1 MAY 2024 · AI is top of mind for most financial services organizations, but the question of, 'where to begin?' remains. Upstart's new AI in Financial Services Professional Certification course is designed to give banking professionals a firm grounding for the potential of AI in financial services —with a particular focus on credit—as well as practical tools to help them begin the journey of applying AI inside their organizations.    This week, host Lynn Sautter Beal is joined by https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkeltner/, Startup Advisor at https://www.upstart.com/ — and former “Leaders in Lending” host — to talk about Upstart’s https://aicertification.upstart.com/introduction-to-ai. Discussed in this episode: - Why Upstart decided to develop the course — and who it’s for - The content and structure of the course modules - Process of developing the course (from writing scripts to recording lessons) - The importance of empowering financial services professionals with knowledge of AI tailored to their field Register for the course, which is free for a limited time: https://live-upstart-ms.pantheonsite.io/ai-certification/

1 MAY 2024 · On today’s episode, host Matt Snow is joined by https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-zabritski-3951834/, Sr. Director at https://www.experian.com/automotive/auto-data, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-pregmon-aa4b922/, Head of Credit Operations at https://www.usaa.com/. Whether due to rapid technological innovations (like the advent of electric vehicles) or economic factors (everything from lending rates to unemployment), the landscape of auto sales and lending is shifting more rapidly than ever.  With their collective experience and expertise in lending and the auto market, Mark and Melinda are perfectly suited to help us make sense of this current moment — to give us a sense of where we may be heading. Discussed this week: - Why concerns surrounding affordability persist, despite the rise in average loan amounts - The challenges hindering EV adoption - How limited inventory impacts affects loan-to-value ratios and shapes consumer purchasing patterns - Growing delinquency rates, and what they may be attributed to

24 APR 2024 · 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-mayans/, Chief Economist at https://www.experian.com/, 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 2023 - The dichotomy between a strong economy and labor market with slow credit growth - Consumer spending and increased delinquencies - The housing market and potential risks on the horizon

17 APR 2024 · This week, hosts Lynn Sautter Beal and Matt Snow are joined by https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvindchen/, Senior Executive VP, Head of Policy at the https://www.linkedin.com/company/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 players - The broad impact of the recent Executive Order on AI - Why banks should ramp up their initiatives to educate the public and build trust - The current regulatory squeeze on regional banks

3 APR 2024 · 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-lee-dc/, President and CEO at https://www.linkedin.com/company/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 regulators - Why earned wage access plays such a large role in financial health - The evolution of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products and services

20 MAR 2024 · Joining our host Drew Megrey is https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-dryer-72744054/, VP of Consumer Lending and Centralized Deposits at https://www.linkedin.com/company/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 program - What factors influence the loan-to-value (LTD) ratio - Underwriting adaptive auto loans to serve the community - Predictions about blockchain’s impact on the banking industry

6 MAR 2024 · This week, our host Barry Roach is joined by https://www.linkedin.com/in/-nathan-cox/, CEO of https://www.inroadscu.org/, 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-making - Why organizations should prioritize member experience and stakeholder value over shareholder growth - The relationship between financial literacy and economic development

21 FEB 2024 · How will responsible data practices and blockchain technology shape the financial technology landscape this year? Join our host, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsnow/ and guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjibkalita/, Head of Industry at https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechmeetup/, 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 industry - The potential of blockchain technology for decentralizing data and building trust in credit decisions - The significance of networking and collaboration in the FinTech industry for startups, partnerships, and staying informed

7 FEB 2024 · Joining our host https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardswalters/ this week is Simon Darchis, Head of Partnerships at https://www.finwise.bank/, to discuss his trajectory in the financial services sector from Europe to the US. With this multi-cultural background in finance, Simon explains the intricacies of fintech, unraveling the cultural and regulatory differences that shape these distinct markets. Ed and Simon discuss: - The pivotal role of adaptability in navigating the evolving landscape of financial services - Insights into the contrasting fintech practices between America and Europe, emphasizing the significance of cultural understanding in the industry - The critical importance of compliance in fintech partnerships

24 JAN 2024 · Stacy Armijo, the Chief Experience Officer at Amplify Credit Union, joins our host Drew Megrey to share her path to credit union leadership and discusses how Amplify has made strides to prioritize their member experience, including going fee-free on checking and savings accounts.  Discussed in this episode: - Diversity in product development and the importance of aligning products with the needs of diverse customer demographics. - The strategic move towards fee-free banking, including the elimination of overdraft fees, prioritizing fairness, equity, and customer satisfaction. - Technological evolution and its impact on industry adaptation, from open banking trends to the integration of virtual reality in financial experiences.