As part of our coverage of NAFCU's 2021 Lending Conference, we invited CMFG Ventures President and Managing Director Brian Kaas to join us on the show and share his insights on how credit unions can build successful fintech partnerships to strengthen their lending business.

Brian talked about some of the hottest fintech trends in the lending space, examples of how credit unions are partnering with fintechs, and how the rise of e-commerce is affecting the future of auto lending and the car buying experience.

He also touched on one of the biggest purchasing trends in today's payments world: buy now, pay later (BNPL) -- how BNPL will impact the future of consumer finance.

Brian wraps it up by addressing the biggest threats to and greatest opportunities for credit union lending.

So fascinating this topic is. Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

(Conference coverage sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group.) Don't forget to register for NAFCU's 2021 Lending Conference, Nov. 1-3, Greenville, SC.

Enjoy the clip above and be sure to watch the full episode located below the show notes.

During our August 2021 "Mortgage Monthly LIVE," brought to you by the fine folks from CU Members Mortgage, CU Members Mortgage Vice President of Sales Keith Kasmire discussed current mortgage trends and battling today's appraisal challenge.

First, Keith provided a bit of a history lesson looking back to the Great Recession of 2008-09 and how many changes have occurred in the mortgage lending industry since then. The CFPB didn't exist then and we couldn't even spell TRID.

Keith directed the conversation to the present discussing today's red-hot real estate market and the recent escalation of home prices. He responded to the often mentioned housing bubble. Are we in for another meltdown 10 years later?

Lastly, Keith talks about today appraisal challenges when buying homes -- especially the shortage of appraisers. He points out the factors that are causing this shortage, as well as this part of the process becoming automated at some point -- even going as far as saying getting a loan without an appraisal.

And, of course, Keith connects the dots to credit unions and how both today's trends and appraisal challenges affect them, as well.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. We'll see you next month for another compelling Mortgage Monthly LIVE. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

Star One Credit Union Web Services ​Fred Shuherk and Finovera Senior Vice President Tom Litwinowicz joined us on the show to share their experiences and insights on how Finovera has helped Star One with its bill pay capabilities for members — turning it into more of a bill management solution.

So what do we mean by bill pay management solution? Tom and Fred explain, along with why Star One implemented this technology, what they hope to achieve with it, how does it work (ebills are instant), usage results, and what's next on the horizon for these two companies.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

During our CUNA Mutual Group 2021 Discovery Conference coverage, we sat in on Market Insights President/CEO Joe Sullivan's session that focused on "Preparing for Marketing Success in a Post COVID-19 World."

In this clip, Joe lists and explains six ways credit unions can be successful in their marketing operations:

1. Be data driven
2. Confirm data insights
3. Be customer obsessed
4. Increase video content
5. Stay prepared
6. Keep it human

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to visit CUNA Mutual Group 2021 Discovery Conference to see more on-demand presentations.

During our CUNA Mutual Group 2021 Discovery Conference coverage, we covered Market Insights President/CEO Joe Sullivan's session on "Preparing for Marketing Success in a Post COVID-19 World."

In this clip, Joe talks about the importance of today's marketing strategies prioritizing video and voice projects. These approaches to marketing practices, technology, and messaging align with new consumer behaviors -- having the best chance to attract and influence your credit union audience.

Be sure to visit CUNA Mutual Group 2021 Discovery Conference to see more on-demand presentations.