22 Minutes in Lending: Conversations about Credit Unions, Fintech, and Future of Finance

LendKey: Lending Made Simple
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22 Minutes in Lending is a podcast that brings you leading conversations on lending. Join host Vince Passione as he engages with industry leaders and discusses trends and current news in the lending industry. Here, we hone in on how it’s about more than just the balance sheet, and focus on what it takes to build meaningful and lasting lending relationships.

  1. CUSO of the Year Talks Commercial Lending Growth

    6D AGO

    CUSO of the Year Talks Commercial Lending Growth

    From banking to startups to serving in Iraq, John Ballantyne has worn many hats. Now as CEO of Tru Treasury, he’s helping more than 70 credit unions build treasury management programs that keep them competitive in a growing commercial lending market. In this episode of 22 Minutes in Lending, John joins host Vince Passione to share the origin story of Tru Treasury, how it’s filling a critical gap for credit unions, and where treasury management is headed in the future. Key Takeaways 01:35 – John shares the unique story of launching Tru Treasury in March 2020, just as COVID shuttered the world overnight. 04:21 – The advantages of structuring True Treasury as a CUSO, and how collaboration with credit union CEOs shaped the model. 05:26 – Today, TruTreasury serves over 70 credit unions in different ways, from consulting to acting as a full outsourced treasury management department. 06:56 – Go behind the scenes and hear how Tru Treasury’s three platforms serve credit unions. 09:35 – How Tru Treasury steps in during acquisitions to bridge gaps in complex treasury relationships. 11:06 – What credit unions need to know about field of membership rules, the 12% cap, and opportunities for commercial lending and deposits. 13:11 – Commercial lending trends: growth in C&I and SBA lending, deposit growth, and how commercial deposits can be used to fund commercial loans. 15:34 – Untapped opportunities in municipal deposits, and why they’re a natural fit for some credit unions. 17:04 –Stablecoin, blockchain, and security innovations shaping the future of payments. 21:21 – Looking to 2030: John envisions a modular “commercial banking as a service” model that brings together lending, compliance, and treasury management for credit unions and beyond Resources Mentioned: Tru Treasury: https://trutreasury.com/ Leverage: https://myleverage.com LendKey: https://www.lendkey.com/    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 #Fintech #22MinutesInLending

    24 min
  2. Collaboration, CUSOs, and Crypto: Part II

    AUG 25

    Collaboration, CUSOs, and Crypto: Part II

    We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Becky Reed, COO at BankSocial. In this episode, Becky maps out the future of lending—from smart contracts and stablecoin-powered car loans to how DAOs could change underwriting and credit union governance. She also shares how boards can (and should) engage with these technologies, why waiting isn’t a strategy, and what the credit union system might look like in 2030. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Becky walks through a real-world example of how lending could work end-to-end using blockchain, smart contracts, and stablecoin—starting with a member buying a car. 05:16 "Replacing trust with truth": Becky explains how blockchain transparency removes intermediaries and why BankSocial is non-custodial by design. 08:53 What if credit unions became DAOs? Becky describes how token-based governance could reshape underwriting, credit committees, and data sharing. 12:10 Talking tech with your board doesn’t mean teaching blockchain. Becky shares how to frame stablecoin as a payment rail they already understand. 15:27 Planning season? Becky offers advice on how credit unions can realistically begin exploring crypto, stablecoin, and digital rails, with emphasis on education and execution. 18:12 Why “waiting to see what happens” is risky. Becky explains the danger of sitting back while others define the future. 19:50 Becky’s vision for 2030: a grassroots financial renaissance, where DAOs and digital-native credit unions serve tight-knit communities. 20:55 The best podcast question she’s ever been asked? Listen to hear what it is. Resources Mentioned: BankSocial: https://web.banksocial.io/   LendKey: https://www.lendkey.com/ 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 #Fintech #22MinutesInLending

    24 min
  3. Collaboration, CUSOs, and Crypto: Part I

    AUG 11

    Collaboration, CUSOs, and Crypto: Part I

    Becky Reed, COO at BankSocial, joins 22 Minutes in Lending to talk about her long-standing involvement with CUSOs, why cooperation is credit unions’ superpower, and how blockchain, DAOs, and stablecoin are shaping the future of financial services. From her roots leading credit unions and chair emeritus for the NACUSO board, to leading fintech innovation today, Becky unpacks big ideas with clarity and conviction. This is just the first half of a two-part conversation. Don’t miss the next episode, where Becky dives into how these technologies are reshaping lending. Key Takeaways: 00:46 Becky shares why she believes cooperation is the credit union industry’s superpower, and how the CUSO model reflects that. 02:39 Is the number of CUSOs growing too fast or not fast enough? Becky explains why more CUSOs (and more differentiation and specialization) is actually a sign of industry health. 04:47 Are legacy CUSOs at a disadvantage? Becky says no, and explains how traditional and contemporary models are playing different but valuable roles. 08:10 Becky defines what a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) is and how BankSocial started as one. 11:06 Why DAOs matter for the future of credit unions: Becky breaks down how digital governance models can boost transparency, inclusion, and member involvement. 13:13 Becky dissects the jargon, explaining key terms like blockchain, Bitcoin, and stablecoin. 16:32 Payments are at the core of financial institutions. Becky explains why stablecoin could become the most efficient payment rail yet and what that means for the future of credit unions.   Resources Mentioned: BankSocial: https://web.banksocial.io/   LendKey: https://www.lendkey.com/ 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 #Fintech #22MinutesInLending

    22 min
  4. Modern Lending at a Century-Old Credit Union

    JUL 28

    Modern Lending at a Century-Old Credit Union

    How do you modernize a 100-year-old credit union without losing sight of your mission? John Anderson, Chief Lending Officer at Atlanta Postal Credit Union, joins us to share how APCU is navigating dual branding, fintech partnerships, liquidity pressures, and AI adoption—all while staying grounded in its mission to serve both legacy postal-service members and the broader community. Key Highlights 01:00 – Overview of Atlanta Postal and its community-focused sub-brand, Center Parc. 02:38 –Why and how APCU pivoted to a dual branded approach, and what’s to come in its 100th year. 04:11 – Difference between members from the community vs. postal-service members. 06:06 – How APCU navigated the liquidity crunch: shifting from CDs to alternative savings products. 07:13 – Strategic planning: why APCU avoids “scenario overload” and focuses on actionable risks like USPS changes and GSA lease cuts. 08:43 – The biggest lending challenges APCU is tackling in 2026 planning. 09:38 – Is fintech-powered lending just indirect by another name? John shares how it’s different. 10:32 – Digitizing the onboarding process + human follow-up: APCU’s hybrid approach to memberization. 12:10 – Servicing plays a key role in building loyalty with members. APCU sees the value in keeping it internal. 12:54 – Auto refi isn’t on your members’ radar—but the offers are. A discussion about meeting members where the decision happens and partnering with fintechs that support recapture. 15:55 – How APCU is putting AI into action. 19:03 – AI as a force multiplier, not a threat: how APCU is freeing up staff for high-value work. 20:10 –John shares his mindset shift coming from banking, and what credit unions taught him about serving more than just the safest borrower. 21:27 – Advice for up-and-coming Chief Lending Officers. Resources Mentioned: Atlanta Postal Credit Union: https://www.apcu.com/ LendKey: https://www.lendkey.com/ 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 #Fintech #22MinutesInLending

    25 min
  5. Central One’s "Wicked Local" Take on Lending

    JUL 14

    Central One’s "Wicked Local" Take on Lending

    From rebranding to AI-assisted underwriting and member experience, Central One is redefining what it means to be a “wicked local” credit union. In this episode, Devon Lyon, President and CEO, shares how the Massachusetts-based credit union approaches lending and how they’re embracing data-driven accountability. Key takeaways: 00:37 – Central One’s rebrand, revamped website, and renewed mission while navigating a highly competitive Massachusetts market. 02:27 – How a new AI-assisted underwriting system will helping thin- and no-credit borrowers access credit-building products. 05:03 – How education lending works as a gateway to lifelong member relationships. 07:30 – Why more credit unions don’t offer private education loans, and how advocacy for regulation changes could help make the juice worth the squeeze. 09:05 – Devon makes the case for direct lending. 11:14 – How variable-rate mortgages work for Central One’s balance sheet. 12:46 – Beyond good times, how the member solutions team supports members before they enter a financial crisis. 14:20 – Managing deposit gathering and funding strategy through volatility—lessons learned from 2021’s rate environment. 16:15 – “Data isn’t about dashboards—it’s about accountability.” Devon shares his journey to data-driven strategy and how Central One is embedding insights across every department. 19:25 – First stop for AI? Underwriting. Devon explains how AI can lead to immediate member impact. 20:26 – What’s ahead in 2026? Data visualization. Resources Mentioned: Central One Federal Credit Union: https://www.centralfcu.com/ LendKey: https://www.lendkey.com/ CU Broadcast: https://www.cubroadcast.com/ CULytics: https://culytics.com/ Thrive: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ 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 #Fintech #22MinutesInLending

    23 min
  6. The Financial Intelligence Business: Why Credit Unions Should Run Toward the Fire

    JUN 30

    The Financial Intelligence Business: Why Credit Unions Should Run Toward the Fire

    If your member experience is broken, you’re already losing. As fintechs outpace traditional lenders, CEO Omar Jordan of Coviance believes credit unions have a choice: retreat or run toward the fire. In this episode, he shares how Coviance is helping credit unions shift their mindset, embrace their role in the financial intelligence business, and deliver experiences members can’t help but talk about. It's a call to lead with strategy, and to evolve before irrelevance sets in. Key takeaways: 00:38 – Omar Jordan shares the origin story of Coviance, starting with the run he took towards the fire during Great Recession. 02:30 – Growth isn’t just about rates or products—it’s about the experience. Omar explains why delivering a fintech-like journey fuels organic growth: today’s members talk. 03:49 – A blunt truth: If your member experience is broken, you're irrelevant. Operational efficiencies aren’t optional anymore, they’re required if you want to stay relevant. 05:42 – Don’t tell credit unions what to do—ask them what they want to accomplish. Plus, how Coviance measures success. (It’s more than just speed.) 08:06 – Are they a fintech? A tech firm? Tech-enabled services provider? Omar breaks down where Coviance fits and how their approach sets them apart. 09:18 – With home equity demand rising, fintechs are winning on flexibility and UX. Omar challenges credit unions to shift their mindset from being in the business of managing risk to being in the financial intelligence business. 12:26 – Stablecoin isn’t just a buzzword—Omar explains its potential to reshape how funds are disbursed quickly and securely. 13:52 – From debit cards for HELOCs to new payment options, Omar spotlights some promising innovation in the HELOC space. 16:23 – Everyone’s talking about AI, but few are using it as a strategic multiplier.  Omar shares how AI should be used for decision making, not just automation. 18:34 – What’s next for Coviance? More innovation, deeper service, and keeping credit unions competitive in a crowded lending space. 20:03 – The most underestimated trend right now? The sheer volume of fintech lending happening outside traditional institutions—and what it means for credit unions’ relevance. Resources Mentioned: Coviance: https://www.coviance.com/ 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 #Fintech #22MinutesInLending

    24 min
  7. Chartway’s Bet on Branches, Bilingualism, Business Banking, and Tech

    JUN 16

    Chartway’s Bet on Branches, Bilingualism, Business Banking, and Tech

    Rob Keatts, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Chartway Credit Union, joins us to talk about the bold moves Chartway is making—from investing $25 million in branch infrastructure to earning the Juntos Avanzamos designation to better serve Hispanic communities. With a strategy shaped by both data and values, Rob explains how Chartway is using technology, partnerships, and community insight to stay mission-driven and member-focused. Key takeaways: 01:01 – How Chartway approaches its supportive role of smaller credit unions in a unique way, including M&A and fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing—especially when small shops have big ideas worth spreading. 02:37 – Why Chartway is investing $25 million in branch infrastructure, and how branches are evolving as centers for education, advice, and connection. 05:42 – The strategic role of branches in Chartway’s deposit efforts and why physical presence still matters in a digital world. 06:58 – Chartway’s intentional focus on serving Hispanic members and how data led them to partner with Coopera and Inclusiv. 10:01 – What it took to earn the Juntos Avanzamos designation: from bilingual staff to cultural fluency, and how Chartway measures success. 13:22 – Launching business banking in 2024 to meet growing demand—especially from Hispanic entrepreneurs—and how a digital platform is part of the plan. 15:08 – Rob’s tech-to-strategy journey, and why Chartway is betting on fintech partnerships to close the innovation gap with big banks. 18:31 – Rethinking credit decisioning with AI: Chartway’s new model aims to say “yes” more often, while guarding against bias. 20:19 – Navigating delinquency trends: Rob shares the latest data and where things are starting to stabilize. 21:41 – Why now is the moment for credit unions to double down on their mission—and how Chartway is staying anchored to its purpose. Resources Mentioned: Chartway Credit Union: https://www.chartway.com/ Coopera Consulting: https://www.cooperaconsulting.com/ Inclusiv: https://inclusiv.org/ 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 #Fintech #22MinutesInLending

    25 min
  8. Finding the Perfect Fit: Tech, Tools, Partners That Serve Credit Unions

    JUN 2

    Finding the Perfect Fit: Tech, Tools, Partners That Serve Credit Unions

    Whether it’s cybersecurity, liquidity, or finding the right fintech fit, credit unions are navigating a complex landscape with limited resources. Steve Willis explains how LEVERAGE connects nearly 900 credit unions with tailored solutions that don’t just plug holes—they drive meaningful, measurable progress. Key takeaways: 00:49: Steve explains the role LEVERAGE plays within the credit union system and how it supports growth, innovation, and even advocacy. 03:00: How LEVERAGE identifies the right partners by tuning into credit union pain points and staying close to fintech and financial industry trends. 04:57: The kind of support credit unions need in times of uncertainty—and how LEVERAGE helps deliver it. 06:12: Finding the sweet spot between digital-forward innovation and the relationship-driven values credit unions are built on. 07:50: Helping credit unions navigate a crowded marketplace of fintechs, vendors, and service providers to find what truly moves the needle. 11:57: Why size doesn’t limit opportunity—and how smaller credit unions are getting tailored, hands-on support. 13:07: The growing responsibility of boards to stay engaged in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. 14:29: Cybersecurity hasn’t fallen off their radar; credit unions just need guidance on effective yet affordable ways to protect themselves. 17:46: Exploring liquidity challenges and the solutions LEVERAGE is surfacing to help credit unions adapt. 19:03: How LEVERAGE is rolling up its sleeves for small credit unions—offering the right mix of modern tools and practical, proven approaches.   Resources Mentioned: https://myleverage.com/ - LEVERAGE 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 #Fintech #22MinutesInLending

    24 min
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22 Minutes in Lending is a podcast that brings you leading conversations on lending. Join host Vince Passione as he engages with industry leaders and discusses trends and current news in the lending industry. Here, we hone in on how it’s about more than just the balance sheet, and focus on what it takes to build meaningful and lasting lending relationships.

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