Alliant Credit Union’s Mortgage Makeover Pays Off with Record-Breaking Lending Surge

Alliant Credit Union just proved what a modern mortgage machine can do. In the first half of 2025, the Chicago-based credit union closed $628.8 million in 1-4 family mortgage loans, more than doubling its production from the same period last year—a 158% year-over-year increase.

June 2025 alone saw $145.7 million in volume across 236 households, a single-month record for Alliant’s direct lending channel.

The catalyst? A bold mortgage transformation initiative, launched in late 2023, that turned the credit union’s lending arm into a lean, digital-first operation—complete with a new origination system, expanded loan offerings, and an in-house operations team.

From Legacy to Digital-First in Under a Year

Alliant’s transformation kicked off with a December 2023 launch of a direct lending platform built to reduce friction across the mortgage process—from onboarding to closing. The new tech stack includes:

• A streamlined loan origination system with a single system of record
• End-to-end digital mortgage experience, from application to funding
• In-house mortgage operations team to boost speed and service
• Expanded product offerings: FHA, VA, doctor loans, construction loans
• A revamped secondary marketing desk to tap liquidity from institutional investors

In an industry long plagued by fragmented systems and tedious paper-based processes, Alliant’s end-to-end revamp stands out—especially for a credit union. It’s a signal that tech-first lending isn’t just for the fintech disruptors or top-tier banks anymore.

By the Numbers: A Mid-Year Look

That kind of leap isn’t just the result of a hot housing market—it reflects a fundamental operational shift. And with interest rates still volatile and competition heating up, having a nimble, responsive lending platform can be the difference between capturing demand or missing it entirely.

Tech-Enabled Lending, Credit Union Values

While fintechs chase scale and banks fight inertia, Alliant is showing that credit unions can innovate too, blending member-first service with digital infrastructure built for growth. The focus on speed, customization, and product flexibility has helped attract a wider member base—and made Alliant more competitive on a national level.

“It is an honor to be part of a team that has embraced transformational change,” said Dan Bauer, Head of Residential Lending at Alliant. “Our strong momentum will allow us to build upon the progress made, unleashing new opportunities to wow our members and do good for the members, colleagues, and communities we serve.”

As it enters the second half of 2025, Alliant plans to scale its reach and continue refining its product suite. The strong early results offer a proof of concept not only for Alliant’s team—but for other credit unions watching from the sidelines.

In an industry where many still struggle with outdated tech and clunky member experiences, Alliant’s playbook shows how to modernize without losing mission or member trust.