5 questions with … Reggie Branch, Arvest Bank senior director of indirect lending 

Reggie Branch, senior director of indirect lending at Arvest Bank, is striving to lead his team with kind, transparent and dignified communication, while encouraging investments in data and analytics to support the bank’s growth.

“I have been in too many situations where ‘leaders’ were not honest,” Branch told Auto Finance News. 

Branch’s career spans more than 30 years in auto finance, including roles with Ford Motor Credit, United Auto Credit, Exeter Finance, BBVA U. .S. .A. and PNC, according to his LinkedIn profile. 

After joining Arvest in October 2022, Branch contributed to the bank’s more than $900 million in originations in 2023, which were up 125% year over year, Branch previously told AFN. He said that originations for the Bentonville, Ark.-based bank are expected to grow slightly in 2024 following the bank’s decision to expand its rate sheet after double year-over-year growth last year.  

Arvest Bank’s auto outstandings totaled $1.5 billion in 2023 and it ranked as the 107th largest bank by outstanding volume at yearend, according to the latest Big Wheels Ranking data.  

 AFN spoke with Branch about his career and his approach to leadership and technology. . What follows is an edited version of the conversation.  

Auto Finance News: What is Arvest’s company goal? 

Reggie Branch: Our mission statement at Arvest is “people helping people find financial solutions for life.” We uphold this mission by putting the customer first and being active in the communities we serve. . We strive to continuously innovate and improve our products and services, keeping customers at the center of everything we do. . We invest in our associates to better prepare them to meet the needs of our customers now and in the future. 

AFN: How is Arvest enhancing the lending experience for its auto consumers? 

RB: We’re building up digital channels, specifically for our [non-checking account-type] consumers and giving them a better opportunity to manage their loans and have a more digital presence. . That’s something that we’ve taken on so they can make a payment, see what [their] balance is, look at [their] payment history, request assistance on a loan or communicate with us electronically, and not always having to pick up a phone to do so. 

AFN: What do you think is the most underrated lending trend? 

RB: I believe the importance of advanced analytics is something that many lenders overlook. . Everyone has limited resources, but analytics doesn’t receive the prioritization that it should.  

AFN: What is your favorite piece of leadership advice ever received? 

RB: “When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. . When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” This quote by Thomas Sowell is how I have led teams during my career. . I believe leaders should communicate honestly with their teams and provide feedback in a way that is respectful, dignified and kind.  

AFN: Who has had the biggest influence on your career? 

RB: This one is easy. . Definitely my wife, Bridget. . She is my best friend. . Not only did she sacrifice her career ambitions to take care of our family and support my career, but she is also my best adviser. . She has provided insight into so many situations, which has helped me become the leader that I am today. . Without her, I don’t believe I would have experienced many of the opportunities that came my way. 

Auto Finance Summit, the premier industry event for auto lending and leasing, returns Oct. 7-9 at Wynn Las Vegas. . To learn more about the 2024 event and register, visit www. .AutoFinanceSummit.com.