logo
episode-header-image
Jun 16
24m 43s

Chartway’s Bet on Branches, Bilingualism...

LendKey: Lending Made Simple
About this episode

Rob Keatts, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Chartway Credit Union, joins us to talk about the bold moves Chartway is making—from investing $25 million in branch infrastructure to earning the Juntos Avanzamos designation to better serve Hispanic communities. With a strategy shaped by both data and values, Rob explains how Chartway is using technology, partnerships, and community insight to stay mission-driven and member-focused.


Key takeaways:

01:01 – How Chartway approaches its supportive role of smaller credit unions in a unique way, including M&A and fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing—especially when small shops have big ideas worth spreading.

02:37 – Why Chartway is investing $25 million in branch infrastructure, and how branches are evolving as centers for education, advice, and connection.

05:42 – The strategic role of branches in Chartway’s deposit efforts and why physical presence still matters in a digital world.

06:58 – Chartway’s intentional focus on serving Hispanic members and how data led them to partner with Coopera and Inclusiv.

10:01 – What it took to earn the Juntos Avanzamos designation: from bilingual staff to cultural fluency, and how Chartway measures success.

13:22 – Launching business banking in 2024 to meet growing demand—especially from Hispanic entrepreneurs—and how a digital platform is part of the plan.

15:08 – Rob’s tech-to-strategy journey, and why Chartway is betting on fintech partnerships to close the innovation gap with big banks.

18:31 – Rethinking credit decisioning with AI: Chartway’s new model aims to say “yes” more often, while guarding against bias.

20:19 – Navigating delinquency trends: Rob shares the latest data and where things are starting to stabilize.

21:41 – Why now is the moment for credit unions to double down on their mission—and how Chartway is staying anchored to its purpose.


Resources Mentioned:

Chartway Credit Union: https://www.chartway.com/

Coopera Consulting: https://www.cooperaconsulting.com/

Inclusiv: https://inclusiv.org/


Thanks for listening to the 22 Minutes in Lending podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.


#CreditUnions #Fintech #22MinutesInLending

Up next
Jun 30
The Financial Intelligence Business: Why Credit Unions Should Run Toward the Fire
If your member experience is broken, you’re already losing. As fintechs outpace traditional lenders, CEO Omar Jordan of Coviance believes credit unions have a choice: retreat or run toward the fire. In this episode, he shares how Coviance is helping credit unions shift their mind ... Show More
23m 30s
Jun 2
Finding the Perfect Fit: Tech, Tools, Partners That Serve Credit Unions
Whether it’s cybersecurity, liquidity, or finding the right fintech fit, credit unions are navigating a complex landscape with limited resources. Steve Willis explains how LEVERAGE connects nearly 900 credit unions with tailored solutions that don’t just plug holes—they drive mea ... Show More
23m 53s
May 19
Tax, Tech and Tomorrow: A Vision for the Credit Union System
In part two of our conversation with Samantha Beeler, president of the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates, we debate taxation and advocacy efforts, discuss the complexities of finding, sourcing and integrating fintech, and unearth a bold vision for the credit union movement’s ... Show More
21m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
949. News: Kraken buys NinjaTrader, Lumber leans on AI for workforce management, and Robinhood moves into banking
About this episode: Host Ross Gallagher is joined by an expert panel of guests as we dive into some of the biggest stories from the worlds of fintech, banking, and wider financial services.Stories covered on the podcast this week include: The worlds of TradFi and crypto merging o ... Show More
1h 8m
Apr 2
S17E7: Battle of the Banks: JPMorgan Chase vs. Citi Business Breakdown
Send us a textJPMorgan Chase and Citi are two of the biggest names in global finance, but how do they really stack up? From retail banking to corporate strategy and investment banking prowess, each firm plays the game differently. In this segment of Business Breakdowns, Jenny Rae ... Show More
59m 7s
May 19
963. News: IPOs are on the horizon for Monzo and Chime, Stripe teams up with Ramp, and Klarna's boss says: less AI, more humans
About this episode: Host Benjamin Ensor, Director of Research & Strategy at 11:FS, is joined by a fantastic panel of guests as we dive into some of the biggest stories from the worlds of fintech, banking, and wider financial services this week. Stories covered on the podcast: Mon ... Show More
1h 5m
Mar 2025
Revolutionizing Small Business Banking in 2025
Small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges alongside remarkable opportunities as they respond to the digitalization of engagement, an uncertain geopolitical landscape and increasing consumer expectations. More than ever they want their financial institution to be a part ... Show More
49m 29s
Sep 2024
893. News: Banking could face major job losses, Atlantic Money to challenge SWIFT, US regulatory approval for OakNorth
Join hosts Benjamin Ensor and Nadine Timmer-Bodenstein, along with some great guests as we discuss the biggest fintech and financial services news this week.Topics covered include: FS trade union warns that big banks should brace for job losses to AI, Atlantic Money announces its ... Show More
1h 6m
May 28
Bonus: How Monzo stays online when everyone else goes down - with CTO Matej Pfajfar
About this episode: On this episode of Fintech Insider, host David Barton-Grimley sits down with Matej Pfajfar, Group CTO at Monzo Bank, to talk about one of the fintech industry's least glamorous - but most critical - topics: outages. With banking apps now at the core of how we ... Show More
28m 44s
Jul 2024
883. Focus: How can AI fight financial crime and reduce payments fraud?
In this final episode of the current series of Fintech Insider Focus, in collaboration with Visa, we conclude our journey around different industry niches and regions in Europe, by looking at real time payments and the role AI could play in fighting financial crime and fraud in t ... Show More
51m 47s
Feb 2025
Ray Dalio on AI, Job Loss & the Future of the Economy | #EP 148
In this episode, Ray and Peter discuss the changing world order, China vs. the USA, and Ray’s thoughts on the future of the US. Recorded on Feb 3rd, 2025Views are my own thoughts; not Financial, Medical, or Legal Advice. Ray Dalio is a renowned investor, hedge fund manager, and p ... Show More
1h 46m
May 15
962. Insights: The UK’s fastest-growing fintech: in conversation with Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank
About this episode: In this episode of Fintech Insider Insights, host David M. Brear is joined by Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank - the UK’s fastest-growing fintech focused on serving established small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Richard shares how his unique backgrou ... Show More
48m 47s