FourLeaf Federal Credit Union is using AI to grow its auto loan portfolio, increasing originations while keeping quality lending standards. 

The $14 billion credit union has exceeded $1 billion in loan originations so far in 2025, up from $650 million in 2024, Chief Executive Linda Armyn told FinAi News. That’s a 53.8% year over year increase in auto loan origination volume with nearly three weeks to go.

FourLeaf attributes the growth to its engagement with technology provider Origence, which began in 2020. The fintech’s national auto dealer network and scalable tech stack made it the right fit for the credit union, Armyn said. 

Having a tech stack that can manage operations in multiple states while providing reach and compliance was a reason the CU tapped Origence, she said.  

“They help us make better decisions and increase our efficiency in closing loans,” Armyn said. 

Since 2020, Bethpage, N.Y.-based FourLeaf has seen its originations increase 161%, she said.  

AI-driven ‘stacking’ tech

FourLeaf uses Origence’s Lending Service platform, which helps the credit union in “stacking,” underwriting, auto approvals and managing order flow during heavy shopping seasons, Tony Boutelle, chief executive of Origence, told FinAi News. 

Origence’s platform uses AI tech to stack multiple loan applications that have similar attributes so  loan officers can go through them quicky, he said. 

“We also aid FourLeaf in the process of underwriting loans,” Boutelle said, adding that most of the applications can be automatically approved within minutes if the applicant meets the risk criteria. If an application falls beyond the risk parameters, a loan officer is notified. 

Expanding volume, not headcount 

Origence’s AI also helps FourLeaf in managing high application volume during shopping season, Boutelle said, adding that the credit union can originate more during certain times of the year without increasing headcount. 

“We can utilize their tech and teams for overflow, so we can expand without having to constantly hire more people,” Armyn said. 

The credit union currently is evaluating adding another AI layer through Origence to its loan processes for document verification in 2026, Boutelle said.  

There are 20,000 dealers across the country using the Origence platform, and nearly 1,100 credit unions using its services, Boutelle said. Credit union clients include Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and First Harvest Credit Union. 

“We go as credit unions go,” Boutelle said, adding, “I do think next year is going to be a good year for making auto loans.” 

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