Mark Ritter sits down with Eben Sheaffer on Credit Union Conversations, talking credit union lending. Eben shares his journey from Wall Street finance to CDFI leadership, explaining how working capital financing and adaptive reuse lending are reshaping underserved communities across the country. From a groundbreaking securitization in equipment financing to revitalizing Detroit through impact-driven loans, Eben reveals why credit unions hold a natural edge in accounts receivable financing for small businesses. A candid look at the K-shaped economy rounds out this insightful conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Eben Sheaffer shares his origin story and unexpected path into community development credit unions
  • 05:51 Consulting work today, including equipment financing and a first-of-its-kind securitization deal
  • 06:56 Adaptive reuse lending and revitalizing vacant Detroit neighborhoods through impact investment
  • 10:19 Navigating volatile interest rates, inflation swings, and the realities of the K-shaped economy
  • 13:03 Running a CDFI in New York City and competing with large banks down the street
  • 20:56 Best opportunities ahead in working capital financing for credit unions and CDFI lenders

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Credit union lending thrives when institutions lean into working capital financing and accounts receivable deals.
  • Adaptive reuse lending offers a lower carbon path to solving housing shortages in cities like Detroit.
  • Understanding the K-shaped economy helps credit unions serve every segment of their community, not just the top.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter – LinkedIn
Andrew Wilson – LinkedIn
Eben Sheaffer – LinkedIn
Gotham Impact Advisors – Website

Mark Ritter is the CEO of MBFS and an expert in credit unions and business lending. His primary role at MBFS is overseeing the strategy of helping credit unions assist members with business needs and consulting with credit unions on planning the delivery of services to their membership.