Underwriting and Frontline Hot Topics Session I

Dive into the latest trends and challenges facing frontline staff and underwriters. Topics include effective underwriting decision-making beyond the guidelines, the importance of judgment in evaluating borrower profiles, and strategies to align underwriting with organizational goals. We'll also explore best practices for frontline staff to enhance member engagement and improve loan conversion rates. 

Underwriting and Frontline Hot Topics Session II

Continue to explore the latest in lending hot topics and how lenders can drive for success with both their members and their credit union.

Networking Lunch Provided

Understanding AI in Lending

A day is coming (soon) when human beings are removed from the loan decision. Is your credit union talking about the impact to your lending portfolio and your delivery channels? We will discuss the history of Machine Learning (ML) / Artificial Intelligence (AI) in lending, the progression of automated decisioning, and the challenges presented to credit unions.  

We will cover

• How ML/AI replicates a loan decision
• Extending your credit risk appetite across space and time
• Regulatory concerns and challenges
• How confident are you in your metrics today?
• What problem will you solve? What problems will you create?

Lending in the New Economy

Don Arkell explores the shifting dynamics of lending in an era dominated by technology and the preferences of younger generations. With 50% of the US population under the age of 40, understanding their inclination towards self-service platforms is crucial for credit unions and lending institutions to thrive. Arkell delves into the implications of this trend, offering insights on how financial organizations can adapt their lending practices to meet the evolving needs and preferences of this demographic. From leveraging digital tools to streamline processes to enhancing user experience through intuitive interfaces, this talk equips lending professionals with strategies to remain relevant and competitive in the ever-changing financial industry landscape.

Program Concludes

Speaker

Don Arkell, Owner, CU Lending Advice 

Don first worked with Brett Christensen at Clark County Credit Union as one of his original hires and a member of his first sales team. While at CCCU, Don quickly moved through the ranks at the credit union, working in all areas of Sales and Lending. He eventually founded a CUSO owned by CCCU– Members Auto Brokerage Service, Inc as well serving time as COO at Red Rocks Credit Union in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Don helped RRCU to establish a vibrant sales culture while transforming the credit union from full retail delivery to offering 100% of consumer loans and member service through remote delivery channels. This effort drove down operational expenses, reduced the FTE count, increased loans, total assets and net income.

Since joining CU Lending Advice in 2015, Don has been working directly with credit unions ranging in asset size from $10M-$18B across the United States. Don spends between 100-150 days per year onsite with clients in the industry.

Don’s unique consulting style and passion for Sales and Leadership have made him a sought-after speaker, trainer and strategist in service to individual credit unions, professional associations and industry providers.  He works with credit unions around the country helping them grow their loan programs, organizational design, lending technology and strategic planning.