#425: Brad Stroh of Achieve

The pioneers in the fintech lending space are now well-established companies that have been in business for 15 years or more. Many millions of customers have been served and yet many (most?) consumers are still struggling with their finances. One of these pioneers is working hard to change that.My next guest on the Fintech One-on-One podcast is Brad Stroh, the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Achieve (formerly known as Freedom Financial). Achieve has quietly become one of the largest fintech lenders in the country, with a focus on helping consumers who are experiencing financial challenges. While this is the first time I have had one of the co-founders on the show, a few years ago I interviewed the then-head of their asset management division, Joe Toms.In this podcast you will learn:The founding story of Achieve.Why the company did not launch as a digital-first business.How they differentiate their personal loan business.Why they expanded into home equity loans.How their debt resolution products works.Why they developed two mobile apps for consumers.How Bills.com fits into their product suite.Why they decided to rebrand from Freedom Financial to Achieve.How their core customer struggles with debt.The root causes for these debt struggles.The impact inflation has had on loan demand.Brad's view on financial literacy and how to improve that.Their approach to the capital markets and why they remain active in securitization.His vision for the future of Achieve.Connect with Brad on LinkedInConnect with Achieve on LinkedInConnect with Fintech One-on-One:Tweet me @PeterRentonConnect with me on LinkedInFind previous Fintech One-on-One episodes