Hundreds of credit union leaders and industry experts traveled to Nashville for this year’s Lending Tech Live conference. The event was a blend of fresh ideas, cutting-edge innovations, and meaningful connections, setting the stage for credit unions to scale new heights and keep their growth in tune. Live performances by the Chris Weaver Band energized the audience before each keynote and during breaks, bringing a true taste of Nashville to the experience.
The conference opened with a company and industry update from our CEO, Tony Boutelle, who shared that Origence now has 124 credit union owners, serves 1,800 credit unions representing 66 million members, and supports nearly 20,000 auto dealers nationwide—with more than 100,000 users on the platform at any given time. He noted that Origence is the No. 1 auto lender as a combined group, outperforming major banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. Last year, credit unions helped members make 4 million loans, and Origence’s platform powered 36% of them (or 1.45 million loans). Tony also addressed key industry trends, including emerging technologies, embedded finance, and economic pressures like interest rates and tariffs. He emphasized the growing role of AI, citing McKinsey’s projection that 50% of banking tasks will be AI-driven in the future and Accenture’s forecast that financial institutions could see a 20–30% cost reduction over the next five years through effective AI adoption.
Five additional keynote speakers brought powerful perspectives to the mainstage. Chris Barton, founder and creator of Shazam, spoke on how to overcome challenges through imagination, persistence, and questioning the status quo. Sheryl Connelly, global consumer trends expert and former chief futurist at Ford Motor Company, explored how generational shifts are shaping consumer behavior, workplace culture, and market trends. General Bradford Shwedo offered insight into global cybersecurity threats, analyzed real-world cyberattacks, and discussed proactive strategies for credit unions. AI futurist Steve Brown explained the latest developments in AI and how companies and individuals can prepare for its rapid evolution. Olympic icon Scott Hamilton inspired the crowd with a personal story of resilience, perseverance, and triumph.
Breakout sessions addressed today’s most pressing lending topics. Themes included auto lending trends, the evolution of online car buying, AI-driven innovation, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and strategies to enhance the digital member experience. Experts from Origence, Experian, J.D. Power, TransUnion, Equifax, America’s Credit Unions, and more led breakout sessions on the automotive outlook and its future, consumer credit trends, innovation in payments and money movement, and AI automation strategies for credit unions. Panels and open forums offered practical guidance on navigating lending challenges through data intelligence, featured direct insights from dealers on the current state of the automotive industry, and explored indirect lending trends and opportunities.
Beyond the sessions, the conference offered rich opportunities for networking and collaboration. Onsite, attendees were encouraged to click badges—with prizes for the most connections—and ample networking breaks allowed for time to engage and exchange ideas. Providers like CULA, SavvyMoney, Clutch, and Open Lending gave 15-minute presentations on their solutions and how they support credit unions. Offsite, guests enjoyed a reception at the Country Music Hall of Fame and a lively closing party at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.
Back by popular demand was the Dealer Panel discussion. The moderator, Origence’s VP of Dealer Solutions Josh Amaton, took the main stage and led conversations with Toyota of Knoxville General Manager Jason Carson and Young Automotive Group’s F&I Platform Director, Heston Young. The panel focused on how innovation, adaptability, and strategic partnerships are reshaping the auto lending experience. Key takeaways included the importance of aligning dealer and credit union goals to streamline financing and how data-driven tools are helping lenders respond more quickly to consumer expectations. Panelists emphasized that success in today’s market requires not just technology but a shared commitment to transparency, speed, and service excellence.
A standout moment of the conference was the annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon. This popular event featured Sheryl Connelly and Linda Armyn, president and CEO of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union. Moderated by Origence’s VP of Client Support and Feedback, Linda Hanson, the panel explored the strategies, resilience, and leadership skills that helped them thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries. The panelists reflected on pivotal career moments, shared how they’ve inspired and elevated other women, offered insights on building credibility, fostering innovation, and balancing careers with motherhood while leading with impact.
Origence’s Lending Tech Live ’25 was more than a conference—it created an open, collaborative space where credit union leaders could be inspired, explore bold ideas, and turn strategy into action. With fresh insights, proven approaches, and new connections, attendees left feeling invigorated and ready to drive meaningful change in their organizations.
