitalTransformation