Credit unions now have access to a new tool that harnesses the power of generative AI to improve lending decisions and operational strategies. Zest AI, a leading provider of AI lending technology, announced the launch of LuLu Pulse, the first module of its Lending Intelligence Platform. This platform is designed specifically for credit unions and utilizes generative AI to provide comprehensive industry data for peer benchmarking and financial analysis.
LuLu Pulse integrates both industry-specific public data and institution-specific data. It serves as a centralized intelligence hub, consolidating multiple data sources into a single, authoritative platform. This allows credit unions to quickly access key insights, optimize their lending operations, and improve credit risk management strategies. The ultimate goal is to make smarter, data-driven lending decisions.
“In an environment where 73 percent of lenders lack effective analytics capabilities, LuLu Pulse emerges as a first-of-its-kind solution that offers financial institutions a streamlined path to deep, customized insights,” said Mike de Vere, CEO at Zest AI. “We’ve eliminated the technical barriers – decision makers now have the intelligence they didn’t have before to surface impactful insights to improve their lending operations and decisions. By democratizing data access and making curiosity the only limit, teams can uncover creative solutions faster and drive stronger business outcomes.”
Credit unions using LuLu Pulse gain several key benefits, including:
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Industry-Specific Optimization: Purpose-built for lenders, incorporating deep industry data for peer benchmarking and financial analysis.
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Customized Intelligence: Tailored to each individual institution, allowing for unlimited peer group analysis and data prompting capabilities
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Transparent AI: The platform provides complete source logic for accurate outputs, promoting compliance and building trust.
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Instant Accessibility: Enables non-technical users to access and understand complex lending insights through natural language queries.
LuLu Pulse leverages data from NCUA Call Reports, HMDA, and economic data to provide credit unions with insights and forecasting capabilities. This combination empowers them to benchmark themselves against peers and perform in-depth peer analysis, tailoring the results to meet their specific needs.
Jaynel Christensen, Executive Vice President at Commonwealth Credit Union, noted, “Traditional reporting and analytics processes can take weeks or months to deliver actionable insights. LuLu Pulse transforms this timeline to minutes, giving our team generative AI tools to access the insights we need to enhance our lending decisions and operations. With the help of their data engineers, scientists, and solutions architects, we’re able to spend more time focusing on what matters most: our members.”
LuLu, the Lending Intelligence Companion, was initially launched in February 2024 for select Zest AI customers. LuLu Pulse is now available to all credit unions without requiring any integrations, data sharing, or other Zest AI products. Broader financial institutions will gain access by Q2 2025. For more information on Zest AI and LuLu Pulse, visit Zest AI and LuLu Pulse.
About Zest AI: Zest AI is a technology company committed to broadening access to equitable lending. Since 2009, the company has been working with financial institutions to help them better serve their borrowers utilizing AI lending technology. Today, Zest AI collaborates with a wide range of lenders to help them leverage the potential of AI for the greater good. The company was recently recognized as a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 company. Learn more at Zest AI and connect with us on LinkedIn.
