Origence and Zest AI have announced the launch of Zest Auto, the AI-automated underwriting model for credit union automotive lenders, available exclusively through Origence. This partnership expansion follows Origence’s investment participation in Zest AI’s most recent funding round.

Zest Auto elevates the two companies’ existing partnership. The partnership also includes the integration of Zest AI’s machine learning (AI) underwriting technology with Origence’s consumer origination platform. The new offering, available to Origence clients, will make it easy and accessible for credit unions to get started with powerful AI technology for automotive loan origination.

The new Zest Auto technology expands the decisioning options available to credit unions, solving the need for lenders to make faster, more accurate decisions, while approving more loans with minimized risk. Initial data gathering by Zest AI has shown an increase of up to 20 percent in auto loan approvals and reaching over 50 percent automation.

“Origence is excited to partner with Zest AI to be the sole provider of Zest Auto. Zest is the gold standard in AI-driven underwriting solutions, and now it’s seamlessly integrated into arc OS — our flagship account and loan origination platform,” said Brian Hendricks, chief product officer at Origence. “Decisioning speed plays a critical role in the borrower experience and with Zest AI and Origence working so closely together, lenders will have the flexibility and underwriting capabilities to make instant decisions confidently.”

According to Zest AI’s internal studies, credit unions utilizing Zest Auto can expand credit to protected classes and help lift approvals. By combining the reach of Origence’s CUDL indirect lending network with Zest AI’s technology, credit unions will have access to the tools needed to continue their mission to provide fair and equitable credit.

“In today’s economic climate, credit unions need access to simple and affordable technology that will boost their efficiency and enable them to continue lending to their members across the credit spectrum. In doubling down on our partnership with Origence through this new offering, we’re thrilled to enable better credit decisions for credit unions of all sizes,” said Zest AI’s Head of Product, Nidhi Panday.