Episodes

  • Episode 41: The Credit Trends and Tech Shaping 2026

    Episode 41: The Credit Trends and Tech Shaping 2026
    Jan 8 2026
    As 2025 comes to a close, economic uncertainty and volatility remain top of mind for lenders and consumers alike. In this episode, Jason Laky, EVP of Financial Services at TransUnion®, joins Josh and Craig to unpack the year’s biggest credit trends — from resilient consumer demand to challenges in mortgage and auto — and what they signal for 2026. Jason also explores how lenders are leveraging alternative data and AI to manage risk and drive inclusion in a rapidly evolving 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.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Episode 40: Resilient but Uneven: How Consumers Are Weathering Credit Pressures

    Episode 40: Resilient but Uneven: How Consumers Are Weathering Credit Pressures
    Dec 4 2025
    Pete Turek — a TransUnion® SVP responsible for overseeing relationships with more than 120 of the nation’s leading financial institutions — join Josh and Craig this month to unpack insights from the latest Consumer Industry Insights Report. The discussion highlights a “K-shaped” dynamic in lending, with strong growth at both ends of the credit spectrum, record personal loan originations and Gen Z’s rising influence. The conversation also covers tighter credit lines, longer auto loan terms, delinquency trends across products and the impact of the recent government shutdown. Looking ahead, the group examines how tax season, student loan offsets and macroeconomic factors could shape consumer credit performance in early 2026. For lenders and risk professionals, this episode offers a clear, data-driven view of where consumer credit stands — and what’s next. 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.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Episode 39: Rewiring Credit Furnishment for a New Era

    Episode 39: Rewiring Credit Furnishment for a New Era
    Oct 30 2025
    Christian Widhalm, CEO of Bloom Credit, joins the latest episode of Extra Credit to unpack the evolving landscape of credit data furnishment. Christian shares how Bloom is tackling the limitations of legacy credit reporting formats — originally designed for traditional products and monthly cycles — and helping lenders report both conventional and alternative data more accurately and in real time. The conversation covers the rise of BNPL, the promise of transactional data for underserved consumers and regulatory headwinds shaping open banking. Widhalm also weighs in on why traditional credit data isn’t dead — despite the hype — and how FinTech partnerships are accelerating innovation across the lending ecosystem.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Episode 38: How Financial Institutions Win With Data-Driven Marketing

    Episode 38: How Financial Institutions Win With Data-Driven Marketing
    Oct 1 2025
    In this episode of Extra Credit, Harmon Lyons, VP of Strategy and Market Development for TransUnion’s financial services marketing solutions, joins Craig and Josh for a deep dive into the evolving role of data in financial services marketing. Harmon shares insights from nearly 30 years in the industry, highlighting how all FS marketers — from regional credit unions to national banks — can overcome fragmentation, connect with customers across channels and prove ROI. The conversation covers best practices for identity resolution, the importance of brand building — even on modest budgets — and how to balance acquisition and retention strategies. Whether you're a CMO or in a marketing-adjacent role, this episode offers a practical look at how data-driven strategies are reshaping the way financial institutions engage with consumers. 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.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Episode 37: Growth and Change on the Credit Risk Spectrum

    Episode 37: Growth and Change on the Credit Risk Spectrum
    Sep 10 2025
    The latest installment of Extra Credit has Dawn Figlioli, VP of Sales, Financial Services at TransUnion, stepping into the host seat, guiding a conversation with Craig and Josh on the latest credit market insights. The trio explores the current lending environment, marked by both stability and caution, and dives into the surprising growth at both ends of the credit spectrum. They discuss rising delinquencies in auto and mortgage, the evolving role of FinTechs in super prime lending, and how refined risk strategies are reshaping subprime performance. The episode also touches on the regulatory landscape and why consumer optimism may be on the rise — despite economic headwinds. Whether you're a lender navigating uncertainty or a strategist looking for signals in the noise, this episode offers grounded, data-driven perspective on what’s next. 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.
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Episode 36: Risk, Resilience and the Future of Lending

    Episode 36: Risk, Resilience and the Future of Lending
    Jun 17 2025
    DJ Cox joins this month, flipping the script on Craig and Josh with the most-asked questions he’s hearing within the credit and lending space. 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.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Episode 35: The Economic Crossroads of Tariffs, Global Trade and Labor Market Trends

    Episode 35: The Economic Crossroads of Tariffs, Global Trade and Labor Market Trends
    May 27 2025
    In this special episode, recorded live from TransUnion's annual Financial Services Summit in Chicago, hosts Craig and Josh are joined by Paul Gruenwald, Chief Global Economist at S&P Global Ratings. 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.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Episode 34: A Cautiously Optimistic Consumer Credit Market

    Episode 34: A Cautiously Optimistic Consumer Credit Market
    Feb 21 2025
    TransUnion Sales VP Brad Deja is in the studio this month to talk shop! 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.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins