Orlando Credit Union has taken its commercial lending program from literally nothing to a cool $64 million portfolio in just 24 months. And no, they didn’t do it with smoke and mirrors—they did it by partnering with the right technology provider.
The credit union teamed up with Business Alliance Financial Services (BAFS), a company that specializes in commercial lending tech and services. Think of BAFS as the behind-the-scenes crew that helps financial institutions punch above their weight class without hiring an army of new employees.
What Actually Changed?
Instead of trying to build out a commercial lending operation from scratch—which can feel like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions—Orlando CU got end-to-end support for the entire lending lifecycle. We’re talking loan analysis, documentation, post-closing oversight, and portfolio reviews. Basically, all the unglamorous but critical stuff that keeps commercial lending running smoothly.
“Partnering with BAFS has been instrumental in the growth of our commercial lending program,” said Melvin Ramen, Chief Lending Officer at Orlando CU. “Their guidance and solutions help us serve our members more efficiently while extending greater financial support to local businesses.”
That $64 million growth isn’t just a vanity metric, either. It represents real loans to local businesses and tangible support for the Orlando community—all while keeping the credit union’s internal team from drowning in paperwork and compliance requirements.
The Tech Behind the Growth
BAFS brings more than just consulting advice to the table. Their BLAST® platform handles the heavy lifting with intuitive dashboards, compliance-ready workflows, and real-time portfolio insights. Translation: Orlando CU can see exactly what’s happening with their commercial loans without needing a degree in data science.
The modular approach means credit unions can pick and choose what they need help with—whether that’s loan processing, credit administration, loan reviews, or audit readiness. It’s like a buffet, but for banking services, and way less likely to give you indigestion.
Why This Matters for Other Credit Unions
“Commercial lending is a key growth driver for credit unions, and our partnership with Orlando CU demonstrates how the right combination of technology and expertise can deliver measurable results,” said Richard Guillot, CEO of BAFS. “We’re proud to continue supporting Orlando CU as they expand their portfolio, strengthen operations, and deepen relationships within their community.”
The bigger takeaway here? Credit unions don’t have to choose between serving their communities and staying competitive. With the right partner handling the technical complexity, they can focus on what they do best: building relationships and supporting local businesses. Orlando CU just proved it’s possible to scale fast without sacrificing quality or burning out your team.
Related:
Why Commercial Lending Should Be Every Credit Union’s Next Growth Move
BAFS Launches Blueprint Advantage to Accelerate Credit Union Commercial Lending Growth