As credit unions look ahead to post-pandemic operations, it’s clear that some of the solutions created or enhanced in 2020 are here to stay.

Like other areas of credit unions, lending departments have experienced significant process changes. Many loan originators, underwriters, and other employees shifted to working in virtual environments and adapting loan processes to the digital space.

At the same time, lending departments also stepped up to provide Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and options for members experiencing financial challenges due to the pandemic.

This episode of the CUNA News Podcast features Robby Holditch, a director in the risk and accounting group at Moody’s Analytics.

Drawing on his experience providing accounting expertise to credit unions, Holditch shares key takeaways from the digitization of lending processes. He also discusses the handling of PPP and credit quality concerns under loan forbearance or deferment, including the impact on Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) allowances.

Despite the current challenges related to low loan growth, Holditch says there are opportunities for credit unions to improve their margins if they know where to look.

You can listen to the CUNA News Podcast in Apple’s iTunes Store, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher Radio.

In this episode:

2:10: Takeaways from the digital transformation

5:09: COVID-19 as the 'driving force' to digital

6:04: PPP and credit quality concerns under loan forbearance

10:15: The effect of loan forbearance on CECL allowances

12:17: What else we know about CECL requirements

16:23: Meeting the challenge of low loan growth

19:11: Resources and advice for setting priorities