PORTLAND, Maine—AI-enabled skip-a-pay programs, payment first auto-shopping platforms, expanded wealth management offerings and more are part of this CU Shopper synopses of the latest vendor offerings, as well as the newest solutions credit unions have purchased.
Below is a brief overview of what’s taking place in the market.
Constant AI Introduces AI Agent to Automate ‘Skip-a-Pay’
PORTLAND, Maine — Constant AI has launched Nia, an artificial intelligence agent designed to automate “skip-a-pay” requests for credit unions, the company said.
The company said Nia is the first “agentic AI” solution built specifically to handle the full skip-a-pay transaction process without staff involvement.
- Automates requests across voice, chat, text and digital banking channels
- Evaluates eligibility in real time based on loan type, fees and member status
- Approves or denies requests and writes decisions directly into core systems
- Completes transactions in minutes, compared with traditional multi-day processing
Constant AI said skip-a-pay programs are widely used but historically require manual handling, creating delays that can lead to borrower ineligibility.
Michigan State University Federal Credit Union is among the first adopters. CEO April Clobes said the technology “helps simplify a complex process” while fitting into existing compliance frameworks.
The company said its platform has already processed more than 1.5 million automated transactions and integrates with major core systems, including Jack Henry, Fiserv and Corelation.
ValidiFI Wins Consumer Lending Innovation Award
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — ValidiFI has been named winner of the “Consumer Lending Innovation Award” in the FinTech Breakthrough Awards program, the company said.
The award recognizes ValidiFI’s use of alternative data and analytics to improve credit decisioning.
- Combines real-time behavioral data with historical performance signals
- Integrates credit, fraud and payment intelligence into a single platform
- Supports lenders across subprime, near-prime and buy-now, pay-later markets
- Enables credit evaluation when traditional bureau data is limited
According to FinTech Breakthrough, ValidiFI’s approach allows lenders to approve more qualified borrowers while reducing fraud and losses.
CEO John Gordon said lending is at an “inflection point” where consumers expect faster, more personalized decisions, adding the company is focused on delivering “behavior-driven intelligence.”
The company said its tools are designed to expand access to credit while improving portfolio performance.
Jack Henry’s Tap2Local Platform Named Small Business Payments Solution of the Year
MONETT, Mo. — Jack Henry’s Tap2Local platform has been named “Small Business Payments Solution of the Year” by FinTech Breakthrough, the company said.
Tap2Local is a cloud-based payments solution designed for banks and credit unions serving small businesses.
- Enables tap-to-pay on iOS and Android devices without additional hardware
- Provides integrated payments, banking and accounting capabilities
- Offers real-time account reconciliation
- Features streamlined onboarding and enrollment
The solution was developed with Moov and is delivered through Jack Henry’s Banno Digital Platform.
CEO Greg Adelson said Tap2Local is part of the company’s broader strategy to help financial institutions “win with small businesses” by simplifying payment operations.
FinTech Breakthrough said the platform reduces reliance on fragmented third-party systems and eliminates the need for traditional point-of-sale hardware.
CU Leasing of America Expands into Vermont in Deal With One CU
SAN DIEGO — Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA) said it is expanding into Vermont through a new partnership with One Credit Union.
The move marks the first time CULA’s leasing program will be offered through a Vermont-based credit union.
- Expands CULA’s footprint to 34 states and more than 40 credit union partners
- Provides members with lower monthly payment options through leasing
- Supports indirect auto lending strategies for credit unions
- Aims to address rising vehicle affordability challenges
CULA said leasing can offer significant savings. In 2025, average lease payments were $169 lower per month than comparable auto loans.
President Ken Sopp said affordability pressures are driving increased interest in leasing, while One Credit Union’s Vickie LaRocque said the partnership will help members better manage vehicle costs.
Experian data cited by the company shows average new vehicle payments reached $767 in late 2025, with loan terms continuing to lengthen.
Addition Financial CU Selects Raymond James Financial Services
LAKE MARY, Fla. — Addition Financial Credit Union has partnered with Raymond James Financial Services to expand wealth management services for members, the credit union said.
The new program, Addition Financial Wealth Management, will offer a range of investment and planning services.
- Retirement and financial planning
- Portfolio and investment management
- Investment banking services
- Business planning support
CEO Kevin Miller said the partnership will provide members with “easy-to-use digital tools” and access to financial advisors.
The credit union is also adding a team of advisors led by Jayar Williams, who has more than 20 years of experience in wealth management.
Raymond James said the collaboration will combine its technology and advisory capabilities with Addition Financial’s member-focused approach.
Members will be able to access accounts through a new digital platform available on multiple devices.
JM Associates FCU Selects Dolphin Debit to Manage ATM Network
HOUSTON — JM Associates Federal Credit Union has selected Dolphin Debit to manage its ATM network, the companies said.
The Florida-based credit union operates seven ATMs across multiple states and serves employees of JM Family Enterprises.
- Dolphin Debit will provide full ATM management services
- Partnership aims to improve uptime and reduce operational burden
- Credit union reported immediate cost savings
- Includes maintenance, compliance and cash management coordination
Executive Vice President Robert Griffin said the credit union previously faced operational challenges coordinating vendors.
“Partnering with Dolphin eliminated that problem,” Griffin said, adding the turnkey model allows staff to focus on member service.
Dolphin Debit said the partnership reflects a broader trend of credit unions outsourcing ATM operations to improve efficiency.
Despite industry changes, Griffin said ATMs remain a “critical touchpoint” for member access to cash and after-hours services.
Go Abacus Launches The Go 1 as an In-House AI Solution
CHICAGO — Go Abacus has launched The Go1, an on-premises artificial intelligence hardware system designed for credit unions requiring secure, in-house AI capabilities, the company said.
The company said the appliance provides a fixed-cost, scalable alternative to cloud-based AI systems.
- Supports up to 2,000 users per device
- Processes queries in under 50 milliseconds
- Includes up to eight NVIDIA GPUs and redundant system architecture
- Meets compliance standards including SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001
CEO David Moscatelli said the system is designed to deliver “secure, high-performance local AI” without requiring additional data centers.
Go Abacus said institutions using the system have reported faster processing speeds, lower compliance costs and improved operational efficiency, while maintaining full data control and auditability.
COCC, AvidXChange Partner to Provide Accounts Payable Automation Tools
SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — COCC has partnered with AvidXchange to provide accounts payable automation tools to banks and credit unions, the companies said.
The collaboration aims to replace manual, paper-based processes with digital workflows.
- Automates invoice capture, approvals and general ledger allocation
- Enables electronic payments to reduce reliance on paper checks
- Centralizes accounts payable workflows
- Supports expense management, accruals and vendor payments
COCC said the solution is designed to improve efficiency, reduce fraud risk and enhance compliance.
Chief Transformation Officer Elizabeth Caplan said the partnership offers financial institutions “a smarter way to modernize accounts payable without adding complexity.”
AvidXchange CEO Michael Praeger said the platform simplifies the path from invoice to payment while improving visibility and reducing manual work.
