In 2024, nearly half of credit unions cited employee recruitment and retention as a top concern — signaling that manual, outdated lending processes aren’t just inefficient, they’re putting talent and institutional knowledge at risk. Pair that with rising regulatory demands, shrinking credit talent pools, and outdated systems, and the challenge is clear: modern lending operations are being asked to do more with less.
So what’s the next move?
Institutions that thrive are embracing scalable, efficient solutions that reduce manual work, support new talent, and build audit-ready portfolios from day one. That’s where Square 1 Credit Suite comes in — not just as software, but as a strategic partner for lenders who are ready to grow.
Scale Smart
Many credit unions delay digital transformation, assuming it has to be massive and immediate. But the truth is, waiting to grow before improving your tech stack often backfires. The longer you rely on spreadsheets and workarounds, the more painful the transition becomes.
Manual tax return spreading and document-chasing eat into the hours your team could be spending on underwriting, member relationships, and growth.
At Suntell, we help credit unions start with what matters most. One credit union might begin with financial spreading. Another might launch a loan presentation workflow. Square 1 Credit Suite builds piece by piece, with your priorities and capacity in mind. And when you’re ready to go all in, we’re ready too — offering a full-suite transformation that scales with your credit union’s strategic plan.
Flexible Technology That Works With You
Square 1 was built by lenders, for lenders. That means:
- Custom Grids allow you to embed your Excel-based tools right into the system.
- Modular implementation means you only buy what you need, when you need it.
- Configurable workflows mirror your credit process — not someone else’s idea of how you should operate.
Credit unions benefit most when their technology enhances existing strengths rather than forcing conformity.
Closing The Talent Gap
With senior lending professionals retiring and younger hires expecting modern systems, credit unions need tools that bridge experience gaps — not widen them.
Square 1 does that by:
- Guiding new hires through standardized, smart workflows.
- Automating routine tasks like tax return spreading and exception tracking.
- Freeing senior staff to mentor instead of micromanaging.
When teams are supported by intuitive systems, they ramp up faster and perform with greater consistency.
Audit-Ready, Every Day
Manual processes create audit stress. Square 1 creates audit readiness.
One Square 1 client recently shaved an 11-day regulatory exam down to just 4.5 days. Examiners found what they needed fast, without scrambling or delays. With documentation centralized and exception reports always current, the system didn’t just pass the exam — it impressed.
Quick Checklist: Are You Audit-Ready?
- Centralized and searchable credit files.
- Automated exception tracking.
- Consistent loan presentations.
- Digital audit trail and documentation.
- Real-time reporting.
What Happens After The Sale Matters Most
A flashy demo won’t get your team through implementation. Real support will.
At Suntell, our onboarding and support team isn’t just tech-savvy — they’re lending pros. They’ve prepped for loan committee with three hours’ notice. They’ve walked through audits. They’ve lived the lender experience. That’s why our partnerships last long after “go-live.”
Support at Suntell means:
- Clear implementation plans.
- Personalized team training.
- Ongoing updates and guidance.
- Direct access to people who know your credit union.
The most successful credit unions choose partners who remain actively engaged well after implementation is complete.
Don’t Settle For “Good Enough”
If you’re relying on legacy tools, manual workflows, or outdated templates, you’re not just holding back efficiency — you’re risking growth, morale, and compliance.
Square 1 Credit Suite helps you move from:
- Patching to planning.
- Compliance anxiety to audit confidence.
- Burnout to momentum.
It’s the system I wish I’d had during my 35 years in the industry. And it’s the system I recommend to credit unions that want to build smarter, more resilient lending operations today.
Let’s build something better — starting at Square 1.
About The Author: Kerry Ronquillo is the Senior Director of Business Development at Suntell. With more than three decades in commercial lending and credit operations, Kerry brings deep industry insight and a passion for helping credit unions thrive.
