In this episode of the AFSA Extra Credit Podcast, host Dan Bucherer sits down with Andres Klaric, co-founder of Fuse, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of lending, loan origination, and customer experience.

Andres shares the story behind Fuse’s evolution—from a direct-to-consumer lending business to an AI-native platform serving banks, credit unions, and finance companies across the U.S.—and explains what it truly means to build and operate in an “AI-native” world.

The conversation dives into the rapid pace of AI innovation and the growing gap between those building the technology and those trying to adopt it. Andres emphasizes why waiting for the dust to settle isn’t an option, and how lenders can begin capturing real value today by focusing on workflow automation, continuous improvement, and practical implementation strategies.

Listeners will also gain insight into:

• Why many AI initiatives fail—and how to avoid “throwing AI on top” of existing systems
• How automation can drive efficiency without replacing human expertise
• The importance of transparency, compliance, and data ownership in AI-driven systems
• Where human judgment—especially in risk and underwriting—remains essential

Andres also discusses how AI is shifting roles within organizations, freeing teams from repetitive tasks and enabling more strategic, high-value work.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking to scale your current efforts, this episode offers practical insights into how to adopt AI intentionally and effectively in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Visit fusefinance.com to learn more and connect with Andres on LinkedIn.

In this episode of the Extra Credit Podcast we speak with Paul Hale, Senior Vice President of Security Finance Corp. and President of the 2019 AFSAEF Leadership Development Program at UNC.

We pull off to the side of AFSA's Annual Meeting in Nashville to talk about his concern about debt settlement companies and how they are negatively effecting customers. He also speaks about what he's learned in his career and shares some best practices.

In this EXTRA, AFSA Senior Vice President Danielle Fagre Arlowe talks about the recent report from the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). We point out some of the areas where the report falls short and talk about AFSA's response.

View AFSA's blog post on this topic here.

First of all, on behalf of everyone at AFSA, I hope you are safe and healthy.

The next two episodes of the AFSA Extra Credit Podcast are a bit different. We'll be talking with attorneys from Troutman Sanders about the impact the coronavirus is having on the consumer credit industry. Throughout the conversation, our guests highlight some key aspects to think about. The first part features Jeremy Tomes and Emily Schifter. We talk about the SBA PPP program as well as some important employee logistics issues. Our second conversation, which we will post later this week, is with David Anthony and Sadia Mirza on the overall impact of the virus and some cybersecurity aspects to consider.

Because of the complex nature of these topics, you'll notice the conversations are a bit longer as well.

Emily Schifter

Jeremy Tomes

Troutman Sanders COVID-19 Page

In this edition of the AFSA Extra Credit Podcast, we chat with Robert Steenbergh, Founder & CEO of AutoPayPlus which offers consumers a flexible auto financing schedule that matches payments with paychecks. We have a broad conversation about Robert's journey, the benefits of changing the perspective on how consumers pay for vehicles and the importance of affordability.

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Don't forget to follow AFSA on Twitter @AFSA_DC and @AFSA_SGA and on Linkedin. The blog at afsaonline.org is also a great resource for the most up-to-date news.

If you've got questions or you'd like to suggest a guest, please shoot us an email at communications@afsamail.org or tweet at us.

AFSA SVPs Celia Winslow and Danielle Arlowe recently appeared on he Auto Remarketing Podcast with Nick Zulovich of Auto Finance News. Celia & Danielle discussed the latest developments on the federal and state level, respectively, in connection with actions by lawmakers and regulators.

Special thanks to Nick and the team at SubPrime Auto Finance News for letting us republish the conversation here. Learn more about the Auto Remarketing Podcast and subscribe today.

In this episode of the AFSA Extra Credit Podcast, we're speaking with Frank Salinger, a longtime consultant for and former staff member of AFSA. Frank really needs no introduction – he's been an integral part of protecting access to consumer credit since he joined the industry in the late 1970's. We talk about what he's working on with AFSA now and he gives his opinion on what AFSA members need to be focusing on right now.

In this episode of the AFSA Extra Credit Podcast Dan chats with Olivia Moseley, Distrct Manager with Heights Finance and the Year 1 President of AFSAEF's The EDGE program.

Olivia shares how valuable the program was to her and highlights some of the key reasons she thinks all AFSA members should consider it a must-attend program for rising industry leaders.

Registration for The EDGE and AFSAEF's Leadership Development Program is now open. Head to afsaef.org to learn more and register.