New England Credit Union Services to market Centrix Financial loan program

ENGLEWOOD, Co. – The Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island Credit Union Leagues through its jointly-owned credit services firm, have agreed to market Centrix Financial, LLC’s portfolio management program. The New England Credit Union Services, LLC will pitch the program to 350 credit unions that serve three million members in the tri-state area. The portfolio management program allows for specialized financed auto loans to credit-impaired members. “The program is actively being marketed now and so far many have indicated interest,” said Rob Kimmett, senior vice president of public relations. Kimmett said NECUS chose to market Centrix’s program because of its “great reputation in terms of putting together a product that not only works well but meets the needs of those with less than perfect credit.” Through its portfolio management program (PMP), Centrix helps credit unions to finance auto loans to members with “sub-prime” credit histories. Centrix markets, underwrites, collects and insures loans against principal loss, which in turn may minimize the costs and risks traditionally, associated with non-prime and sub-prime auto loans. To date, Centrix’s program includes nearly 20,000 loans totaling $365 million. Sixteen credit union leagues have partnered with Centrix. The PMP allows credit unions to increase their return on assets, increase their loan share ratio while providing a “needed service to the financially underserved,” said Robert Sutton, Centrix’s chairman/CEO The auto finance market is the fastest growing sector in consumer finance pulling in $500 billion a year, according to Centrix. Financing for borrowers with limited credit histories, low income or past credit problems who are in the categories of “B” (non-prime), “C” or “D” (sub-prime) make up 30% of all U.S. credit customers. In August, the North Carolina Credit Union League and the Georgia Credit Union League through its Alliance for Credit Unions, LLC agreed to promote Centrix to its 164 and 189 credit unions, respectively.