The materials available in this article are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your own advisors with questions regarding Ascend FCU results. Opinions expressed in this article are of the individual authors and may not reflect the opinions of MeridianLink, Inc.
Ascend Federal Credit Union (Ascend) recently enhanced its member engagement and mortgage application experience capabilities through the successful implementation of MeridianLink® Mortgage Access. Members of the Tennessee-based credit union now enjoy a more personalized application process. Streamlined workflows have improved efficiency overall. Mortgage processing times are now five days faster on average. Closing times have also been reduced by eight days.
The MeridianLink platform enables Ascend to personalize its mortgage application experience. Processing and closing times are significantly faster. Ascend has expanded its reach to both new and existing members. Previously, manual credit and identity verification caused delays in loan applications. Now, with access to MeridianLink® Marketplace, Ascend has integrated MeridianLink® Mortgage Access with Plaid® and Equifax®, enabling quicker asset verification and seamless credit report retrieval.
Don Gilliam, VP of Mortgage Service at Ascend Federal Credit Union, highlighted the benefits of using MeridianLink solutions. He stated that the technology increases process efficiencies and improves the application experience. It also allows Ascend to provide better overall service to its members. As a customer for over nine years, Ascend is excited about the partnership’s future. Gilliam looks forward to delivering even more benefits through continued collaboration with MeridianLink.
MeridianLink Mortgage Access has improved Ascend’s application experience alongside enhancing process efficiencies. The platform includes a built-in document upload system for convenience. Members can message credit union staff directly through the application portal. It also offers a landing page where members can check their application status.
For Ascend staff, these logistical and application experience improvements translate to more time spent directly supporting members and offering additional products to help them achieve their unique financial goals. This not only benefits consumers, who enjoy a more personalized, high-touch experience, but also strengthens the credit union’s relationships with existing members. Additionally, it enhances Ascend’s mortgage lending capabilities, positioning the credit union to attract new members in the future.
Ascend Federal Credit Union has also strengthened its consumer lending and account opening processes by leveraging MeridianLink® Consumer and MeridianLink® Opening products, part of the MeridianLink® One platform. This has resulted in a simpler, more seamless experience for members to join the credit union or apply for financial products.
