Utilizing Data, Machine Learning and AI

In this technical presentation at ABS West Summit, Sri provided a balanced analysis of implementing data science and AI in small business lending, going beyond the typical industry focus on efficiency gains. While acknowledging the clear benefits of alternative data—increased processing speed, consistent decision-making, and reduced operational costs—Sri emphasized a often-overlooked strategic advantage: the importance of deliberately including lending outliers in your portfolio. Drawing from practical experience scaling data-driven lending operations, he demonstrated how accommodating edge cases and non-traditional borrowers not only expands market opportunity but actually strengthens predictive models over time by increasing data diversity and reducing algorithmic bias. The presentation challenged conventional wisdom about risk management, showing how overly narrow AI models can create blind spots that limit both business growth and model robustness. Sri's insights helped attendees understand how to build more inclusive and ultimately more successful lending algorithms that serve a broader range of small businesses while maintaining strong performance metrics.