Digital Lending: Key Trends to Know in 2024
In the fast-evolving landscape of finance, digital lending stands out as a crucial avenue for revenue generation in credit unions. As member expectations rapidly change and new technologies emerge, it's imperative for credit unions to stay abreast of the latest trends to best serve their members. This blog post delves into the digital lending trends that are set to make waves in 2024.
2024 Digital Lending Trends
AI in Lending
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing lending practices across financial institutions. From credit reporting to risk management, AI is playing a pivotal role in enhancing various aspects of the lending process. AI enables machines to simulate human intelligence, facilitating tasks such as credit scoring, risk assessment, fraud detection, and predictive analytics. Unlike automation, AI systems can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and correlations, continuously learning and improving over time.
Examples
Examples of AI applications in lending include AI-powered credit scoring models that assess loan applicants' creditworthiness based on various factors and AI-driven fraud detection systems that identify suspicious patterns in transactional data.
Challenges
Some situations require human decision-making instead of AI. Even though AI is a popular technology right now, certain situations—like huge loans—would help your members feel more comfortable with the assurance that someone in your credit union is making the decision.
Keep Reading: Pros & Cons of AI in Lending
Automation
While often confused with AI, automation involves using technology to perform tasks and processes with minimal human intervention. It streamlines repetitive tasks and workflows, such as data entry and loan application processing, by following pre-defined rules and instructions programmed into software systems.
Traditional manual processing is quickly becoming outdated, particularly in the lending sector where members demand swift and convenient service. By embracing automation, credit unions can enhance their ability to cater to members' needs effectively.
Other benefits include...
- Enhanced cost-effectiveness
- Heightened operational efficiency
- Expanded loan capacity
Data
The era of big data is upon us, with over 325 million terabytes of data created every day. Credit unions are collecting vast amounts of information about their members and borrowers throughout the lending process.
However, the true value lies in leveraging this data for informed decision-making. In 2024, credit unions must focus on translating data insights into actionable decisions to differentiate themselves from competitors.
By collecting data, your credit union can...
- Unlock cross-selling opportunities
- Find areas to improve the lending process
- Keep up with member needs and expectations
Continue Reading: Use Your Data to Unlock Cross-Selling Opportunities & Increase Revenue
Member Experience
By committing to serving your members the best way you can, your credit union can become member obsessed. In an industry with intense competition, an amazing member experience can differentiate your credit union.
Personalization plays a crucial role in enhancing the member experience. In a study done by ZenDesk, they found that 72% of people said that personalization was “highly important” and 77% of banking leaders said that it leads to higher rates of retention.
Improving the lending process involves enhancing aspects such as...
- Application experience
- Instruction clarity
- Speed of approval
- Transparency of terms and conditions
- Security of personal information
Set Your Credit Union Up for Success with Digital Lending
As your credit union navigates the digital lending landscape of 2024, embracing these cutting-edge trends will be pivotal in staying competitive and meeting the evolving needs of members. By leveraging AI, automation, data analytics, and prioritizing member experience, your credit union can position itself for sustainable success.
Ready to revolutionize your credit union's digital lending strategies? Explore our comprehensive guide to digital lending by clicking the button below.