Leaders in Lending Leaders in Lending

To reliably forecast what the future of finance the economy holds, you must be able to assess the current moment.

This week, host Lynn Sautter Beal speaks with Joseph Mayans, Chief Economist at Experian, who shares his economic and credit outlook for the year ahead in 2024, along with consumer credit trends and potential risk areas. 

Join us as we discuss:
Key factors shaping a more optimistic 2024 compared to 2023The dichotomy between a strong economy and labor market with slow credit growthConsumer spending and increased delinquenciesThe housing market and potential risks on the horizon

This week, hosts Lynn Sautter Beal and Matt Snow are joined by Kelvin Chen, Senior Executive VP, Head of Policy at the Consumer Bankers Association. Kelvin shares his assessment of the current landscape of financial regulation, innovation, and advocacy. As someone who has worked extensively in both the private and public sectors (including the CFPB), Kelvin has no shortage of expertise and what does (and doesn’t) make for an effective approach to financial regulation that centers the consumer experience and a need for innovation.

Join us as we discuss:
How politicization of financial regulation has affected the accuracy of facts presented by key playersThe broad impact of the recent Executive Order on AIWhy banks should ramp up their initiatives to educate the public and build trustThe current regulatory squeeze on regional banks

With periods of financial collapse and upheaval serving as the catalyst, movers and shakers in the world of digital finance solutions have navigated a host of challenges — all while tending to the concerns of regulators and the needs of consumers alike.  

This week, our host Lynn Sautter Beal is joined by Penny Lee, President and CEO at Financial Technology Association to break down all things fintech and how it intersects with regulatory changes, financial crises, and innovative product development. Penny brings a wealth of experience in (and hard-won knowledge about) politics, policy, and investing, which allows her to provide nuanced insights into how these realms impact one another.

Join Lynn and Penny as they discuss:
The benefits of fintech companies positively engaging with regulatorsWhy earned wage access plays such a large role in financial healthThe evolution of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products and services

Joining our host Drew Megrey is Jared Dryer, VP of Consumer Lending and Centralized Deposits at Westerra Credit Union. Jared brings a passion for streamlining processes for employees and consumers alike—and he shares insights from his experience in building and implementing an automated decision engine and rethinking the process for underwriting adaptive auto loans.

Discussed in this episode:
The challenges of rebuilding a consumer lending programWhat factors influence the loan-to-value (LTD) ratioUnderwriting adaptive auto loans to serve the communityPredictions about blockchain’s impact on the banking industry

This week, our host Barry Roach is joined by Nathan Cox, CEO of InRoads Credit Union, to discuss his transition from banking to the world of credit unions, as well as the stakeholder-focused culture and societal impact of credit unions.

Nathan’s position and insights have been hard-won, as he’s put no shortage of work into bettering himself—from his days as a walk-on D1 basketball player to an MBA student seeking to address any and all shortcomings. It’s this same level of insightfulness and dedication to growth and personal betterment that Nathan brings to his vision for improved consumer experience.

Barry and Nathan discuss:
The importance of involving employees in decision-makingWhy organizations should prioritize member experience and stakeholder value over shareholder growthThe relationship between financial literacy and economic development

How will responsible data practices and blockchain technology shape the financial technology landscape this year?

Join our host, Matt Snow and guest Sanjib Kalita, Head of Industry at Fintech Meetup, as they explore key themes such as data technology, blockchain, and the importance of networking in the industry's evolution. From personal experiences with bad data to the potential of blockchain for data ownership, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of financial technology.

Discussed in this episode:
Responsible data practices and the need for consumer engagement in the credit industryThe potential of blockchain technology for decentralizing data and building trust in credit decisionsThe significance of networking and collaboration in the FinTech industry for startups, partnerships, and staying informed