2025 Independents Conference & Expo
May 19-22, 2025
Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa
Huntington Beach, CA
SURF CITY, HERE WE COME!
AFSA is Goin’ to Surf City, Gonna Have Some Fun
Join AFSA in “Surf City” at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa in Huntington Beach, California for the 2025 INDEPENDENT CONFERENCE & EXPO
Each day from May 19th to May 22nd will feature fast-paced and informative keynote sessions, thoughtful committee meetings, and engaging networking opportunities.
– Explore business strategies with industry leaders and colleagues.
– Participate in panels and committee meetings.
– Network along the beautiful Californian Coast
This is the must-attend conference for Independents in the town where they never roll the streets up ‘cause there’s always something goin’
Registration Prices:
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AFSA Member
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$1,800
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AFSA Non-Member
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$2,800
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First Time Attendee (Member Only)
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$1,350
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Committee/Board Member
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$1,480
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Outstanding Employee
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$850
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Spouse
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$850
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AGENDA
Tentative Schedule – Subject to Change
Monday, May 19
| 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | AFSA Registration Center | |
| 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Law Committee Invitation Only Sponsored by |
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| 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Business Partner Board Invitation Only |
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| 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
ORCC Committee Sponsored by |
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| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Independents Advisory Board Invitation Only |
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| 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | ORCC & SGA Reception | |
| 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Law Committee Dinner Invitation Only Dinner sponsored by |
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| 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | AFSAPAC Event Invitation Only |
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Tuesday, May 20
| 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | AFSA Registration Center | |
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | HR Networking Group | |
| 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
SGA Committee Sponsored by |
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| 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Independents Auto Finance Executive Group Breakfast/Meeting Invitation OnlySponsored by  |
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| 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Leadership Development Program Steering Committee | |
| 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Edge Advisory Board | |
| 10:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Law Committee & Lunch Invitation OnlySponsored by  |
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| 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | AFSAEF Board Meeting/Lunch | |
| 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Executive Committee/Lunch Invitation Only |
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| 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Ancillary Product Working Group | |
| 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
AFSA Board of Directors Sponsored by |
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| 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Women’s Leadership Council Invitation Only Sponsored by  Refreshments sponsored by  |
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| 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
Welcome Party with Exhibitors Reception sponsored |
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| 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
Dinner, PAC Auction & Dance Party Dinner sponsored by |
Wednesday, May 21
| 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | AFSA Registration Center | |
| 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Marketing & Communications Committee | |
| 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. |
Breakfast with Exhibitors Sponsored by |
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| 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
General Session: Welcome & Keynote Address Speaker: Sponsored by |
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| 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
Refreshments with Exhibitors Sponsored by |
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| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | General Session: Public Policy Update Speakers: Danielle Arlowe, SVP, AFSA Celia Winslow, EVP, AFSASponsored by  |
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| 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Luncheon with Exhibitors Sponsored by |
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| 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
General Session: Industry Pulse Sponsored by |
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| 1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. |
Refreshments with Exhibitors Sponsored by |
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| 2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
General Session: CEO Roundtable Sponsored by |
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| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Operations Networking Group | |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Independents Accounting Committee | |
| 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Reception with Exhibitors Entertainment sponsored by |
Thursday, May 22
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | AFSA Registration Center | |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast | |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. |
RSM Survey Results Sponsored by |
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| 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Emerging Fraud Trends for 2025: What Lenders Can Do About Them Speaker: |
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| 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
Refreshment Break Sponsored by |
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| 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Champions Club & Outstanding Employee Awards Speaker: Sponsored by See this year’s Outstanding Employee Award Winners |
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| 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Luncheon for All | |
| 1:00p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
AFSA Golf Outing Sponsored by
Don’t leave the Independents Conference too soon! Register today for the Golf Outing at Strawberry Farms Golf Club, the premier golf course in Orange County, California. Offering a challenging and fun location for golf enthusiasts, the Par-71, 6,700 yard Strawberry Farms course is set amid the gorgeous canyons of Southern California. Developed by former Los Angeles Angel Doug DeCinces and designed by Jim Lipe, award winning golf course architect, Strawberry Farms is sure to provide our golfers with the finest golf experience in Orange County.
If you have already registered for the conference but want to add on golf please reach out to Kelsey Varner at Kvarner@afsamail.org
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Hotel & Venue Information
Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa
21500 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Book your rooms here!
AFSA Discounted Hotel Rate: $339 + Tax and $10 resort fee (discounted from $42)
Hotel Cut-off Date: April 28, 2025
We encourage you to book early as the block often sells out before the cut-off date.
Reservations line: 888-591-1234
Airport Options: There are multiple airport options for arriving to Huntington Beach.
- Orange County Airport (SNA): 12 Miles (Approximately $45 on Uber)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB): 17 Miles (Approximately $90 on Uber)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 38 Miles (Approximately $95 on Uber)
UNITED
We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to our upcoming event.
You may also call United Meeting Reservation Desk at (800) 426–1122
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Saturday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations.
To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZQYZ414383
DELTA
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for American Financial Services Association
Please click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY3MB
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Car Rental: AFSA’s partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car gives AFSA attendees a 10% discount on rental cars during their visit to Huntington Beach. Click Here to access Enterprise’s web site for reservations. AFSA Discount Code: 16AH072.
If you have questions regarding the meeting feel free to contact AFSA’s Senior Director of Conferences, Michele Battaline, at 202-776-7302 or mbattaline@afsamail.org
EVENTS
Tee Off at the 2025 Independents Conference Golf Outing
Don’t leave the Independents Conference too soon! Register today for the Golf Outing on Thursday, May 22, 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm at Strawberry Farms Golf Club, the premier golf course in Orange County, Calif.
Offering a challenging and fun location for golf enthusiasts, the Par-71, 6,700 yard Strawberry Farms course is set amid the gorgeous canyons of Southern California. Developed by former Los Angeles Angel Doug DeCinces and designed by Jim Lipe, award winning golf course architect, Strawberry Farms is sure to provide our golfers with the finest golf experience in Orange County
If you have already registered for the conference, but want to add on golf please reach out to Kelsey Varner at kvarner@afsamail.org.
Course website in case you need any other info: https://www.sf-golf.com/.
Sponsored by 
President’s Club Event
(details coming soon)
AFSA PAC Auction
(details coming soon)
Speakers
Keynote Address
Coach Bill Courtney
Founder & CEO
Classic American Hardwoods
Champions Club
Greg Warren
Comedian/Podcaster
Joe Brusuelas
Chief Economist
RSM
Danielle Fagre Arlowe
Senior Vice President
AFSA
Tim Gill
Chief Economist
AFSA
Bill Himpler
President & CEO
AFSA
Kristin Karwat
CEO
Gateway Financial
Judge Lauren Lake
Emmy-winning Judge & Executive Producer
Robert McMurry
Assurance Partner
RSM
Frank McKenna
Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer
Point Predictive
Lou Musto
Consulting Partner
RSM
Ian Rehmert
CEO
Republic Finance
Jim Schneider
EVP & COO
Mariner Finance
Matt Sheehan
Assurance Partner
RSM
Dan Walters
CEO
Credit Central
Laurence Wilse-Samson
Lead Economist
Oxford Economics
Celia Winslow
Executive Vice President
AFSA
Sponsorships
There are many sponsorship and advertising opportunities. Contact Dan Bucherer at dbucherer@afsamail.org for any questions.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Resources
ABCoA | Deal Pack
Kiosk K12
ABCoA Deal Pack: Specialized loan management software for non-prime finance companies, offering real-time accounting and streamlined operations for unparalleled insights, accuracy, and performance. Trusted since 1983. Visit www.dealpack.com to learn more.
Jacksonville, FL
Evelyn Hedy | Vice President
(800) 526-5832
ACI Worldwide Inc.
Kiosk K18
ACI Worldwide offers seamless customer billing and payment experiences with integrated AI-driven fraud protection. ACI’s comprehensive solution suite also includes patented digital wallet technology, instant funding and virtual collections technology.
Elkhorn, NE
Darcy Locke | Vice President, Head of Consumer Finance Sales
(502) 648 2353
Allied Business Systems
Kiosk K20
Allied Business Systems offers API driven loan origination and management software with options and customizability that meet the needs of any lender. Integrations and configurable workflows allow lenders to scale to their business modules.
Mason, GA
Miranda Price | Vice President, Business Development
(478) 703-0863
Allied Solutions / Securian Financial
Booth 15/Kiosk K1
Allied Solutions is one of the largest providers of insurance, lending, risk management, and data-driven solutions to financial institutions in the US. Allied Solutions is a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Securian Financial Group.
Carmel, IN
Suzi Straffon | Director, Finance Company Markets
(313) 410-6523
Amsive
Booth 14
Amsive is a data-let performance marketing agency that enhances marketing ROI through innovative customer acquisition and engagement solutions.
Bolingbrook, IL
Greg Hamby | Director, Business Development
(601) 214-7331
AppOne
Booth 4
AppOne is a web-based portal that benefits lenders and dealers by providing RV, Marine, Powersports, and Automotive dealers the ability to electronically submit loan applications, receive decisions, structure loans, and print lender-specific loan documents.
Dayton, OH
Scot Rhodes | Business Development Manager
(225) 726-3930
Argyle
Kiosk K17
Argyle gives lenders direct-source access to real-time data, so they can verify income and employment faster, more reliably, and at up to 80% less cost.
New York, NY
Kevin Kessler | General Manager, Personal Lending
(908) 721-2679
Black Book
Booth 3
Black Book offers real-time vehicle valuation and pricing solutions to finance professionals, aiding accurate asset valuation, risk management, and informed decision-making in lending, leasing, or insurance assessments.
Lawrenceville, GA
Jim Jabaay | Vice President, Data Licensing
(800) 554-1026
CounselorLibrary.com
Booth 2
For over 25 years, CounselorLibrary.com, LLC, affiliated with Hudson Cook, LLP, has provided detailed analyses of federal and state laws, regulations, and litigation for the consumer financial services and information privacy industries.
Hanover, MD
Michael J. Willer | Vice President
(614) 855-0505
Crypton
Kiosk K4
Custom software development company offering a suite of proprietary services including, but not limited to: Remote eSignature, eVaulting, Texting and ID Verification using AI.
Augusta, GA
David Phillips | President
(706) 955-6407
DataOceans
Booth 1
DataOceans helps financial services companies take control of critical communications, reduce operational costs and enhance the customer experience. Our self-service platform empowers organizations to design, manage, and deliver personalized, compliant communications across key channels.
Alpharetta, GA
Lawrence Buckley | Senior Vice President, Business Development
(678) 481-9342
defi SOLUTIONS
Kiosk K6
defi SOLUTIONS has been teaming up with the most accomplished lenders in North America for decades. With robust features and no-code, self-service configuration, defi lenders solve real-world problems and forge new paths to success.
Westlake, TX
Brian Conradt | VP SMB Sales and Client Relations
(224) 575-1193
DRN | MVTRAC | SCM
Booth 19/20
LPR Data and Analytics Solutions; Recovery Solutions; and Skip Tracing & Location Services.
Fort Worth, TX
Jeremiah Wheeler | President
(817) 681-6540
F.H. Cann & Associates, Inc
Kiosk K15
F.H. Cann & Associates specializes in collections and loan servicing for independent lenders, offering customized solutions to improve recovery rates, manage delinquent accounts, and streamline servicing processes while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
Exeter, NH
Ryan OHara | Director, Business Development
(978) 701-0283
Fortegra
Booth 7
For over 45 years, Fortegra and its subsidiaries have provided risk management solutions empowering individuals and businesses worldwide. With A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent), we offer diverse insurance and warranty products.
Jacksonville, FL
Mike Ferris | Senior Vice President, Credit Protection
(904) 638-7502
Gestalt
Kiosk K5
Data as a Service. Ready-to-go data warehouse for financial institutions.
Flower Mound, TX
Stephanie Hanson | Chief Executive Officer
(817) 657-6375
GOLDPoint Systems
Booth 9
Lending Software for the complete loan life cycle, from origination, underwriting, funding, payments, servicing, collections, accounting, and securitization. Web-Based, API enabled platform facilitates integrations from any 3rd party service provider to create powerful lending solutions.
Provo, UT
Glen Twede | Executive Vice President
(801) 361-9258
IM Group Marketing
Booth 22
IM Group Marketing specializes in data-driven direct mail and omnichannel campaigns in the sub to near prime consumer lending space, leveraging precision targeting, automation, and analytics to maximize response rates, loan volume, and customer retention.
West Deptford, NJ
Seth Manley | Partner
(843) 408-5777
LAUNCHER.SOLUTIONS
Kiosk K8
LAUNCHER.SOLUTIONS’ appTRAKER™ LOS supports consumer direct lending, automotive & equipment leasing, and indirect lending. Scalable and configurable for subprime lenders, regional banks, and credit unions with integrated tools for seamless dealer and consumer engagement.
Jacksonville, FL
Ray Antunez | Director, Client Services
(904) 479-1343
Megasys
Kiosk K14
Megasys is the leader in complete loan management systems for the consumer finance industry for over 40 years. We provide customizable software platforms for finance companies of every size, from startup businesses to major corporations.
Anaheim, CA
Diana Moreau | Sales Manager
(800) 927-4490
Meridian Servicing
Kiosk K7
Pathtivity – a full suite of funding & payment solutions servicing 20 Billion transactions a year. Meridian Servicing – a 500+ US Based person loan servicing team. Agent Assist – an AI-driven speech analytics platform.
Dublin, OH
Wayne Evans | Vice President, Sales
(913) 544-4076
NETSOL Technologies Americas, Inc.
Kiosk K9
NETSOL’s Transcend Platform, powered by NETSOL, is an AI-driven unified ecosystem that revolutionizes how assets are sold, financed and leased.
Austin, TX
Faizaan Ghauri | Chief Strategy Officer
(818) 222-9195
Nortridge Software
Kiosk K16
Nortridge provides loan management software that delivers loan servicing, collections, workflow management, reporting, and statements.
Foothill Ranch, CA
Joel Kennedy | Director, Business Development
(240) 308-2169
Odessa
Booth 10
Odessa provides a next-generation auto finance software platform that helps lenders manage lease and loan originations and servicing.
Philadelphia, PA
Heather Slyman | Vice President, Sales
(636) 498-1334
Park National Bank
Booth 9
Park National Bank provides revolving lines of credit from $5-48 million. Park also has the ability to arrange larger facilities with competitive interest and advance rates serving the lower 48 states.
Columbus, OH
Jack Arthur | Vice President
(740) 352-3013
Payliance
Booth 23
Payliance simplifies lending and borrowing by optimizing payment acceptance, reducing costs, and mitigating fraud. Trusted by 350+ lenders, their Payments-as-a-Service platform processes 162M transactions annually and helps reduce charge-offs while increasing approvals.
Columbus OH
Stacey Precour | Strategic Account Manager
(469) 834-2707
Paymentus
Kiosk K11
Paymentus (NYSE: PAY) provides cloud-based bill payment and money movement technology and solutions to give consumers easy-to-use, flexible and secure electronic bill payment, experiences through their preferred payment channel and type.
Charlotte, NC
Nelly Meyer | Director, Regional Sales
(201) 445-0894
PaymentVision
Booth 6
PaymentVision is a financial services and payment processing company currently servicing thousands of financial institutions and corporate billers across the nation.
Jacksonville, FL
Scott Wittosch | Director, Sales & Partnerships
(240) 361-1621
PayNearMe
Booth 13
PayNearMe’s platform facilitates the end-to-end customer payment experience, making it easy for lenders to accept, disburse and manage payments. With PayNearMe, you can lower your total cost of acceptance, increase self-service and lower exceptions.
Santa Clara, CA
Dawn Fretwell | Director, Sales
(650) 930-1020
Penn Hill Associates
Kiosk K19
Executive Recruiting.
Pawleys Island, SC
Kevin Camell | President/CEO
(843) 267-1280
Plaid
Kiosk K10
Plaid works with direct and indirect auto lenders to automatically clear income, employment, and identity
stipulations in seconds. Auto lenders approve more borrowers, reduce operational overhead, and stop fraud with Open Banking data from Plaid.
San Francisco, CA
Nick VanBuskirk | Account Executive, Named Enterprise
(206) 589-0039
REPAY
Booth 16
REPAY provides integrated payment processing solutions to verticals that have specific transaction processing needs. REPAY’s proprietary, integrated payment technology platform reduces the complexity of electronic payments for clients, enhancing the overall experience for consumers and businesses.
Atlanta, GA
Shannon Dorrance | Senior Vice President, Consumer Finance
(470) 834-2340
RSM
Booth 12
RSM US LLP offers services to help specialty finance companies address their complex business challenges.
Through working with organizations like AFSA, we have developed an industry knowledge base to provide industry specific observations and insights.
Chicago, IL
Morris Marshburn | Partner
(919) 645-6858
Secure Title Administration, Inc.
Kiosk K13
Secure Title Administration, Inc. (STA) provides lenders with transparent control over their titles while meeting all regulatory and legislative requirements within the title administration industry. Our team of experts handle your title administration work so you don’t have to.
College Station, TX
Michelle Dyer | Director of Operations
(866) 742-1466
SentiLink
Booth 11
SentiLink, the leading provider of innovative identity and risk solutions, empowers both captive and in-direct auto lenders to identify and prevent synthetic fraud and identity theft at the top of the application funnel.
San Francisco, CA
Kyle Rohrs | Head, Auto Fraud
(408) 722-5674
Solutions by Text
Booth 17
Solutions by Text (SBT) is the pioneer of FinText™, empowering enterprise financial services companies to compliantly engage, interact and transact with their consumers in real-time.
Addison, TX
Matt Marderness | Senior Director; Enterprise Sales
(561) 325-9601
State National Companies
Kiosk K3
State National has specialized in insurance tracking for 50+ years. Our solutions minimize effort, maximize transparency, and reduce charge-offs—while delivering more in claim dollars.
Bedford, TX
Mark Baltuska | Vice President, Finance Company Markets
(817) 727-7316
Vergent LMS
Booth 18
Vergent LMS provides premier omnichannel loan management software for lending institutions and financial services organizations. Founded in 2006, Vergent LMS serves over 20,000 daily users in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
Ridgeland, MS & Plano, TX
Scott Putnam | Chief Executive Officer
(601) 919-2275
Westlake Portfolio Mangement
Booth 21
Westlake Portfolio Management (WPM), a division of Westlake Financial, offers third-party servicing solutions including payment processing, collections, asset management, and compliance support, helping lenders and financial institutions optimize portfolio performance and ensure regulatory compliance.
Los Angeles, CA
Abigail Goss | Director, Sales
(832) 242-2428
Winnow
Booth 8
Winnow is a database-driven RegTech platform that provides subscribers with accurate topic-driven surveys and automated compliance change management. Winnow catalogs over 80,000 individual requirements maintained by an experienced team of attorneys and professionals.
Anaheim Hills, CA
Wendy Lovett | Vice President, Sales & Business Development
(949) 674-4909