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

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

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