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

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:00:00Becky 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.08:53What if credit unions became DAOs? Becky describes how token-based governance could reshape underwriting, credit committees, and data sharing.12:10Talking tech with your board doesn’t mean teaching blockchain. Becky shares how to frame stablecoin as a payment rail they already understand.15:27Planning season? Becky offers advice on how credit unions can realistically begin exploring crypto, stablecoin, and digital rails, with emphasis on education and execution.18:12Why “waiting to see what happens” is risky. Becky explains the danger of sitting back while others define the future.19:50Becky’s vision for 2030: a grassroots financial renaissance, where DAOs and digital-native credit unions serve tight-knit communities.20:55The 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

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 Highlights01:00 – 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

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

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/ - LEVERAGEThanks 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

Samantha Beeler, President of the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates, joins 22 Minutes in Lending for an unfiltered conversation about the pressures and possibilities facing credit unions today. From board governance to regulatory uncertainty, Samantha shares how credit unions can respond with clarity, collaboration, and confidence—and why “doing business as usual” might just be the greatest form of advocacy.Highlights:01:39: What drove the integration of Virginia into the League, the benefits and risks of multi-state leagues, and the economies of scale it offers for not only the league, but the credit unions it serves.05:09: Discussions around board strength, and director’s understanding as a concern, noting that many directors feel overwhelmed re. cybersecurity, AI, and broader tech trends.09:02: Recapping the recent NCUA upheaval and what credit unions should expect next in the regulatory environment.11:54: Whether it makes sense to simplify the regulatory framework and have a single regulator for all financial institutions, citing examples from other countries.18:49: Advice on how credit unions can navigate the current regulatory environment of rapid change and uncertainty. Resources:www.the-league.coop The League of Credit Unions and AffiliatesThanks 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 #Advocacy #DontTaxMyCreditUnion

With relentless technological advances, generational shifts in employment trends, and upended perceptions of “community”, traditional deposit strategies may no longer work for credit unions. In this episode, we speak with Ron Shevlin of Cornerstone Advisors to explore how fintech has paved the way for credit union innovation. Key takeaways:00.55: A decade-long annual study skewed overly positive when conducted in December 2024, but uncertainty about the regulatory environment would likely see credit union leaders respond much more cautiously now, just a few months later.02.55: The biggest myth credit unions tell themselves is that people are their greatest assets–but credit unions live or die through their digital experiences.03.59: How direct deposit relationships may not be the sticky experience credit unions have traditionally thought–and how fintech have turned that theory on its head through smart market segmentation.07.02: Gen Z and Millennials are more savvy about investing than their older counterparts were at the same age, and fintech are capitalizing on that emerging market.09.36: Community banking isn’t dead, but the “community” now means something else; it’s no longer geographically based. Credit unions need to become smarter about how they cater to those niche markets.13.20: Credit unions have a head start on fintech to secure these markets, because they’re already a known entity with market traction.14.10: How credit unions could learn from SoFi’s success and elevate their product strategy.18.30: Digital experience is a credit union’s product.19.44: Should credit unions be investing directly in fintech, and should their members be concerned if the investments don’t deliver profit?22.12: Embedded finance isn’t just about fintech; large institutions like Walmart and Gerber have been using embedded finance to capture and retain market share for years.Resources Mentioned:www.robinhood.com Robin Hoodwww.chime.com Chimepanaceafinancial.com Panaceawww.hustlfinancial.com Vantage West’s Hustlwww.sofi.com SoFiwww.curql.com Curqlwww.trustage.com/ventures TruStage VenturesThanks 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 #Lending #GrowthStrategies

Any credit union adding one million new members per year could be forgiven for resting on its laurels–not so for Navy Federal Credit Union. At the nation’s largest credit union, there’s always an opportunity to improve: to increase trust, deepen brand loyalty, and strengthen support for their members. In this episode, we talk with Chief Lending Officer, Aaron Aggerwal, about how relationship-building, financial education, and strategic fintech partnerships have shaped their growth.Timestamps:01:12 – Navy Federal’s explosive growth: 1M new members per year.5:10 – The power of word-of-mouth marketing in financial services.06:22 – Why trust is everything in lending.07:05 – The three pillars of trust in financial services: Choice, value, and simplicity. 10:12 – How Navy Federal educates members on major financial decisions.12:20 – The credit score simulator—helping members make smarter financial choices.15:02 – Fintech partnerships and how they fit into Navy Federal’s strategy. 17:41 – How multi-generational lending builds lifelong relationships.19:05 – The challenges in lending today: Auto loans, mortgage downturns, and balancing risk.21:49 – What’s ahead in 2025 lending trends: Technology, branch expansion, and community focus.24:49 – Final takeaway: Trust is the foundation of Navy Federal’s success.Resources Mentioned:MakingCents Hub: Navy Federal’s financial education platform offering resources to help members navigate key financial decisions.​Mission: Credit Confidence® Dashboard: A tool that allows members to monitor their credit score, view their credit report, and simulate changes to understand potential impacts.​Personal Finance Counseling: Navy Federal offers free personalized financial counseling to assist members with goal setting, budgeting, and overall financial management.Student Lending Services: In partnership with LendKey, Navy Federal provides online student lending options, including loan consolidation and private student loans.​USO Partnership: Navy Federal has committed $9 million to the USO to implement existing programming and establish new initiatives aimed at supporting the military community.​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.#NavyFederal #CreditUnions #FinancialTrust #LendingInnovation #FinancialEducation

Disruption may be the new norm, but have credit unions caught on? In the latest episode of 22 Minutes in Lending, Brian Kaas, president & managing director of TruStage Ventures, discusses the fintech saturation problem, the evolving role of embedded finance, and how credit unions need to break out of the echo chamber to avoid being left behind and realize the benefits of partnerships.Key takeaways:02.13: An overview of TruStage Ventures, its funding structure, and its average investments.03.15: Three key criteria critical to TruStage Ventures making investment decisions: strategic fit and support for credit unions, financial viability, and culture fit.06.26: How the investment strategy has evolved since 2016 to ensure the organization and its portfolio of fintech companies are supporting and sustaining the credit union system.07.50: Fintech has reached a saturation point in the credit union system, and M&A may be the new growth area.10.07: Profitability is a primary concern for credit union executives, and AI-driven back-office automation can often be the solution.12.28: The growth opportunity posed by embedded finance, particularly for credit unions in the auto-lending space.14.59: How TruStage Ventures is making intentional investments to help credit unions capitalize on the embedded finance movement and provide entry-points into relationships with major players like Amazon and Walmart.17.07: When credit unions only talk to other credit unions, it can create an echo chamber. That can mean there’s a misunderstanding or misapprehension of the opportunities posed by fintech.19.02: The importance of Board awareness and support for innovation.20.36: Trust is vital for an emerging fintech to establish credibility with credit unions and gain traction.22.22: What credit unions should be considering before partnering with a fintech of any size or maturity.Resources Mentioned:www.trustage.com/ventures TruStage Venturestrybeem.com Beemwww.americascreditunions.org/events-training/conference/governmental-affairs-conference-2025 GACwww.lendkey.com/podcast/inward-and-upward-driving-member-growth-and-financial-health-with-auto-refi Caribou episode of 22 Minutes in Lendingwww.lendkey.com/podcast/adapting-to-shifting-consumer-behavior-in-auto-lending Origence episode of 22 Minutes in Lendingwww.carsaver.com CarSaverwww.money2020.com Money 20/20Thanks 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 #Lending #Fintech