The Atlantic Federal Credit Union (The Atlantic FCU) has officially made history in the financial technology space, becoming the first credit union in the nation to go live with consumer lending on the MANTL Loan Origination Platform.
The Springfield-based institution, which has served Essex and Union counties since 1935, launched the new system on Jan. 22. This move marks a major leap forward for the credit union, allowing it to offer a completely unified digital experience for members—from opening a simple savings account to securing a complex auto or personal loan.
By integrating MANTL’s technology, The Atlantic FCU has effectively removed the traditional “friction” of loan applications. The platform automates eligibility and membership enrollment in real-time, meaning residents of Essex and Union counties can now join the credit union and apply for a loan in a single, streamlined session.
The new suite of automated loan products includes:
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Vehicle loans: Traditional auto and specialty vehicle financing.
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Personal finance: Personal loans and lines of credit.
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Credit cards: Instant application and decisioning for credit products.
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Secured loans: Share- and certificate-secured lending options.
“MANTL Loan Origination is enhancing our lending process by enabling us to deliver a seamless, secure, and fully automated journey,” Adam Cadmus, chief experience officer at The Atlantic FCU said. “By leveraging MANTL for both deposits and loans, we’re creating a unified, end-to-end journey that scales our member experience.”
The Atlantic FCU didn’t just buy a product; they helped build it. The credit union was part of an exclusive development cohort of 10 financial institutions that collaborated with Alkami’s MANTL team to design the platform from the ground up. This partnership ensured the software was purpose-built to replace the slow, manual “legacy” systems that have long hindered community banks and credit unions.
“Their partnership throughout development accelerated our ability to expand the MANTL Platform,” Benjamin Conant, chief product officer at Alkami and co-founder of MANTL. “This launch establishes a blueprint for how credit unions can unify deposits and lending.”
Founded during the Great Depression by AT&T Western Electric employees in Kearny, The Atlantic FCU has a long legacy of using technology to empower its members. Under the leadership of CEO Anthony Mero, the credit union has grown into one of New Jersey’s most tech-forward institutions, recently celebrating its 90th anniversary.
Looking ahead, the credit union plans to expand the platform’s capabilities to include real estate lending, such as home equity loans and HELOCs, further solidifying its role as a digital-first leader in the New Jersey financial landscape.
To learn more about MANTL Loan Origination, visit here.
