The Allied Angle

Client Voices: Weathering Financial Storms

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 Introductions00:27 – Evolving Delinquency Management01:21 – Using Technology to Build Member Intimacy02:16 – “Digital when you want it. Human when you need it.”03:12 – Resource Shifting & Cross-Training for Better Lending03:31 – Forecasting and Managing in a Slowing Economy03:56 – Fast, Frictionless Refi Strategies04:32 – Driving Portfolio Strength Through Member Education05:03 – Building Scalable Loan Mods with the Right Tech & Partners06:15 – Bundled Benefits & Member Incentives06:58 – Managing Staff Turnover & Building Culture7:52 – Career Pathing and Internal Growth09:32 – What Defines a Trusted Partner
 

Client Voices: Same Mission, New Tools

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.

The Lending Playbook: Fueling Loans, Growing Deposits, & Managing Risk

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.  

Behind the Curtain of CPI: Risk, Reputation, & Red Flags

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. 

Beyond the Bot: Building Trust and Innovating FIs Through AI & UX

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
 
 

CUs in Crisis: On the Frontlines of Fraud, Liability, & Insurance

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: Blitzing Fraud with Collaboration

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. 
 
 
 

Reflections and Projections with Pete Hilger: Allied's CEO's Vision for Success

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.
 
 
 

Closing the Year with Insights: Credit Union Leaders Talk AI to Gen Z

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.
 

Beyond the Storms: Protecting Lenders in a Volatile Environment

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.