MeridianLink LIVE! 2026 brought more than 1,400 attendees to San Diego for several days of conversations centered around digital lending, automation, AI, and the future of the member experience. MeridianLink CEO Larry Katz welcomed attendees by emphasizing the company’s focus on “lending made human,” highlighting the importance of combining technology with trust, relationships, and real human connection as MeridianLink continues serving financial institutions that collectively support roughly half of all credit union members nationwide. He was candid about both customer successes and areas where MeridianLink is continuing to evolve based on client feedback.
The keynote stage featured a wide range of perspectives throughout the conference. Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk reflected on perseverance, overcoming bullying, and the mental health challenges that can accompany success, delivering a message that balanced humor, honesty, and encouragement. Jake Wood, founder of Team Rubicon and Groundswell, focused on leadership, crisis management, and building strong organizational culture. HousingWire lead analyst Logan Mohtashami closed out the event with a data-driven look at the mortgage and housing market, helping attendees better understand the economic forces influencing rates, housing demand, and lending activity moving forward.
Breakout sessions and workshops remained active throughout the week, with strong attendance across tracks focused on digital growth, personalization, operational efficiency, mortgage lending, and AI. Eric Steinhoff highlighted how Scienaptic AI is helping introduce more advanced AI-driven auto loan scoring and pricing capabilities, reducing manual processes while improving decisioning. Tanya Romales of Suncoast Credit Union spoke to a full room about the ways AI agents are being used to improve efficiency and strengthen fraud prevention efforts in auto lending. JB Orecchia of SavvyMoney facilitated a panel discussion featuring Anthony Fletcher, CUDE from American Airlines Federal Credit Union and David Schneck from McCoy Federal Credit Union, focused on how SavvyMoney’s integration with MeridianLink is helping institutions deepen engagement, grow deposits, and support member financial wellness initiatives.
The main stage also remained busy with sessions led by MeridianLink executives including Troy Coggiola, Denise Cox, JP Kelly, Megan Lewis Pulliam, Wesley Zauner, and others who shared product updates, roadmap discussions, and insights into MeridianLink’s continued investment in automation, data-driven decisioning, and digital lending experiences. Across breakout sessions, customer panels, and workshops, credit union professionals shared practical strategies around member acquisition, operational efficiency, instant decisioning, and personalized engagement.
Outside of the sessions, the vendor showcase stayed active throughout the event and provided opportunities for meaningful conversations with industry partners and lending leaders. It was great connecting with representatives from several CUInsight partners, including Allied Solutions LLC, Coviance, Scienaptic AI, Securian Financial, SWBC, and TruStage.
The conference also created plenty of opportunities for networking and celebration. Tuesday evening featured the Arc Award presentation and a rousing evening of dueling pianos, while Wednesday night’s special event aboard the USS Midway gave attendees a memorable setting to continue conversations and build connections across the industry. You can view the full Arc Award winners press release here.
Thank you to Larry and the entire MeridianLink team for their hospitality throughout the week. This was my first MeridianLink LIVE!, and based on the experience, I certainly don’t expect it to be my last.
Learn more about MeridianLink by visiting their CUInsight Collaborator page.
