Zest AI Sees Tripled Growth in GenAI and Fraud Solution Adoption as Financial Institutions Scale AI in Production

Zest AI
April 23, 2026

New CUSO and league partnerships extend AI-powered lending to institutions serving more than 30 million members

BURBANK, Calif., April 23, 2026 – Zest AI, a leading provider of AI-powered lending solutions, today announced strong first-quarter momentum, fueled by accelerating adoption of its LuLu AI Lending Intelligence platform and Fraud Detection products as financial institutions modernize decision-making, manage risk, and combat rising delinquencies and persistent fraud.

Q1 2026 Highlights: 

  • Tripled growth in adoption across GenAI and fraud solutions: Demand from new and existing customers increased significantly for Zest AI’s LuLu Lending Intelligence platform and Fraud Detection products. 
  • Enabled first-of-its-kind CUSO: Commonwealth Credit Union launched the CU Lending Collective, enabled by Zest AI’s technology, to bring AI-powered lending to small credit unions. 
  • First GenAI deployment by credit union leagues: Cornerstone League and GoWest Credit Union Association deployed Zest AI’s LuLu Lending Intelligence platform, extending real-time lending intelligence to more than 900 credit unions—approximately 20% of U.S. credit unions—and enabling stronger data-driven advocacy and policy work.
  • Scaled production deployment: Expanded from 600 to over 1,200 active AI models in production across customers, reflecting continued operationalization of AI in lending workflows.

“What we’re seeing isn’t a one-time spike–it’s sustained momentum driven by real customer needs,” said Mike de Vere, CEO of Zest AI. “We built our generative AI and fraud detection solutions to solve problems lenders couldn’t address with existing tools, and that’s why adoption is accelerating quarter over quarter. Based on current demand, we expect adoption to grow two to three times over the coming year as AI becomes core to lending operations.” 

First-of-Its-Kind CUSO Helps Small Credit Unions Adopt AI Lending

With a focus on delivering AI to financial institutions of all sizes, Commonwealth Credit Union launched the CU Lending Collective, a first-of-its-kind CUSO powered by Zest AI. By combining proven AI models with built-in compliance and operational support, the Collective enables smaller institutions to compete more effectively, increase approvals, and expand credit access without the typical cost or complexity of adopting new technology.

GenAI Adoption By Credit Union Leagues

As regulatory and economic conditions grow more complex, lenders need real-time insight into the policies and trends shaping their decisions. Cornerstone League and GoWest Credit Union Association became the first credit union leagues to adopt LuLu, broadening the use of GenAI to support credible, data-backed advocacy and policy recommendations for their members and the communities they serve.

Partnership Momentum Expands Zest AI’s Reach Across Lending

Zest AI continued to expand its partnerships ecosystem, deepening relationships and integrations across loan origination systems and lending marketplaces, including MeridianLink, Origence, Sync1 Systems, Fiserv, LendAPI, The Savings Group, and Caribou. By embedding into the platforms and workflows lenders rely on, Zest AI delivers AI-powered underwriting, lending intelligence, and fraud detection across the lending lifecycle, helping enable smarter, fairer, and more confident lending decisions. 

Zest AI has been at the forefront of modernizing lending, helping financial institutions move beyond legacy models that no longer meet the demands of today’s market. With consumer fraud losses rising 27% in 2025 to $15.9 billion, and increasing pressure for faster and more transparent decisions, Zest AI continues to see strong demand for solutions that help lenders expand access to credit responsibly while reducing risk and strengthening trust.

About Zest AI

Founded in 2009, Zest AI is a leader in financial technology with a mission to modernize lending and strengthen the financial system. The company is transforming the $17 trillion US consumer credit market by delivering AI technology that helps lenders identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by legacy credit methods, while leveling the playing field for financial institutions of all sizes to harness AI. With over 1,000 active AI models in production and 50+ issued and pending patents, Zest AI is providing financial institutions with a comprehensive suite of solutions spanning underwriting, fraud detection, lending intelligence, and more to make smarter lending decisions that power growth and profitability. Learn more at Zest AI and connect on LinkedIn.

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