Overview

Led the transformation of Cox Automotive's fragmented lending system into a unified credit platform, scaling to $130M+ annual revenue while processing 16.8M+ loan applications. The platform serves 20,000+ automotive dealers with automated lending decisions and compliance workflows.

Challenge

Cox Automotive faced several critical challenges with its lending infrastructure:

5 separate credit application systems causing operational inefficiency
Manual credit review processes exposing sensitive financial data
Complex multi-partner integrations threatening dealer workflows
High operational costs from redundant API calls
Regulatory compliance risks from inconsistent processes

Solution Architecture

Developed a comprehensive solution with three key components:

Multi-tenant API Framework
- Built unified settings API serving 100+ enterprise clients
- Implemented role-based authentication with Bridge OAuth
- Created real-time monitoring system with AWS Lambda
- Established standardized integration patterns
AI-Powered Decision Engine
- Automated credit decisions while maintaining compliance
- Built two-tier security architecture for sensitive data
- Integrated automated KYC/AML/OFAC screening
- Implemented real-time fraud detection
Partner Integration Layer
- Developed multi-tenant orchestration layer
- Reduced integration time from 3 months to 3 weeks
- Eliminated millions of unnecessary API calls
- Created standardized partner onboarding process

Impact & Results

Business Metrics

Revenue Growth: Scaled to $130M+ annual revenue
Transaction Volume: Processed 16.8M+ loan applications
Cost Reduction: Achieved 15% operational cost savings
Platform Reliability: Maintained 99.9% uptime

Technical Achievements

Reduced partner integration time by 87%
Eliminated millions of redundant API calls
Automated compliance checks (KYC/AML/OFAC)
Improved system scalability through microservices

User Impact

Streamlined dealer workflows
Reduced credit decision time from hours to seconds
Enhanced data security and compliance
Improved partner visibility into application status

Key Learnings

Technical Architecture
- Importance of flexible, multi-tenant design
- Value of real-time monitoring and alerts
- Need for standardized integration patterns
- Benefits of microservices architecture
Product Strategy
- Balance between customization and standardization
- Importance of security in financial products
- Value of automated compliance workflows
- Need for scalable partner integration
Team Leadership
- Importance of cross-functional alignment
- Value of clear technical communication
- Need for balanced stakeholder management
- Benefits of incremental delivery

Future Opportunities

Expand AI/ML capabilities for risk assessment
Enhance fraud detection systems
Develop additional partner integrations
Implement advanced analytics and reporting

Tech Stack

Backend: Python, AWS Lambda
Infrastructure: AWS, Microservices
Security: OAuth 2.0, KYC/OFAC
Monitoring: New Relic, Splunk

Scaling Enterprise Lending Platform at Cox Automotive