AI building blocks for stronger lending organizations
Lenders are moving beyond the AI “what if.”
From generative AI (GenAI) adoption to advanced credit risk modeling, the focus is now on making innovation tangible, measurable, and fair. This month, we’re spotlighting how AI is reshaping the industry—and giving lenders the tools to evaluate, build, and deploy AI responsibly.
In this edition, you’ll discover:
- Why 67% of lenders are implementing GenAI strategies faster than any tech before it.
- What to ask before choosing an AI lending solution for credit risk modeling.
- A practical checklist for building versus buying a credit-risk model that performs.
- GenAI updates in LuLu that simplify access management and smarter workflows.
- ICYMI: Insights from America’s economic opportunity gap.
Enjoy, and don’t forget to subscribe—your monthly guide to smarter, fairer lending continues next month as we wrap up the year.
Celent report: Generative AI in retail lending
Financial institutions are racing to adopt GenAI in lending at an unprecedented speed. New research from Celent, surveying 106 U.S. lenders, reveals that 83% plan to increase their GenAI budgets for consumer lending in 2026, with 41% projecting boosts of more than 5%.
What’s most striking: 67% of lenders have already implemented or will complete GenAI strategies by 2026—a faster adoption curve than any previous lending technology wave, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, online lending, or mobile lending.
The top motivators? Enhancing customer experience (21%) and improving operational efficiency (20%). While security and risk management remain the biggest hurdles—with 19% citing them as their primary concern—lenders are pressing ahead. In fact, 70% are already using or planning to use GenAI for analytics and reporting dashboards.
Read key highlights in the press release or download the full report.
How to evaluate an AI lending solution
Not sure what to look for when comparing AI vendors? This guide outlines key questions lenders should ask, covering topics like data practices and fairness testing. Use this information to make informed and compliant choices with confidence.
[Webinar] LuLu Innovation Series: Smarter controls and insight automation
Join us for the upcoming session from the LuLu Innovation Series, Smarter Controls and Insight Automation, featuring Kal Koul, Director of Product at Zest AI. Discover how LuLu is enhancing GenAI tools to be more powerful and adaptable.
Checklist: Choosing the right credit risk model for your organization
Not all credit risk models are the same. Use this quick checklist to cover essential steps, including data quality, monitoring, and fairness. This will help you identify models designed for accuracy, transparency, and long-term success.
ICYMI: America’s economic opportunity gap
Americans are leaning on credit more than ever, but trust in the system is fading. 74% believe AI could help fix it. Catch up on the key insights driving the next wave of financial change.
Want to learn more?
Curious about how you can achieve a thriving lending ecosystem with AI? Visit us at zest.ai to learn more, and connect with us to get your questions answered.
About Zest AI
Since 2009, Zest AI has been innovating and perfecting AI lending technology. A US-based technology as a service company, and pioneer in the field, serving over $5.6T in managed assets, Zest AI aims to make best-in-class AI available to FIs to help broaden access to lending and thrive.