Simplifying data, enhancing user experience: Liam Gray, Account Management Leader, Plaid

At FTT Lending last month we had the chance to sit down with Liam Gray, Account Management Leader, Plaid for an insightful conversation about how Plaid is helping shape the future of lending. As the leader of the Account Management and Customer Growth team at Plaid, Liam offered a behind-the-scenes look at how the company is partnering with lenders to support borrowers through every stage of their financial journey—from onboarding and underwriting to disbursement and repayment.

A core focus for Plaid is improving how data flows across platforms—seamlessly, securely, and with minimal friction for the end user. By providing standardised, categorised financial data, Plaid enables lenders to make more accurate and consistent lending decisions. Whether it’s a local lender in Europe or a large institution in North America, Plaid ensures that underwriting practices can scale across regions with the same level of confidence and efficiency.

Looking toward the horizon, Liam highlighted two game-changing technologies poised to transform lending: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Variable Recurring Payments (VRPs). AI is enabling lenders to offer highly personalised insights and smarter decision-making based on real-time financial data. Meanwhile, VRPs are opening the door to more flexible repayment options for borrowers—a move that could significantly improve financial wellness and reduce default rates. According to Liam, these innovations are just the beginning of a more agile and user-centric lending landscape.

If you’d like to hear more from Liam and dive deeper into the conversation, you can watch the full interview.

Join us at the FTT Fintech Festival on 10-11 November at The Brewery, London. Engage in insightful discussions on the latest trends and opportunities shaping the future of fintech. Don’t miss this chance to connect with industry leaders and explore the innovations driving change in financial technology.