The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

As they reflect on 2025 so far, Josh highlights signs of recovery in card originations and improving delinquency trends. And Craig adds a macro perspective, describing consumers as “cautiously stable” amid mixed economic signals.

Looking ahead, the conversation turns to key risks and opportunities — from tariff uncertainty and returning student loan payments to lenders shifting toward more selective growth strategies. They also examine trends in credit lines and balances, pointing to stable utilization and signs of disciplined behavior among consumers.

The episode wraps with an assessment of the shrinking private label card market and why it still matters, even against rising competition like buy now, pay later services.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

The conversation kicks off with an in-depth exploration of the economic impacts of tariffs, financial implications of tightening federal spending, and why tracking the labor market is key to predicting a recession. Paul then shares his take on the future of the US labor market, including the potential for increased domestic manufacturing, and discusses implications of AI.

Shifting gears to global trade, they consider the connections between savings, investments and net exports, and assess the US dollar's status as the global reserve currency.

Finally, they examine significant investments in renewable energy projects and macroeconomic impacts of moving away from a fossil fuel-based economy.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Josh starts by highlighting signs of a stabilizing market, including a slower decline in loan originations and the return of prime and below prime card issuance to pre-pandemic levels.

Brad inquires about market expectations for Q1, noting a number of consumers are still struggling with inflation. Craig explains why he believes consumer credit health is evening out despite these challenges.

When asked about the continued decline in originations, Josh attributes this to issuers’ caution — while also pointing out positive demand signs in higher credit tiers.

The conversation then shifts to current trends in card balances and utilization; Brad wonders whether delinquencies have peaked yet; and finally, Craig notes the most pertinent fraud challenges facing lenders today.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

In part one of the 2024 FS Summit episode, credit union VPs Heather Dufourny (Service Credit Union) and Heather Sullivan (Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union) sit down with Craig and Josh in Las Vegas to discuss the goings-on in the credit union industry.

Craig is curious to hear which products members are most interested in, and wonders how Dufourny’s and Sullivan’s credit unions are responding to the financial squeeze many members are experiencing.

Dufourny and Sullivan share how each of their organizations are utilizing this slow period — from preparing for an eventual refinance boom to diversifying portfolios — and agree balancing a seamless member experience with the need for increased fraud controls has been a challenge within the industry.

Josh wraps things up by asking which key elements they’re focusing on to draw in a younger demographic, and is keen to know how a credit union decides when to bring in new technology or systems.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

The conversation kicks off with a macroeconomic view of the market since last quarter — ranging from consumer sentiments to card balances and originations to the impact consumer stress levels are having on their financial health.

FJ asks how issuers should be responding to elevated risk in the marketplace, and Josh shares strategies lenders might consider to alleviate some of that pressure.

Craig shares an update on the private label market; Josh weighs in on when migrating scores may start to normalize; and the conversation ultimately shifts to what issuers can be doing to better understand Gen Z preferences and behaviors — particularly given market dynamics over the last few years.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Taking a more micro view of the market over these last 12 months, Josh highlights interesting patterns around originations, delinquencies and card balances; discusses lender investments into marketing and fraud programs; looks at capital markets and consumer affordability; and describes the impact and uncertainty stemming from increased regulations.

Finally, Craig and Josh look back at some memorable guests and episodes from 2023, and give a peek at what listeners can expect to hear on Extra Credit in the new year.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Mike and Craig discuss the lesser-known risks impacting portfolios today, including hidden buy now, pay later loans and credit score inflation.

Mike weighs in on positioning a card portfolio in uncertain times; explains why some banks are using credit cards as transactional products; and stresses the need for working tools to properly assess the stability of consumer credit scores.

Josh asks for Mike’s opinion on which market innovations hold the most promise or red flags, and Mike ideates on what younger generations of employees can do to be successful in today’s unusual workforce.

Plus, Mike thinks back on his time as a collegiate cross country athlete and how a team-oriented mentality has helped positively shape his career.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

We begin with Satyan touching on today’s top auto industry headlines — from supply chain issues and high interest rates impacting consumer affordability to major shifts in market share.

Satyan describes how technology-forward dealerships and lenders are modernizing the industry by offering online-to-offline car shopping experiences, and shares how lenders should be thinking about the growing number of credit-active Gen Z consumers.

Josh and Craig ask for Satyan’s opinion on the future of vehicle values and supply, and what that means from a credit standpoint; they discuss the return of incentive programs; and Satyan draws comparisons between the auto and mortgage financing markets.

*Plus, take a look at the TransUnion study Satyan references in the episode: https://www.transunion.com/lp/impact-of-unsettled-vehicle-values

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Craig and Allison start by discussing the proposed Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rulemaking process expected to take place later in 2023, whether government partisanship is as challenging as it’s portrayed in the media, and how legislators are turning to the private sector to help inform policy decisions.

Next Josh and Allison talk about the major focus areas for regulators that might not be as headline-grabbing, including a politically-stalled federal privacy standard and AI governance concerns cropping up in both the Senate and Congress.

Finally, Josh asks Allison how the upcoming presidential election cycle will impact the pace of legislation; they discuss how states are looking at the use and treatment of medical debt on the credit file; and Allison urges listeners to pay attention to the uptick in agency activity (particularly from the CFPB and FHFA) within the housing market.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Melissa touches on some of FinRegLab’s key initiatives, including the use of cashflow data to predict credit risk and assess populations with limited or no credit history; new research the organization is doing on machine learning algorithms being used in financial services; and a partnership with Kenya’s government, banks and bureaus to determine the optimal data insights needed for credit risk assessing women-owned small businesses.

The group also discusses regulatory uncertainties keeping the financial industry from wider adoption of new types of data, and muses over the laws and regulations that could one day surround artificial intelligence and platforms like ChatGPT.

Finally, Josh tests Melissa’s Kentucky knowledge with some light trivia about her hometown.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Kaylyn and Michael begin by sharing what they’re excited about within the lending space followed by a discussion of the challenges credit unions are up against — including a competitive market and balancing new technology — as they pursue opportunities to support their members and communities.
Our guests then weigh in on the pressure credit unions are facing to deliver high-touch, digital experiences; Josh wonders how each of their credit unions is handling change management initiatives; and the group discusses how automating processes can be very positive for employees willing to take on new skills and grow in their careers.

Plus, Craig and Josh are put to the test when Kaylyn and Michael ask some questions in return! Our hosts offer their perspectives on the future of the mortgage industry, as well as explore potential fraud concerns that could arise from growing consumer pressures around immediacy in lending.
Finally, to celebrate recording onsite in Chicago, Craig and Josh quiz our guests on some fun Windy City history.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Josh and Abhi kick the conversation off by examining the global business drivers impacting how organizations — and especially leadership — are thinking about technology. Abhi notes how the pandemic accelerated cloud adoption for many financial institutions, and emphasizes how important it is for business leaders to appeal to engineering talent.

Abhi then addresses what lenders can do to better adapt to these significant market changes, and Craig asks Abhi for his opinion on how tech can improve global consumer access to financial services or financial outcomes.

Finally, Josh tests our guest’s knowledge of an old favorite band of his: The Chemical Brothers!

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Josh and David start by discussing the power of convenient payment methods, and how alternative digital payment apps are creating shifts in the market. David points out key customer-centric trends being overlooked by many financial institutions, while highlighting opportunities for banks willing to examine their own internal processes and digital strategies.

Josh and Craig then ask David to share his advice for smaller FIs without large tech budgets, and the steps they can take to compete for market share; they discuss the growing number of partnerships between fintechs and banks; and Craig and David discuss banks’ debit card and deposit populations as a source of potential card growth.
Finally, David dominates Josh’s credit-themed trivia questions!

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Michele begins with a conversation on originations and delinquencies in the personal loan, mortgage and auto industries, and the resulting impact they could have on consumer credit health in the US. She and Craig discuss how consumers are still quitting their jobs in record numbers — despite believing a recession is coming — and what that means for consumer confidence around personal finances. Michele also explains why she believes the auto industry will see a much-needed bolster in 2023, while the personal loan sector could be facing some challenges.

Next, Kathy and Josh look at the growth and strength of credit cards and deposits in a post-COVID rate environment, with Kathy noting banks should be focused on the ‘total customer perspective’ by emphasizing customer loyalty with multiple products across a singular financial institution. Kathy and Josh also discuss the importance of continuing to grow balances amid challenging credit losses, and the opportunities credit card issuers can find simply by focusing on the middle of their portfolios.

Finally, we get to know Michele and Kathy a little better in a lightning round of questions on their favorite topics (outside of financial services, of course): running and geography!
—
For questions or to suggest an episode topic, please email ExtraCredit@transunion.com.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.