Zest AI announces strategic partnership with the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues

300 league members to get preferred access to tailored risk models; Zest-built models approve 25 to 30 percent more loans across all credit products

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LOS ANGELES, CALIF. Feb. 24, 2022 — PRNewswire — Zest AI announced a partnership today with the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, the largest state trade association for credit unions in the United States, serving more than 12.8 million members in their respective states.

The Leagues will be teaming with CUNA Strategic Services to bring Zest AI's industry-leading AI lending software to more League members. Zest-built models use thousands of data points and better math than traditional national scores to safely approve more members overlooked by legacy scoring. Credit unions using Zest software are achieving five-fold increases in instant-decisioning rates and 25 percent to 30 percent higher approvals with no added risk. Loan approvals are also more inclusive by drawing on deep insights from credit reports and loan histories in the markets served by League members.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to help The Leagues bring AI-driven lending to credit unions of all sizes and across all consumer products,” says José Valentín, Vice President of Corporate Development at Zest AI. “This partnership will pay off by enriching the lives of millions of members in the form of wider access to more affordable credit.”

“For nearly 90 years, The Leagues have played an important role in ensuring the sustained health of our member credit unions,” says Larry Palochik, Senior Vice President of Member Solutions. “Zest AI has earned the trust of dozens of credit unions by delivering significant value in the form of faster and more consistent approvals and more inclusive decisions.”

“Credit unions need solutions that help them grow, but not at the expense of higher credit risk and compliance concerns. Zest AI has paid strict attention to the needs of credit unions looking to lend more effectively. This relationship is truly a game-changer for credit unions in California and Nevada, and we’re proud to collaborate with The Leagues and Zest AI to drive positive change,” says Barb Lowman, President of CUNA Strategic Services.

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About Zest AI

Zest AI software helps lenders make better decisions and better loans—increasing revenue, reducing risk, and automating compliance. Since 2009, it has made fair and transparent credit available to everyone and is now the leader in software for more inclusive underwriting. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Learn more at www.zest.ai and connect with us on Twitter at @Zest_AI or Zest AI's Insights blog.

About The Leagues

With headquarters in Ontario, CA, the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues is the trade association representing the interests of more than 300 credit unions in California and Nevada, and their 10 million members. For more information, go to www.ccul.org.

About CUNA Strategic Services

CUNA Strategic Services develops strategic alliance relationships to bring credit unions innovative solutions that will drive membership growth and operational excellence at an attractive price. The company is majority-owned by Credit Union National Association and state Leagues. For more information, visit www.cunastrategicservices.com.