The Allied Angle

If your credit union is offering a 401(k), you're already familiar with the administrative weight that comes with it — the compliance, the fiduciary responsibilities, the vendors you're managing. But there's a newer plan structure that's been quietly gaining traction, and it might change how you think about all of that. In this episode, we're joined by Bob Edgar from The Standard and Morgan Steves from Gallagher to break down Pooled Employer Plans — what they are, who they're actually a good fit for, and where the market is heading. Whether you're actively evaluating your retirement plan options or just want to stay ahead of the conversation, this one's worth your time.   In this episode: 00:45  Get to know Bob and Morgan. 05:06  What is a Pooled Employer Plan, and how does it differ from what credit unions typically offer? 07:57  How to evaluate whether a PEP is the right fit for your credit union. 10:57  What’s driving the increased interest in PEPs, and where does industry adoption stand today? 12:57  Common misconceptions organizations have when evaluating their retirement plans. 17:26  The future for PEPs in the credit union space and what’s next for the industry. 20:33  Final advice for leaders considering a PEP for their organization.   This episode is sponsored by The Standard.   The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries. StanCorp Equities, Inc., member FINRA, wholesales a group annuity contract issued by Standard Insurance Company and a mutual fund trust platform for retirement plans. Standard Retirement Services, Inc., provides financial recordkeeping and plan administrative services. Investment advisory services are  provided by StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., a registered investment advisor. StanCorp Equities, Inc., Standard Insurance Company,  Standard Retirement Services, Inc., and StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., are subsidiaries of StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., and all  are Oregon corporations.   Investment advisory services are offered by Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors, LLC (“GFA”), an SEC registered investment advisor that provides retirement, investment advisory, discretionary and independent fiduciary services. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC.  GFA is a limited liability company with Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. as its single member. GFA may pay referral fees or other remuneration to employees of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. or its affiliates or to independent contractors; such payments do not change our fee. Neither Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., GFA, their affiliates nor representatives provide accounting, legal or tax advice. Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Neither Osaic Wealth nor their affiliates provide accounting, legal or tax advice.

How do you know if a partnership is actually driving growth — or just adding complexity? In this episode of The Allied Angle, Mark Bugalski, Allied's Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, breaks down what makes a strategic partnership a true force multiplier for banks and credit unions — and what makes it a distraction. Mark shares the framework Allied uses to evaluate every partnership, why speed to market is the real competitive differentiator for financial institutions right now, and how to tell whether your vendor relationships are accelerating your strategy or quietly holding you back.    Register for the April 30th webinar, Beyond the Hype: Unlocking AI ROI Through Better Data Integration, featuring Allied's Charlie Peterson and PortX's CEO, David Wexler.   In this episode:   00:51  Meet Mark Bugalski. 07:22  Legacy core systems, batch processing, and manual workarounds: a recipe for stalled growth. 09:18  What separates a partnership that multiplies your capabilities from one that adds another layer of complexity? 13:19   The internal decision process: choosing a partner or building in-house. 17:49  The criteria Allied uses to move forward with a partner or decide to walk away. 22:00  Why Allied went all-in on PortX. 26:13   The momentum around PortX: Clients weigh in on Allied’s new partnership. 27:17   Why speed to market is a critical differentiator right now. 30:48  How quickly FIs are adopting AI right now. 33:08  What does it look like when a partnership is a distraction and actually slows you down? 34:30  Allied's internal tech transformation: why they adopt it first before passing it on to clients. 37:57   How open banking readiness is setting lending institutions up for long-term success. 41:07   Red flags to watch for in vendor partnerships. 42:48  How to know which vendor relationships are multipliers and which ones are distractions.

Credit unions have a built-in advantage that most financial brands spend years trying to earn — member trust. But trust alone isn't a strategy. In this episode of the Allied Angle, Dawn Goldbacher, GVP and Head of Market Strategy and Growth at Franklin Madison joins the show to explore what "member-first" really looks like in practice. Whether you're leading strategy at a credit union, bank, or affinity group, this episode will challenge you to rethink how your institution approaches member engagement, financial protection, and responsible personalization.   00:50 - Meet Dawn Goldbacher. 04:14 - How trust influences a member's willingness to purchase protection through their credit union. 05:51 - What it takes to truly understand a member's needs and context. 06:52 - How credit unions can use data to deliver protection in a way that feels helpful.  08:41 - Even with all the data, the best insights won't land if the outreach isn't personal and well-timed.  10:38 - The importance of breadth of choice and why it matters from a strategic standpoint.  12:10 - What you should know about Franklin Madison and how they work closely with Allied.    This episode is sponsored by Franklin Madison — helping organizations redefine consumer engagement with turnkey insurance solutions. Learn more at franklin-madison.com.

Credit scores like FICO have been the backbone of lending decisions for decades — but in today’s volatile environment, lenders are finding that a score alone can’t fully explain borrower behavior or forecast what comes next. In this episode of The Allied Angle, Jack Imes (Allied Solutions) and Dr. Joseph Breeden (Deep Future Analytics) break down where traditional scoring falls short — and what lenders can do to build a more complete, forward-looking view of risk. Together, they unpack what “borrower resilience” really means, why post-pandemic shifts have made outcomes harder to predict, and how behavioral signals, predictive modeling, and AI can help institutions move from reactive loss management to proactive portfolio strategy.  Find Dr. Breeden's books & publications here.   In this episode: 0:42 Get to know Jack Imes and Dr. Joe Breeden. 4:40 Why FICO scores are missing when it comes to measuring risk. 6:50  The trends in borrower behavior that have challenged traditional risk models. 10:56 The difference between borrower resilience and creditworthiness. 14:26 What does moving beyond scores to deeper analytics look like for FIs? 18:12  How do you get lenders to look beyond FICO to see the complete risk picture? 21:30 How AI-driven predictive modeling shifts portfolio risk management from reacting to losses to anticipating outcomes. 24:44 How lenders should approach portfolio risk management today, and what separates those who adapt from those who struggle. 29:13 Treat analytics as navigation, not automation: Key takeaways on portfolio risk management.  

In this episode of The Allied Angle, Allied Solutions CEO Pete Hilger reflects on a year that tested financial institutions on every front — from market volatility and elevated fraud losses to regulatory pressure and shifting member expectations. Pete shares candid insights on what 2025 revealed about risk management, leadership, and organizational resilience, and why incremental change is no longer enough in today’s operating environment.  Looking forward to 2026, Pete outlines the priorities leaders should be focused on now — from strengthening core operations and leveraging data more effectively to making intentional decisions around growth, partnerships, and long-term positioning. This episode offers a practical, executive-level perspective for financial institution leaders seeking clarity, confidence, and direction in a rapidly evolving landscape.   In this episode: 01:36  — Getting to know Pete. 06:42  — Reflecting on 2025: The biggest lessons learned at Allied and what we’re ready to leave behind. 09:02  — The mood around the turbulence and regulatory scrutiny facing the industry. 10:37  — How Allied is addressing the challenges driven by risk management. 12:50  — What separates a strategic partner from just another vendor? 17:35  — Common industry misconceptions about the evolution of asset risk management. 21:50  — What asset risk management really is, and how technology and AI are reshaping what’s possible. 27:17  — What do you say to clients who are still hesitant to adopt AI? 29:03 — Allied’s partnership with Port X, highlighting what’s new for 2026. 34:26 — What are you most excited about as we head into 2026?

Fraud didn’t just grow in 2025 — it evolved. In this recap special, The Allied Angle revisits the top fraud conversations of 2025. We connect the big picture (third-party vs first-party vs synthetic) to ground-level fixes: stopping account takeover, hardening card channels, eliminating terminal fallback, and turning security awareness into behavior change. You’ll hear from fraud experts Patrick Touhey, Brandon Bottomley, Zach Douglass, Josh Gideon, Suzi Straffon, John Denison, and James Maguire.    In this episode: :50 Fighting fraud truly is a team sport.   3:31 The primary categories of fraud that caused the most damage in 2025.   6:08 How criminals are blending low-tech social engineering with high-tech execution.   8:43 “Sharing is caring”: the steps institutions should take to fight back against fraud. 12:22 The critical importance of the human element. 14:43 Why fraud must be a management priority across the board. 15:56 How increased competition will save credit unions millions in the long run.

Younger members expect speed, transparency, and personalization — and credit unions can deliver without chasing every shiny tool. In this episode, Allied's SVP Strategic Initiatives Charlie Peterson joins us to unpack innovation, “The Pizza Effect," and more.   In this episode:   1:01 – Get to know Charlie. 4:02 – Who’s actually walking through the digital and branch doors of credit unions today? 5:33 – The importance of attracting, engaging, and keeping Gen Z. 8:35 – Defining innovation: What falls under that umbrella, and what doesn’t. 11:27 – Why adapting to the changing needs of your members is crucial for survival. 15:47 – Giving your members the attention they want without being intrusive. 20:03 – How to build lifelong relationships with your members. 22:27 – Actionable steps credit unions can take right now to strengthen bonds with Gen Z.

 In this episode of The Allied Angle, we take an inside look at how executive benefit programs are helping credit unions strengthen leadership continuity, retention, and long-term stability. Joining us are H. David Wright, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer, and Matt Morris, VP of Client Relations at TriscendNP, a firm specializing in executive benefit solutions for nonprofit organizations.  Dave and Matt share how credit unions are becoming more proactive and strategic about compensation planning—moving beyond “check-the-box” benefits to customized, mission-aligned solutions that support both current and future leaders. From navigating tighter liquidity and rising interest rates to fostering transparent conversations at the board level, they discuss the evolving landscape of executive benefits and what credit unions should keep in mind as they prepare for the next generation of leadership. This podcast is sponsored by TriscendNP.    00:59 – Getting to know Dave and Matt. 05:32 – Recent shifts in how credit unions approach executive compensation and continuity planning. 08:12 – How executive benefits fit into overall talent recruitment strategies. 10:25 – A well-structured executive benefits plan as a key to succession success. 13:20 – Challenges credit unions face when implementing executive benefits packages. 16:14 – How TriscendNP helps credit unions create effective benefits strategies. 18:58 – “Credit unions aren’t built the same, and benefits plans shouldn’t be either.” 21:15 – Weighing short-term affordability against long-term impact. 23:14 – Guiding boards through compensation conversations and building confidence in their decisions. 25:32 – Emerging risks and trends to watch in executive benefits. 27:05 – Advice for credit unions considering a change to their benefits strategy. 28:42 – Final thoughts for credit union leaders.

On this episode of The Allied Angle, Zach Douglass, Director of Bond & Risk Management at Allied Solutions, joins the show to talk about the five loss trends hitting credit unions now. We cover what’s shifted in the last 6–12 months, early warning indicators, fast-acting controls, and the 30–60 day moves that actually reduce exposure.   00:35  Get to know Zach. 03:16  Top 5 loss trends: high frequency vs. high severity, and what’s changed in the past year. 05:22  The two leading indicators teams should monitor to spot trouble early. 07:48  Spotting new account fraud: controls that cut losses fast without hurting the member experience. 10:51   The account takeover paths driving the biggest losses, and the events that help you spot them. 15:08   Where plastic card fraud losses are concentrating now. 18:07   The tech innovations most likely to reduce check fraud. 20:44  Two key steps to help prevent ATM and ITM attacks. 23:06  Frontline training: the checkpoints that stop the most losses. 25:51  The most important takeaway for credit union CEOs.

In this episode of The Allied Angle, Jeff Marsh, President at Millennium Capital and Recovery Corporation, joins the show to talk about the evolving world of asset recovery. Jeff discusses how lenders can navigate today’s challenges in skip tracing and repossession, the role of technology and compliance, and how Millennium’s award-winning approach helps clients recover assets with transparency and efficiency.   Learn more about Millennium at https://nationwiderecoverymanagers.com/   This podcast is sponsored by Millennium Capital and Recovery Corporation.   In this episode:    00:55  Get to know Jeff. 03:01  The evolution of the asset recovery industry over the past decade. 05:17  Key challenges for lenders in today’s recovery environment. 06:20  How is the current economic climate influencing skip tracing and repossession volumes? 07:34  Top compliance risks lenders must manage 09:55  How Millennium helps clients maintain a careful balance in borrower communications. 13:06  Effective technologies for optimizing skip tracing 14:30   Balancing AI and automation without sacrificing human oversight at Millennium. 16:41   What is TRACKR and how does it provide real-time data and visibility to lenders. 17:21   The trends shaping the future of asset recovery. 19:40  Final advice for lenders wanting to optimize their recovery strategy.

How effective is your security awareness training? In this episode of The Allied Angle, Josh Gideon, author and Director, Cyber Risk Management at Allied, joins us to unpack what most financial institutions get wrong about awareness programs and what to do instead. Drawing on decades of experience and research, Josh shares why traditional training falls short, how psychological safety and human behavior play a critical role, and what smaller credit unions and banks can do right now to strengthen their defenses. View Josh's latest book, Don't Forget the Humans, here.   In this episode:   00:34   Get to know Josh 03:13    Defining security awareness and what prompted your strategy shift 06:20   How research shaped your cybersecurity approach (and practical takeaways for credit unions) 10:22   “Awareness should be more like a drill than a document.” 13:55   Supporting financial services employees at higher risk 16:42   Building a culture of psychological safety where employees aren’t afraid to make mistakes. 18:35   Security champions: their role in fostering awareness and accountability 21:48   Practical advice for smaller credit unions building a people-first strategy 23:47   One misconception about security awareness in financial institutions you’d like to change

In this special Intern Edition of The Allied Angle, we hand the mic to three members of Gen Z — and Allied’s summer internship program — for an honest, unfiltered, and deeply human conversation about how their generation is navigating life, money, and digital fatigue.   Tune in as Kira Right, Alli Johnson, and Eli VanHaaren share their perspectives on what Gen Z needs from financial institutions, how credit unions are missing the mark, and what it’ll take to earn their trust — and their business.      00:54   Get to know Kira, Eli, and Alli. 05:47   Who is Gen Z?  06:50   Why Gen Z is so misunderstood, and what do people often get wrong.   09:51   The pressures Gen Z faces and how they differ from those of older generations.  14:55   The financial institution you use and why you chose it.  19:53   Steps credit unions should take to stay relevant to Gen Z.  24:15   What credit unions can do to help ease Gen Z’s financial stress. 28:06   How credit unions can show up in a more human, intentional way. 30:47   Final advice: How credit unions can better connect with Gen Z.  

Allied Solutions’ Nikki Warner sits down with Jeff Kennedy, David Tuyo, and Steve O’Connell to explore strategies for attracting and engaging Gen Z members. From digital-first experiences to employee-driven community impact, and from authentic storytelling to trusted partnerships, these leaders share how they’re evolving to meet changing member expectations — without losing sight of the credit union promise.   In this episode:   00:00 – Introduction 00:46 – The Gen Z Challenge 01:21 – Designing the Digital Experience 02:05 – Digital-First vs. High-Touch 03:09 – Telling Your Story in Real Time 03:29 – Community Involvement That Resonates 04:31 – Using Interns as Gen Z Focus Groups 05:24 – The Credit Union Promise 06:40 – Closing the Generational Gap 07:16 – Partnering for Digital Innovation 08:37 – Meeting Gen Z’s Speed Expectations 09:27 – What Makes a Trusted Partner

In this episode, Gabe Krajicek from Kasasa joins us to share how community-based financial institutions can grow, stay relevant, and keep a local-first mindset—no matter their size. We cover game-changing products like the Take-Back Loan, ways to boost engagement with innovative checking accounts, and how thoughtful product design can provide stability in uncertain times. Plus, Gabe offers practical advice for proving ROI and rethinking deposit and lending strategies in a shifting market.   Learn more about Kasasa at https://www.kasasa.com/.   This podcast is sponsored by Kasasa.   00:45   Get to know Gabe. 03:07   How Kasasa's partnerships with community-based FIs support growth and relevance. 06:56   Maintaining a local-first mindset while managing a large network.  09:58   Kasasa's Take-Back loan: A game changer for both borrowers and lenders. 15:41    How thoughtful product design can provide stability during financial stress.  16:53   Using checking products to boost engagement and stand out from competitors. 22:27   Helping institutions stay relevant as consumer behaviors continue to evolve. 24:33   The pressure to prove ROI with new product strategies and digital experiences. 26:20   Final advice to FIs who might be rethinking their deposit and lending strategy. 

In this episode of Client Voices, we explore the rising risks and evolving realities of auto lending in today’s credit union landscape. Joined by Dona Svehla (GTE Financial), Jose Iregui (CUautoFi), and Allied Solutions’ Jack Imes and Anne Holtzman, the conversation dives deep into: 🚗 The impact of extended loan terms and declining vehicle values 📉 Managing rising delinquencies and record-high deficiency balances 📲 Why digital transformation is critical for collections and member outreach ⚖️ Balancing compliance with compassion—and knowing when to draw the line 🤝 How strategic partnerships can strengthen resilience and recovery efforts If your institution is navigating auto loan stress, tightening margins, or regulatory ambiguity, this episode delivers practical insight straight from the front lines.

In this episode, The Allied Angle sits down with Rick Hughes, Senior Vice President, Program Division, from Equity Protection Powered by NFP to explore the latest trends and growth opportunities in home equity lending. Rick discusses how flexible underwriting, embedded loss protection, and member-friendly pricing empower lenders to expand responsibly, attract new borrowers, and demonstrate sound risk controls to regulators.  Learn more about Equity Protection at equityprotectioninsurance.com   This podcast is sponsored by Equity Protection Powered by NFP   0:36 – Meet Rick Hughes from NFP. 3:40 – Trends in equity lending: What’s resonating with today’s borrowers? 6:19 – Why underwriting flexibility is key to scaling lending programs responsibly. 9:02 – How NFP’s Equity Protection Program builds deeper member loyalty. 10:32 – Equity protection as a tool for stronger risk management. 11:45 – Innovations shaping the future of home equity lending (next 12–24 months). 13:36 – Key advice for lenders exploring equity protection programs.  

In this episode of Client Voices: Weathering Financial Storms, Allied Solutions' Mark Rodriguez sits down with three seasoned credit union executives, Allan Prindle (Power Financial Credit Union), Brian Best (GTE Financial), and Mike Miller (iThink Financial), to discuss how they’re navigating today’s most pressing financial challenges. From rising delinquencies and risk management strategies to talent retention, technology integration, and fostering a resilient culture, these leaders share candid insights on how to weather economic headwinds while staying true to the credit union mission.   00:00 – Intro & Panelist Introductions 00:27 – Evolving Delinquency Management 01:21 – Using Technology to Build Member Intimacy 02:16 – “Digital when you want it. Human when you need it.” 03:12 – Resource Shifting & Cross-Training for Better Lending 03:31 – Forecasting and Managing in a Slowing Economy 03:56 – Fast, Frictionless Refi Strategies 04:32 – Driving Portfolio Strength Through Member Education 05:03 – Building Scalable Loan Mods with the Right Tech & Partners 06:15 – Bundled Benefits & Member Incentives 06:58 – Managing Staff Turnover & Building Culture 7:52 – Career Pathing and Internal Growth 09:32 – What Defines a Trusted Partner  

In this episode of Client Voices, three credit union leaders — Jason Osterhage (Everwise CU), Mike Wilson (Members 1st FCU), and Steve Collins (Fort Financial FCU) — join Allied’s Bill Sarsfield to discuss how they’re navigating digital transformation while staying rooted in their mission. From AI adoption to strategic partnerships and mobile-first implementation, hear how these leaders are turning technology into real member impact.   Key Takeaways: Digital-first is the new default. If a service can happen in a branch, it should happen in the app first. AI adoption must be cautious and intentional. Security and member trust remain the top priorities. Data is a differentiator. Combining internal and external insights enables smarter, more personalized decisions. Strategic fit matters more than speed. Being the first isn’t as important as being the most aligned with your mission. Partnerships add real value. From product referrals to peer connections, strong vendor relationships support innovation.

Join Allied’s Vice President, Strategic Partnerships Randy Salser and Chief Client Lending Consultant Jack Imes as they unpack the latest lending and deposit trends shaping today’s credit unions and banks. From the current state of the industry and asset‐quality challenges to proven growth tactics, product diversification, targeted marketing, and technology enablement — you’ll hear practical strategies to fuel loan growth, deepen deposit relationships, and proactively manage risk.   Mentioned on the Show: Register for the next Navigating Lending webinar series here and, in the meantime, catch a replay of the first episode on demand! What our guests are listening to: Smartless, The Dr. Hyman Show, New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce, Literally! with Rob Lowe, The Joe Rogan Experience   In this Episode: 0:47 – Get to know Randy and Jack 5:40 – New webinar series focusing on loan and deposit growth strategies.  6:54 – A look at today’s lending and deposit landscape. 9:55 – How Q1 2025 compares with previous years.  12:00 – Which proactive measures are critical when navigating the current asset quality landscape? 15:07 - Which loan sectors are still seeing high demand?  19:00 – Which market signals are most reliable for indicating shifts in borrower demand? 23:16 - Driving loan growth with product diversity, marketing, and technology. 27:00 – How do credit unions compete with one another?   29:34 – What are the simplest ways to streamline the borrowing process? 33:45 – The transition to a new generation of credit union leadership.  36:33 - Building stronger lender relationships through product bundling. 43:30 – Achieving sustainable growth in lending and deposits: Final advice for credit unions.  

On this episode of The Allied Angle, Allied’s Anne Holtzman, SVP of Client Experiences and Risk Management Services, and Cindy Bryant, SVP of Client Sales and Support demystify CPI. Together they unpack today’s regulatory spotlight, shifting lender and borrower expectations, and the tension between profit and purpose.      :47   Get to know Anne and Cindy.  7:55  The current state of CPI and how it's evolved over the past five years. 13:41  What are the trends driving how lending institutions are evaluating their CPI relationships?  18:02  How a CPI relationship can either support or disrupt a credit union's member-first mission. 21:04  The risks when CPI providers prioritize automation and volume over precision and care.  25:48  What's causing the rise in the number of CPI providers facing regulatory scrutiny?  31:43  How CPI influences brand equity during times of customer financial hardship?  38:28  Allied's unique approach to CPI and how it's changing the narrative.  45:44  Why Allied's choice of delayed billing and reduced placements benefits both financial institutions and their customers.   51:36  Final words of advice for FI executives looking to sign their next CPI contract. 

In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and user experience (UX) design are reshaping the future of financial institutions. Guests Brett Mitchell and Barrett Crites from Allied Solutions share how AI is moving beyond automation to build trust, enhance personalization, and deliver human-centered experiences. From virtual assistants to ethical design, we dive into the strategies FIs can use to innovate responsibly and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.   00:40  Get to Know Brett and Barrett. 06:34  The current state of AI in the financial Industry. 09:12   The evolution of AI and the differences between the two types.   11:27   How UX and AI need to evolve together to provide the maximum benefit for the end user.  17:16   Ensuring the AI user experience remains human-centric and not robotic.  23:29 – What financial institutions can do if they’re behind in AI implementation. 27:24 – Where resistance to AI adoption is strongest—and why. 31:45 – Can a credit union use AI to jumpstart their digital transformation? 34:01 – Balancing security and innovation in the age of AI. 35:45 – Key challenges and opportunities as AI continues to mature. 42:48 – How Brett and Barrett stay current in an ever-evolving tech landscape.   Continue your learning! Brett's recommended listening: “Pivot” podcast Barrett's recommended listening: “The Innovation Show” podcast    

Credit unions are facing rising fraud, liability, and insurance costs, prompting carriers to tighten underwriting, raise rates, and limit coverage – all while balancing member convenience with stronger risk controls. This episode explores the key threats driving these changes, how insurers are responding, and what credit unions can do to protect themselves and their members.    0:39  – Get to know Patrick and Brandon.  6:06  –  How insurance carriers have responded to the increased volatility of the past three years.  8:35  –  The primary types of claims driving the rise in fraud and liability cases.  11:31 –  Will the rise of AI create new challenges for credit unions in fighting fraud? 14:36 – Why is the credit union space such a prime target for fraudsters? 18:24 – The challenges credit unions face when transferring risk to insurance. 21:09 – What’s preventing credit unions from acquiring the resources needed to fight fraud? 25:33 – Steps credit unions can take to mitigate risks and potentially lower premiums. 28:04 – How insurers are addressing the growing threat of social engineering fraud and account takeovers. 33:20 – How insurance carriers are adjusting their underwriting approach for credit unions. 36:00 – Key traits credit unions should look for in a partner to help navigate insurance contracts and risk management. 40:55 – How increased competition will shape what insurance carriers offer credit unions in the future.

Fraud is a team sport and a growing concern in auto lending. Join James Maguire, Senior Director of Marketing at Experian Automotive; Suzi Straffon, Director Finance Company Markets at Allied Solutions; and John Denison, Senior Vice President Sales Enablement Operations at Allied Solutions, as they dig into why collaboration is key when it comes to fighting fraud.    00:49 Get to know John, Suzi, and Jim. 06:43 The challenges lenders are facing in this complex auto finance environment.  09:18  Fraud is growing and impacting every level of the industry.  12:10  The growing sophistication of synthetic fraud and how to combat it.  15:02 The importance of data sharing when it comes to fighting fraud. 18:25  How the industry is coming together to take on the challenge of fighting fraud.  24:12  The two different paths for detection and prevention.  29:14  How our experts personally protect their data and identity. 30:54  Key recommendations on how you can protect yourself and your business from fraud.       

Season three of The Allied Angle kicks off with Allied Solutions' CEO Pete Hilger. Pete shares 2024’s challenges, Allied's key accomplishments, and insights into navigating 2025’s evolving financial landscape - including AI, compliance, and innovation.   00:51  Reintroducing Pete Hilger.  04:02 Navigating the highs and lows Allied and other financial institutions faced in 2024. 06:19 The biggest accomplishments for Allied and its partners in 2024.  07:31  Key lessons learned in 2024 that are paving the way for future success. 09:33 Industry challenges in 2025, including the rapid growth of AI. 13:08  Allied’s top goals for 2025, and what financial institutions should prioritize. 17:38  Staying connected to members amidst constantly evolving technology. 18:54  The biggest factors set to impact the industry in 2025. 22:51   Innovations Allied is developing to better serve its clients. 24:43. A heartfelt letter Pete received from the daughter of an Allied employee. 27:09  How Pete stays inspired as a CEO and continues learning. 31:30  What Pete is most excited about for Allied in the year ahead.      

In this unique year-end episode of The Allied Angle, some of the industry’s most innovative and influential credit union leaders join Allied Solutions’ Nikki Warner, Mark Rodriguez, Bill Sarsfield, Anne Holtzman, and Jack Imes for a special “highlight of insights.” From attracting and engaging Gen Z members to navigating the complexities of auto lending, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and delivering member-focused solutions, this episode dives into how credit unions are adapting — and thriving — in today’s rapidly evolving market.   2:07  The challenges in attracting Gen Z customers. 3:37  Enhancing the digital experience to attract younger generations. 5:01  Making an impact through community involvement and volunteerism. 6:56  The credit union promise: The importance of staying true to your mission.  8:46  How do you utilize partnerships to bring innovative solutions to your members?  11:02  The current trends driving rising delinquencies and charge-offs. 12:46  The initiatives being taken to navigate a challenging economy.  13:49  How do you balance empathy with financial responsibility? 14:50  The digital tools being used to adapt to the changing lending landscape. 17:44  How to navigate the current regulatory landscape.  20:47  How credit unions are rethinking their approach to managing delinquency and leveraging technology to strengthen member connections. 22:11  Meeting the growing needs of your members while also preparing for a falling rate environment.  23:37  The challenges of retaining top talent and keeping them engaged.  25:27  How credit unions are evaluating opportunities while optimizing innovative tools and partnerships.  28:20  Testing new innovations to help enhance the digital member experience.  29:48  The role of data in improving operations and member experiences.  30:58  Looking ahead to the future.  

In this episode of The Allied Angle, we discuss the rising risks facing auto lenders, especially in the wake of recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. Allied's Vice President Claim and REPO Plus Operations Scott Myers and 2nd Vice President RMO Product Management Mike Batchelor dive into the impacts on loan portfolios, the surge in GAP claims, and insurance rate hikes.      00:46   Meet Mike and Scott    04:25  The market trends most influencing auto loans and the risk landscape.  10:01  Why people don't talk about the high cost of auto insurance and the relationship between high insurance costs and high vehicle prices  11:55   The impact of natural disasters on everyone's insurance premiums and how they will affect future claims.  16:59  How financial institutions should adapt their collateral protection strategies to mitigate risks amid current market pressures.   21:00  The advantages of an insurance tracking program for financial institutions and the risks associated with not having one in place.  25:07  What financial institutions should lookout for when utilizing technology to optimize delinquency management and loss mitigation.  28:19  The most beneficial tools to help navigate the future of risk management.   

In this episode of The Allied Angle, Allied's Chief Legal Officer, Kelly Miller, and SVP Client Experience and Risk Management, Anne Holtzman, address the regulatory and compliance hurdles that lenders face when managing Collateral Protection Insurance (CPI) and Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) programs.   In this episode:  :40  Meet Anne and Kelly 5:46  The partnership between business and legal sides when it comes to risk management. 9:20  A brief history of CPI and the factors that have contributed to its current state. 18:24  How the regulatory landscape has changed regarding CPI and GAP. 25:38  The compliance challenges lenders face when managing their CPI and GAP programs. 30:06  The differences between federal and state regulations.  34:14  Why states don't necessarily follow federal regulations.  37:34  Litigation risks lenders face related to CPI and GAP.  42:09  Advice for lenders on mitigating the risk of class action lawsuits related to CPI and GAP product refunds. 44:39  Best practices for handling product refunds and potential regulatory penalties for not managing them properly. 48:11  Staying ahead of regulatory changes and avoiding penalties.  50:51  The future for risk management products and how lenders should prepare.      

In this episode of The Allied Angle, Allied's VP of Recovery Services Brooks Stewart along with special guest Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Financial Insights for Experian Automotive, join the show to discuss the rise of delinquency rates and the cost of buying a vehicle in today's market.    In this episode:   00:42  -  Meet Brooks and Melinda 04:14  -  The trends that are contributing to the rise in delinquency rates. 06:35  -  How are FIs adapting their risk management strategies to adapt to the rising delinquency rates?  09:27  -  The reasons behind the increased costs of purchasing a new vehicle. 14:45  -  How consumers have responded to these increased costs. 17:39  -  How are credit unions balancing competitive rates with the need to manage risk in the current market?  21:46  -  The changing demographics of borrowers and the generational changes impacting the buying process.  26:33  -  Are younger generations more likely to lease or buy?  28:05  -  How these demographic changes are influencing lending strategies and product offerings.  30:33  -  What impact have these younger generations had on delinquency rates?  35:47  -  Predictions on what the future holds for both delinquency and auto finance rates.  38:07  -  Advice for lenders on navigating this challenging time for auto lending. 

The Allied Angle is back with Amy Level-Hearn, VP of Marketing & Communications. Tune in as she shares insights on the evolution of marketing in the financial sector, the importance of branding post-banking collapse and the rise of generative AI and digital transformation.    In this episode:   00:41 - Meet Amy Level-Hearn 03:33 - Amy's path to leading the marketing team for a company that supports financial institutions. 05:25 - How has the credit union industry changed from a marketing perspective? 08:13 - What are the marketing challenges financial institutions face today, even with the evolution of technology? 09:33 - The stressors a VP of Marketing faces. 12:44 - What goes into laying the foundation for a successful corporate brand? 16:56 - The main focus credit unions should have when building and maintaining a strong brand. 18:33 - How has the digital transformation impacted marketing strategies for FIs? 20:07 - How credit unions can use data to attract the attention of Millennials and Gen Z. 21:33 - What are some of the must have tools that any FI or credit union could benefit from? 23:02 - What current marketing trends are you stoked about? 24:39 - Marketing trends: Fab of Fad? 32:18 - What will marketing look like in the future?

Lending is continually evolving and changing, but what are the top concerns facing financial institutions today regarding lending? Learn how leveraging data, technology, and the impact of AI is changing the lending landscape in this panel discussion featuring Allied Solutions’ Mark Rodriguez and Jack Imes, along with special guest Josh McAfee from Callahan & Associates. This episode is part 2 of 2 in our discussion.   In this episode: 00:27  What practices should FIs be adopting to handle these changes? 05:55  In this constantly changing landscape, what does the future of lending look like?  14:38  How borrowers attitudes and expectations are changing when it comes to delinquencies. 20:33  What FIs should do to keep their members in mind during difficult times, while keeping their portfolios in mind as well. 27:08  Advice you would give on how to navigate the current state of lending in 2024.

Lending is continually evolving and changing, but what are the top concerns facing financial institutions today regarding lending? Learn how leveraging data, technology, and the impact of AI is changing the lending landscape in this panel discussion featuring Allied Solutions’ Mark Rodriguez and Jack Imes, along with special guest Josh McAfee from Callahan & Associates. This episode is part 1 of 2 in our discussion.   In this episode: 00:21  Meet Mark, Jack, and Josh! 05:05  The top 3 topics, or concerns, you're hearing from FIs in regard to lending.  09:23  Why lenders are so concerned. Should they be more concerned?  15:34  How has this list of concerns changed since the start of the pandemic? 20:42  How high interest rates and costs are affecting delinquencies.  27:38  Leveraging data to mitigate risks associated with delinquencies.  33:44  The impact of emerging technologies on delinquency rates, charge offs, and loan loss provisions.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, so the question is: How can you do more in that time to improve outcomes? Allied's Senior V.P. of Risk Management Operations, Doug Falvey, joins The Allied Angle to discuss innovation in RMO. [:26] Meet Doug Falvey [2:42] What is Risk Management Operations?  [5:13] What does "staying innovative" mean when it comes to RMO?  [7:45] The RMO team are problem solvers and solutions deliverers.  [9:45] What needs are you seeing from the market right now, and how often are they changing?  [11:30] How will AI impact RMO and what are the risks?   [13:08] How important is the user experience when it comes to RMO?  [15:16] New products are like fruit ripening in the field.  [18:17] Tell us about Asset Recovery Management (ARM) and why it was developed.  

Let's talk regulatory compliance. Governing bodies are cracking down on ancillary product refunds and more.  Allied's Peter Krall joins us to dissect the regulations and discuss how financial institutions can keep their borrowers protected.    In this episode...   [:27] Meet Peter Krall [4:20] What is Product Refund Liability? [6:51] The state of Product Refund Liability in Q1 2024 [7:51] How do consumers know they could receive a refund? [9:41] How are current market conditions affecting Product Refund Liability? [11:53]  What should be a top priority when dealing with increasing regulations?  [15:43]  The conditions that caused the increased scrutiny from regulators. [19:03]  Allied's role as a leader in this period of increased regulations.  [20:12]  Advice for an auto loan servicer navigating through the refund process.  [22:41]  What can servicers do to reduce their risk?  [24:19]  The role innovation plays in managing product refunds.  [27:50]  Who regulates the dealers?  [29:02]  The top challenges clients are facing.  [31:09]  "Take care of your borrowers, or the regulators will take care of you."    

The financial industry is not immune to challenges in company culture and employee retention. That's why sales coaching, leadership training, and other key investments are critical to ensuring your financial institutions are set up for success. Allied's own Julie ann Wessinger, Director, Client Performance Strategies, joins the podcast to discuss the ROI benefits of improving your culture.    In this episode...   [:20] Meet Julie ann Wessinger [2:51] What role has learning and development played since COVID, and why the increasing demand for it?  [3:22] The need for training and mentoring tools [3:40] COVID and remote work shed the spotlight on the lack of sufficient management training.  [4:00] Managers are promoted many times with little or no formal training.  [4:58] Did you see that time (COVID) really weeding out a lot of managers?  [5:31] Are you seeing that companies are trying to get this coaching?  [6:08] Why cultural transformation is so vital and what challenges or gaps are you seeing? [7:16] Employees need to embrace a growth mindset.  [7:49] Helping leaders understand how to communicate with diverse generations and styles.  [9:21] 88% ROI with training with coaching, can you explain that for us?  [10:26] How is technology changing the selling process for companies? [11:50] When it comes to the salesperson, what kind of training and development are crucial to handling this new type of consumer?  [12:34] The ability to build genuine trust is more important for salespeople than ever.  [13:05] What business leaders are looking for in today’s landscape, and how does the salesperson of today provide value? [14:51] Do you see the older generation of salespeople will retire earlier, or adapt to the new ways?  [15:59] Three pieces of advice for leading today’s salesperson 

From AI and analytics to culture and more, tune in for an in-depth look at how financial institutions can innovate to keep up with the latest trends. Allied Solutions' EVP and Chief Growth Officer Mark Bugalski joins us for an insightful discussion on growth and innovation strategies in the financial services industry.    Stay up to date with current market trends by subscribing to the Allied Insights e-newsletter!   In this episode…   [1:03] Meet Mark Bugalski [5:51] Allied’s focus in 2024 [6:48] In terms of technology and data, we’re probably going to spend about $75M in 2024 [7:31] We can’t lose sight of helping our clients maximize non-interest income [10:00] Another area I think is a theme for our clients is ROA management, expense control, and operation efficiency [11:58] Delinquency rates have always been an indicator of upcoming repossession activity and foreclosure activity [13:50] GenZ, that demographic is pretty powerful [15:37] When we think about innovation organizationally, we lump it into three groups [18:31] Technology is awesome, AI is awesome, but you do run the risk of privacy violations, fraud… [20:28] A hot topic for 2024 is…. [22:29] (AI) The impact has been profound, but there’s so much more [25:44] There’s a difference in sounding great and deploying it to the real world [28:00 ] From a credit union perspective, in a lot of cases when it comes to technology, tend to be a little bit more nimble [30:33] “Innovators are thought leaders and thought leaders innovate” — what does that mean?

The Allied Angle is back for Season 2! To kick off the new year, we're talking with Allied Solutions CEO Pete Hilger to discuss the outlook for financial institutions in 2024. Join us as we dive into innovation, digital transformation, and more.    Stay up to date with current market trends by subscribing to the Allied Insights e-newsletter!   In this episode…   [0:39] Meet Pete! [4:28] What are financial leaders saying about 2023? [5:23] People got caught with their focus lacking. [6:05] The ones who are challenged and up for the challenge will be successful. [6:54] Summarize 2023 in five words. [8:06] They (credit unions) need to understand what they (millennials and GenZ) need. [9:20] You don’t have to hit a home run every time. [10:02] What is an innovative mindset? [10:45] You have to get the right technology because that will ultimately create the efficiencies and margins that you have. [11:32] If you can’t figure out how to serve the newcomers….you will be irrelevant. [13:12] The big need is going to be membership growth. [14:12] Thinking you can go in and invest in AI and the problems are fixed isn’t true. [15:22] There is so much movement on the consumer advocacy side of things today, I would tell credit unions and banks… [16:11] Don’t worry about all of the regulatory oversight. [17:04] If you take out food and fuel, how much inflation do you think we really have? [18:40] Lending is about emotions. [21:03] Parting words for the innovation journey.

Featuring our favorite guests from 2023, join The Allied Angle team as we look back at the top moments from our inaugural season, including discussions around the liquidity crisis, optimism about new tech and so much more. Stay tuned to the end to hear some faux pas and bloopers from throughout the year. 

It's official, SundaySky and Allied Solutions have won the People's Choice Award for digital innovation in Finance. Join Allied's Charlie Peterson and SundaySky's Ian Gold in this special podcast release as they dish about gaining market advantage through video, digital innovation, artificial intelligence and more.    In this episode…   [0:35] Meet our guests [0:59] Congratulations, SundaySky! [2:28] What is SundaySky? [3:21] Three key initiatives for FIs today are tied to deposit growth, efficiencies, and an increase in consumer awareness. [5:09] If the communication is clear enough, people will take advantage of it. [5:27] What are some of the dangers of not accepting this type of technology? [7:20] 83% of internet traffic is video and streaming [8:09] Why now and not 10 years ago? [9:05] The analytics have gone deep. [9:29] There is still not enough video. [10:21] What kind of changes should an FI expect to see when they embrace this? [12:24] When you use an outside agency, you get in line. [13:01] If we go back to the Z and millennial generation, do not waste their time. [14:56] Back to the ROT (return on time), now your marketing team is free to do other things. [17:30] I have never seen judges wowed by this type of technology. [18:30] Generative AI is taking all of the different components of the video you want. [19:35] The efficiency of the time savings and what we are creating is astronomical. [19:40] Parting words of wisdom

In this episode, we discuss the wonky economic and financial challenges that financial institutions are facing, such as interest rate fluctuations, technology's influence, liquidity concerns, and the need for growth strategies in a rapidly changing financial landscape with Allied Solutions' Chief Lending Consultant Jack Imes. Read more about the wonky economy in the blog Wonkonomy.   In this episode…   [0:28] Meet Jack Imes [2:41] Do you have any hidden talents? [4:12] What is “wonky”? [5:06] All of the financial institutions got caught flat-footed. [6:55] We’re seeing credit card balances the highest they have ever been. [7:52] FIs are budgeting for 5% growth [in 2024]. How are they going to get that 5%. That’s challenging in this market. [9:00] How is technology affecting how FIs are positioning themselves moving forward? [10:37] Credit unions are and should be proud of the fact that they are very cautious and conservative. [12:40] What advice to you have to help FIs with their lack of liquidity? [14:19] Are we out of the woods yet? [14:43] With inflation and higher prices, at some point people are going to stop buying. [15:48] It’s that repeatable approach to their members and communities so we can get through this together. [16:06] I think we got lucky for a bit. [16:45] I just want to avoid what they call the ‘R’ word [recession]. [17:21] We see credit unions do things that other financial institutions won’t. [18:18] Remember, wonky doesn’t mean bad. Wonky is a great way to get someone’s attention.

Strategic planning is just around the corner and organizational transformation is a topic for many financial institutions. Allied's EVP, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer Dave Hilger joins the pod to discuss how to optimize your people, processes, and organization for future growth.      In this episode…   [0:35] Meet Dave Hilger [4:31] Why is planning for growth imperative to a company’s future? [5:00] The next goal is how to prepare to be a long-term, successful company. [5:49] Covid did not impede us or our success one bit. [5:57] Should other companies consider OCT? [6:30] How do we become a bottom-up-driven company? [7:42] This [initiative] is wildly different from what we used to do. [8:25] How did you lay the foundation? [9:13] What do we want to do? Why are we here? [9:20] Do you recommend using an outside partner? [9:57] Threats are everywhere, the world is changing. Right now we are in a tough lending environment. [10:38] We try to do too many things, in too many directions. [11:31] You have to plan for change, you have to be willing to change. I think you always have to question. [13:10] How did you get your team excited for change? [13:54] Sometimes the folks steering the ship forget what it’s like to run the ship. [14:34] We had open, harsh criticism. [15:47] I get jazzed about the concept of change. [16:30] Words of wisdom for the company looking to create or re-evaluate their strategic plan

Capture your customers' attention with video and by leveraging artificial intelligence.  Allied's own Charlie Peterson, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, joins the pod to discuss how Financial Institutions can improve the customer experience.  In this episode… [0:30] Meet Charlie Peterson [1:54] What is the Attention Economy and why should financial institutions be familiar with it? [2:36] Video is the answer. [3:50] 98% of all text messages are read within 3 minutes. [4:32] Should FIs be worried about SaaS tools? [5:25] You should have your eyes wide open to opportunities to be better at what you do. [7:12] No special skills required to use video editing tools. [8:17] How do we know that video is going to stick around? [8:55] Viewers retain 95% of a message they watched via video compared to 10% when reading it. [9:21] Why are some institutions hesitant to evolve and keep up with trends? [10:25] Elevate your game and deliver what your customers are looking for. [11:00] The cost of NOT evolving and transforming.  [13:35] Best practices for using video. [14:24] 83% of the internet traffic is dominated by streaming and video.

Allied Solutions’  Senior Vice President, Mortgage Solutions Group Jason Sweeney joins The Allied Angle to discuss the current state of mortgage, LPI, and the future of technology in lending. In this episode… [0:35] Meet Jason Sweeney [2:00] What’s your go-to karaoke song? [2:49] What brought me into this industry is pure chance. [3:22] What has changed the most [in this industry] is an intriguing question. [4:00] We are at the mercy of the US postal service. [4:30] False placement is the most disruptive component to a borrower’s venture in owning a home. [7:23] Mortgage and LPI have been making big news recently… [9:37] Is there a way for lenders to make sure their data is transferred accurately and in a timely manner? [13:52] We’ve really deployed automated web verification technology… [16:39] Going through the proper compliance, and sending a text message is critical. [20:04] AI has quickly infiltrated every industry… [24:47] This is concerning for everyone…it is very difficult to get certain types of insurance through the standard channels in high-risk/high disaster-prone areas. [27:06] I can see some of these carriers coming back into these areas when we can renormalize how these catastrophic events are dealt with. [27:21] Where do you see the mortgage and LPI industry in five years?

New and used car prices, sky-high interest rates and the looming impacts of inflation. Director of Finance Company Markets, Suzi Straffon, breaks down the latest trends in Auto Finance.  In this episode… [0:31] Meet Suzi Straffon [1:35] How did we get here? [2:34] I saw an interesting stat – 88% rise in index pricing from April 2020-January 2022. [5:25] Also on the table is a potential recession, many analysts expect a mild recession. [8:00] Things that are affecting default rates. [9:27] It’s really expensive to own a vehicle. [9:41] The average transaction price for a new vehicle is $48,700. [11:05] Used car prices have come down. [13:38] Vehicle affordability is going to continue to be a challenge. [16:07] The CFPB’s focus the last few years and how lenders are responding. [19:01] Right now, there is a big competition for loan share. [21:45] In this market, would you purchase new or used?

Allied’s Senior Vice President, Client Experience and Risk Management Services Anne Holtzman joins the podcast to talk about why CPI is such a hot topic. Anne covers what she’s been seeing in 2023, the effects of a booming used car market, challenges FIs are facing, and her predictions for the backend of the year.  In this episode... [0:26] Meet Anne Holtzman  [3:46] Why CPI, why is this such an important topic?  [6:10] In 2023, we've seen the highest auto default rates now up to almost 0.94%.  [6:26] A decline in automobile car values.  [8:19] The average interest rate on a used vehicle is 10.5%.  [9:17] Continue to see restricted demand on vehicles as we move through 2023 and 2024.  [11:10] With inflation, a much higher cost to repair vehicles.  [11:52] Delinquency or deficiency balances, are going to return.  [12:34] If you're not lending, then the focus is always on risk mitigation.  [13:50] About 36% of the repossession agent market was lost.  [14:28] We are going to see decreased recovery rates and an increased need for technology.  [18:49] What are your market predictions going into the back half of 2023?  [19:06] Are vehicles going to be affordable for the main-line consumer?  [19:50] Technology, digital engagement, and AI are going to make a big mark.  [20:39] 2024 will be a year of refinance.   

The need for deposit solutions is on the rise. Allied Solutions' Charlie Peterson breaks down traditional and non-traditional solutions to help Credit Unions navigate turbulent economic times. In this episode... [0:28] Meet Charlie Peterson [1:51] Liquidity Crisis -- why so much “hype” around it? [3:22] Organic lending is starting to come back, and people are getting nervous because... [4:00] 75% of CFOs are nervous, 25% are “game on”. [5:44] Strategic planning became a strategic adjustment conversation. [6:33] Nontraditional ways institutions can achieve the same goals... [7:01] What is a “broker deposit”? [10:01] When looking into an investment or new deposits, talk to your regulator. 10:32 You need a solution that is more infrastructure based. 11:02 If you are not able to give your members or consumers what they need, that’s a high cost. [12:25] At the end of the day the low-income credit unions (LICUs) have a greater demand (for deposits). [12:45]: A: Can CUs use secondary capital in conjunction with DTC eligible share certificates/ broker deposits? absolutely! [13:14] Its most important that you are looking to bring the deposits in the door. 13:47 Time is an enemy, right now pull the trigger and make a decision on what you want to do... make more loans to your members. [14:00] Newer channels available to financial institutions - technology, everything is technology. 14:38: From a consumer’s perspective... [17:32] 83% of all internet traffic is estimated to be streaming and video. [18:12] A homework assignment for listeners- open an account with your competitors. [19:49] If a customer experience is strong, WOM is one of the best things that can happen.

Today, we’re recapping the top stories from 2022 with Allied Solutions’ Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, Mark Bugalski, as well as outlining Top Trends for 2023.    In this episode…   [0:51] Meet Mark Bugalski [2:08] A lot happened in 2022 [2:35] Preparing for a liquidity crisis [3:55] There’s good news and bad news when it comes to balancing a portfolio in a liquidity crisis. [5:21] It’s important to be conscious of non-interest income opportunities. [6:11] Make sure there is a process in place to do short and long-term forecasting. [7:06] General consensus in the industry, the fed is looking to stabilize their policy in 2023 which should help guard against massive interest rate spikes. [8:53] How digital should an institution get? [10:08] It’s about providing options when it comes to engaging your ideal customer. [11:49] Even today, a lot of employers still struggle with the idea of attracting and retaining good employees and it goes beyond compensation. [13:15] I believe that if you have a digital delivery channel or strategy, it just supplements the human and relationship aspect of how people want to do business. [14:29] Why is video such a big deal? [17:45] That’s probably one of the most exciting aspects of SundaySky is we’re enabling our clients to help accomplish a lot of things they want to get done internally but they have had to historically outsource. [19:48] What should we expect out of 2023?