Why do 77% of borrowers say loan payment protection provides meaningful financial security, while only 22% have purchased it? According to Alexia Johnson of Securian Financial, the biggest barrier is not a lack of need. It is a lack of trust, understanding, and relevant education during the lending process. Alexia joins Credit Union Conversations host and MBFS CEO Mark Ritter to discuss Securian Financial’s 2026 lending environment study and what it reveals about consumer finances and borrower financial wellness. As rising costs push consumers from trying to get ahead to simply staying afloat, payment protection can help cover loan payments or balances following an unexpected job loss, disability, or death. Yet many borrowers remain skeptical and view protection products as an added sales tactic or junk fee. Mark and Alexia explain how credit unions can close the borrower trust gap by introducing loan payment protection earlier, sharing real-life examples, asking better questions, and tailoring the conversation to each member’s stage of life. They also explore why digital lending still needs a human touch and how financial education can strengthen member relationships while helping borrowers prepare for the unexpected. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ What loan payment protection is and how it can help following job loss, disability, or death ✅ Why borrowers recognize the value of payment protection but often choose not to purchase it ✅ How credit unions can build borrower trust through education, transparency, and real-life examples ✅ How to introduce payment protection earlier without making it feel like an added fee ✅ Why digital lending experiences still need personalized conversations and human support Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for insights on credit union leadership, AI, fintech, and business lending. Connect with MBFS to explore lending support and growth solutions. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Mark introduces Alexia Johnson of Securian Financial (02:32) Alexia’s financial services background and work with credit union partners (03:10) How Securian Financial supports families, consumers, and financial institutions (04:16) What loan payment protection is and how Securian’s lending study works (06:54) Why borrowers have shifted from getting ahead to staying afloat (08:58) The gap between payment protection’s perceived value and actual adoption (10:24) Why skepticism and distrust keep borrowers from purchasing protection (13:15) How real-life examples can make payment protection relevant to members (16:04) Why payment protection should be discussed earlier in the lending process (18:14) Preserving education and human connection in digital lending (19:46) Tailoring payment protection conversations across generations and life stages (20:40) How credit unions can increase trust, education, and product participation KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Borrowers are financially vulnerable. Half of borrowers with active loans could continue making payments for only three months or less after losing their income. 💎 The payment protection gap is rooted in trust. Many borrowers value the product but question whether it truly benefits them or simply generates revenue for the lender. 💎 Credit unions should introduce payment protection early, explain it clearly, and connect it to realistic situations rather than treating it as a final yes-or-no checkbox. 💎 A hybrid approach works best. Credit unions should provide digital resources for independent research and knowledgeable employees who can answer personal questions. ABOUT THE GUEST: Alexia Johnson is the Partner Development Leader for Affinity Solutions-U.S. at Securian Financial, supporting the company’s credit union partners and accounts. She has more than 20 years of financial services experience, including 14 years with Securian Financial. Her leadership experience spans account management, marketing, operations, client partnerships, and customer success. Alexia’s work focuses on building strong relationships and helping individuals and organizations succeed. Alexia Johnson – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-johnson-22555b11 Securian Financial: https://www.securian.com/ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Mark Ritter – Website: https://markritter.com/ Mark Ritter – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrittermbfs Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, Alexia Johnson, Securian Financial, MBFS, state of the consumer, consumer financial wellness, loan payment protection, debt protection, credit insurance, borrower trust, borrower financial wellness, credit union member education, credit union lending, consumer lending, loan protection products, income disruption, job loss protection, disability protection, digital lending, member experience, financial security, financial preparedness, credit union leadership, borrower education, lending strategy