LendAPI Podcast

Timothy Li
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business News
  • Updated Weekly

We dedicate this podcast to the hard working men and women from members on LendAPI's Marketplace.

  1. 16h ago

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Jay Shah, Director of Strategic Partnership at CRS Credit API

    In this episode, host Timothy Li (CEO, LendAPI) talks with Jay Shah of CRS Credit API — a licensed Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) built to make regulated financial data easy for fintechs and lenders to access. Jay breaks down what "regulated data" actually means, why the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) protects consumer credit data, and what separates a licensed CRA from a data broker. He explains how CRS connects lenders to 200+ products across Experian, TransUnion, Equifax, LexisNexis, CoreLogic, Finicity, SoCure and more — all through a single integration, with onboarding down to about four days. What You'll Learn: Why regulated consumer data exists, and what the FCRA protectsWhat a CRA license actually requires, and why so few companies have oneHow CRS lets lenders pull credit, identity, and fraud data through one API instead of onboarding each bureau separatelyWhy some lenders want more data (full reports, fraud, business checks) while others want less — just the 3-5 attributes that matter for fast, high-volume decisionsHow silent, low-friction identity verification (phone + device signals) is replacing long PII forms without hurting match ratesHow a non-technical client used AI tools to build a working underwriting engine directly on top of CRS's APICRS's "sales karma" philosophy — advising fintechs on compliant, cost-efficient data flows instead of just selling products About CRS Credit API CRS is a licensed Consumer Reporting Agency built by CEO Stephen Hawkins, a 30+ year veteran of the credit bureau industry, to give fintechs and lenders fast, compliant access to regulated data. Jay Shah leads business development, having previously worked in fintech sales at Forward Lane. CRS partners directly with the major bureaus and specialty data vendors, offering a single onboarding process, a real-time onboarding portal, and flexible product bundles for lenders of every size — from single-founder startups to major banks. Learn more: crscreditapi.com Explore the LendAPI Marketplace: lendapi.com/marketplace Listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Jay Shah, Director of Strategic Partnership at CRS Credit API

  2. 18h ago

    LendAPI Partner Podcast — Ron James, Founder & CEO at Opscale Exchange

    In this episode of the LendAPI Partner Podcast, host Timothy Li sits down with Ron James, a former senior retail executive at Walmart, Best Buy, and H&R Block who now runs Opscale Exchange. They dig into the billions of dollars in government tax credits — from R&D to tariff refunds — that small businesses leave unclaimed every year, and how LendAPI itself just recovered a six-figure R&D credit using Ron's team. What You'll Learn:The R&D Tax Credit, Demystified: Why the Research and Development Tax Credit isn't just for Microsoft and Amazon — any business taking a risk with an unknown outcome (including software teams) can qualify, and how LendAPI recovered roughly $500,000 by working directly with Ron's team.$80 Billion Goes Unclaimed Every Year: The IRS estimates $80 billion in tax credits go unclaimed annually — not because of loopholes, but because most small businesses don't have the teams big companies use to find them.From Katrina to COVID — How the ERC Was Born: The origin story of the Employee Retention Credit, which Ron's prior company recovered $6 billion of for U.S. businesses, and how it traces back to relief legislation written after Hurricane Katrina.PPP vs. ERC — The Difference That Confuses Everyone: A clear breakdown of how the Paycheck Protection Program (a loan) differs from the Employee Retention Credit (a refund of payroll taxes already paid).The Tariff Refund Opportunity: Why the government estimates $165 billion (and Ron's network believes closer to $1 trillion) in tariffs are refundable after recent rulings, what "importer of record" means for eligibility, and why working with a customs attorney — not just a broker — matters.What the "Big, Beautiful Bill" Actually Changed: How the law made 100% bonus depreciation and cost segregation permanent, letting real estate investors and equipment buyers write off the full cost of an asset in year one instead of over 20–30 years. About Opscale ExchangeOpscale Exchange helps small and mid-sized businesses recover tax credits and refunds — R&D, Employee Retention Credit, cost segregation, tariff refunds, and 10,000+ other federal, state, and local incentives — that typically go unclaimed simply because businesses don't know they qualify. Opscale Exchange partners with top-100 law firms and specialty attorneys to file claims on contingency — no upfront cost — and is building a client portal to continually surface new credits as they qualify. Learn more at OpscaleExchange.com. 📢 Explore more on the LendAPI Marketplace 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

    LendAPI Partner Podcast — Ron James, Founder & CEO at Opscale Exchange

  3. Jun 19

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Tristan Pollock, Managing Director at gener8tor

    In this episode of the LendAPI Partner Podcast, host Timothy Li sits down with Tristan, who manages the accelerator community at gener8tor. They explore the burgeoning tech landscape in Nevada, the critical importance of the energy sector, and how generator's specialized programs are accelerating innovation for deep tech and hard tech startups. The Electrify Nevada Program: A detailed look at gener8tor’s seven-week energy accelerator designed to support companies in advanced energy, critical minerals, and physical AI. Nevada's Energy Dominance: Insights into why Nevada is a top-ranked state for solar, geothermal, and grid battery storage, making it a "breeding ground" for new energy technologies. The Lithium Loop: An explanation of why Nevada is the only state in the U.S. capable of supporting the full lithium lifecycle, from mining and extraction to battery manufacturing and recycling. Business Advantages of Nevada: The strategic reasons companies are moving to Nevada, including zero corporate and income taxes, lower operational costs compared to California, and significantly reduced regulatory "red tape". Data Center & AI Synergy: How the massive expansion of data centers by hyperscalers like Microsoft, Google, and Apple is driving an immediate need for advanced power solutions and battery storage in the region. Accelerator Strategy & "Speedrun" Ecosystem: How generator acts as a "fractional co-founder," helping startups achieve in seven weeks what would typically take seven months by opening doors to major industry players like Tesla and Redwood Materials. Lifestyle as a Talent Magnet: Why the Reno-Tahoe area’s outdoor lifestyle—featuring world-class skiing, mountain lakes, and the Truckee River—is attracting top-tier talent and venture capital from Silicon Valley. gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator that runs over 100 programs worldwide.Their Nevada-based initiatives, such as Electrify Nevada, focus on integrating startups into the local ecosystem by providing critical introductions to mentors, investors, and state-run VC funds like Battle Born Ventures.By bridging the gap between academic research at institutions like UNR and UNLV and commercial application, generator helps turn deep tech innovations into scalable businesses 📢 Explore more on the LendAPI Marketplace 🎧 Listen now onYouTube,Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. What You'll Learn:About gener8tor

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Tristan Pollock, Managing Director at gener8tor

  4. May 29

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Tommy Cotter, Director of Data Product at Benzinga

    In this episode of the LendAPI Podcast, host Timothy Li talks with Tommy Cotter, who manages the API data endpoints for Benzinga. They discuss the evolution of financial news, the power of real-time data integration, and how modern technology is reshaping how retail and institutional investors consume market information. What You'll Learn: The Benzinga Content Philosophy: How the company focuses on making complex financial news simple and actionable by breaking down what happened, why it matters, and what happens next for its audience. API Integration and "Stay Put" Strategy: How brokerages and fintech startups use Benzinga’s 30+ API endpoints to natively integrate news and corporate actions data, keeping users engaged on their own platforms. Emerging Market Trends: Insights into the current "hottest" topics in the financial world, specifically the rapid growth and interest in private markets (such as SpaceX and Anthropic) and prediction markets. The Human-in-the-Loop Advantage: Why human editorial discernment remains critical in an era of "AI slop" to ensure news coverage is important, unbiased, and provides actual new information. Real-Time Data Evolution: A look at Benzinga’s new conference call transcripts endpoint, which provides real-time, timestamped, and diarized data from executive calls to give investors an immediate edge. The Business of News: An overview of Benzinga's three primary revenue verticals: B2B/B2C subscriptions, targeted advertising, and high-quality lead generation for financial partners. From the Court to the C-Suite: Tommy Cotter shares how his experience as a Division I college basketball player at Oakland University taught him the dedication, teamwork, and punctuality necessary for success in the fintech industry. About Benzinga Founded in Detroit in 2009, Benzinga is a leading financial news and data provider.With a team of approximately 200 employees and a growing global presence, the firm provides a massive data lake of normalized, dependable information extracted from SEC filings and press releases to help investors around the world own a piece of the American market. 📢 Explore more on the LendAPI Marketplace 🎧 Listen now onYouTube,Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Tommy Cotter, Director of Data Product at Benzinga

  5. May 27

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Matthew Komos, Founder & CEO of OGMA Risk and Analytics

    In this episode of the LendAPI Partner Podcast, host Timothy Li sits down with Matthew, founder of OGMA Risk and Analytics, to discuss the critical intersection of deep analytical experience and modern financial technology. Drawing from over 20 years in risk management and consulting, Matthew shares insights on how foundational risk principles remain essential in today's fast-paced, AI-driven lending landscape The Evolution of Risk Management: Reflecting on the "old school" days at Household International, where data was processed manually and scorecards were hand-built, and how those frameworks still apply today. Navigating the Fintech Boom: How regulatory shifts like the CARD Act of 2009 spurred innovation in unsecured personal loans and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) products. Bridging the Gap with Education: The importance of formal risk management training for modern fintech professionals and students to ensure they understand the practical application of their analytics. The Reality of AI Risk: A deep dive into the governance and legal liabilities surrounding AI in lending, including the potential for inadvertent discrimination and the need for robust audit processes. Global Innovation and Patterns: Insights into expanding financial services into the UK and Europe, highlighting universal mathematical truths in risk while navigating distinct cultural and regulatory differences. Fractional Expertise on Demand: How institutions can leverage fractional Chief Risk Officers (CROs) to navigate digital transformations and product expansions without overextending internal resources. Resilience and Course Correction: A personal look into Matthew’s journey through academia and entrepreneurship, proving that a change in direction can lead to a successful career trajectory. OGMA Risk and Analytics is a specialized firm that provides data-driven and experience-guided risk management solutions. By offering services ranging from fractional risk leadership to specialized training programs, OGMA helps financial institutions and fintechs modernize their credit scoring, improve approval rates, and manage delinquency through sophisticated analytics. 📢 Explore more on the ⁠LendAPI Marketplace⁠ 🎧 Listen now on ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠. What You'll Learn:About OGMA Risk and Analytics

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Matthew Komos, Founder & CEO of OGMA Risk and Analytics

  6. May 21

    Demolishing Wall Street’s Walls: Inside Trump’s New Fintech EO

    In this episode of the LendAPI Partner Podcast, host Timothy Li dive into the massive structural shifts rocking the fintech and banking landscape following the latest White House mandate. Timothy breaks down the newly signed Executive Order, “Integrating Financial Technology Innovation into Regulatory Frameworks,” exploring how it aims to overhaul the underlying “plumbing” of the financial system and strip away legacy advantages held by traditional commercial banks. The Death of Renting the Rails: A look at how the EO targets Federal Reserve Master Accounts, paving the way for non-bank fintechs and digital asset firms to access payment rails like Fedwire and FedNow directly without paying a "bank tax." Dismantling "Brick-and-Mortar" Relics: Why the White House's explicit rhetoric labeling existing rules as outdated protections for powerful traditional incumbents signals an unprecedented regulatory vibe shift. The 90-Day Agency Clock: Breaking down the aggressive timeline handed to the SEC, CFTC, OCC, FDIC, and CFPB to audit and eliminate barriers blocking fintech partnerships, bank charters, and digital licensing. The Federal Reserve's 120-Day Mandate: What happens when the Fed reports back on its legal authority to expand direct master account access to crypto firms, fintechs, and state-chartered entities like Wyoming SPDIs. The Regional Reserve Twist & Jurisdiction Shopping: An analysis of whether the 12 regional Reserve banks have independent authority to grant accounts, and how that could spark a race to innovation as fintechs flock to the most forward-thinking districts. The Fast-Track Framework: Understanding the proposed 90-day fast-track clock to approve or deny completed fintech applications, and what this operational speed means for builders looking to scale infrastructure quickly. 📢 Explore more on the ⁠LendAPI Marketplace⁠ 🎧 Listen now on ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠. What You'll Learn:

    Demolishing Wall Street’s Walls: Inside Trump’s New Fintech EO

  7. May 14

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Brian Scott, Co Founder of RAI Partners

    In this episode of the LendAPI Partner Podcast, host Timothy Li sits down with Brian Scott, co-founder of RAI Partners, to explore the intersection of credit unions, mission-driven lending, and modern financial products. Drawing from over 20 years in payments and credit unions, Brian discusses how a focus on underserved members and credit-building products is essential for credit unions to grow and remain relevant. What You'll Learn: The Foundation of Credit Unions: Understanding Select Employee Groups (SEGs) and the common bond that forms the basis of the cooperative movement.Modernizing Credit Card Programs: How RAI Partners helps credit unions approve members they would typically decline through real-time, behind-the-scenes decisioning.Serving the Underserved and New-to-Credit: The importance of specialized products for college students and gig workers who are often misunderstood by traditional FICO-only underwriting.Affinity Branding in Finance: Why RAI Partners prioritizes the brand of the university or credit union over its own to build deeper member trust and affinity.The Power of CUSOs: Insights into Credit Union Service Organizations (CUSOs) and how they return value and innovation directly to the credit union industry.Navigating Macroeconomic Pressures: How lenders must balance responsible credit access with the realities of inflation and shifting regulatory landscapes.Financial Literacy at Home: A look into the "dinner table conversations" regarding saving, spending, and building credit for the next generation.About RAI Partners RAI Partners is a growth-oriented firm that empowers credit unions by managing end-to-end credit card programs, including all risk and operational costs. By focusing on "doing the basics better," RAI Partners helps institutions reach new demographics—such as younger alumni and underbanked populations—through relationship-driven, white-labeled financial solutions.

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Brian Scott, Co Founder of RAI Partners

  8. May 12

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Billy Quinn, SVP Business Architecture Lead at Truist

    In this episode of the LendAPI Partner Podcast, host Timothy Li sits down with Billy Quinn, who leads product and platform architecture at Truist, to explore the intersections of military discipline, process engineering, and modern banking. Drawing from his 10-year career in the military and experience at major firms like Accenture and Wells Fargo, Billy discusses how a "product-first" mindset is essential for traditional banks to remain competitive against nimble fintechs.What You'll Learn: The Power of Military Principles in Business: Why the military concept of "buy with and through" is essential for modern product delivery and how structured discipline creates a foundation for human executionModernizing Legacy Banking Architecture: How banks are shifting from "spaghetti to lasagna" by quantifying business products and building platform experiences that string together end-to-end client journeys.The Crucial Role of Business Processes: Why fintechs and banks must start with accountable business processes to ensure APIs truly reflect the underlying business functions they serve.Bridging the Military-to-Civilian Gap: Insights into the evolution of transition programs like the Honor Foundation and Accenture's JMO program that help veterans translate tactical skills into corporate value.Navigating Career Growth in Finance: Why young professionals should seek "battle scars" in large institutions to learn the industry's inner workings before launching their own ventures.Human-Centric Banking in an AI World: Why empathetic advisors and established brand trust remain critical for consumers navigating complex financial decisions like homeownership.The "Baseball Mindset" for Success: How embracing a high failure rate—successful only three out of ten times—is a necessary trait for professionals in sales and product development. About Truist:Truist is a product-forward banking institution that emphasizes a "product first" culture on both the business consumable and technology platform sides. Deeply rooted in its communities, Truist combines technology with a relationship-driven approach, relying on empathetic advisors and established brand trust to serve its clients' financial needs.

    LendAPI Partner Podcast with Billy Quinn, SVP Business Architecture Lead at Truist
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About

We dedicate this podcast to the hard working men and women from members on LendAPI's Marketplace.

Information

  • Creator
    Timothy Li
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Timothy Li
  • Show Website
    LendAPI Podcast