Alex McLeod
Parlay CEO & Founder
Alex McLeod is the Founder and CEO of Parlay Finance, an AI-native Loan Intelligence System backed by investors including JAM FINTOP, Fenway Summer, and Commerce Ventures. Parlay serves as the intelligence layer for banks and credit unions, transforming how they handle small-business and SBA intake through smarter, faster AI-powered decisioning. A three-time founder, technologist, and TEDx speaker, Alex has partnered with lenders nationwide to expand access to capital and modernize lending operations. She writes and speaks on the future of AI in finance, believing it will transform banking if designed right -- or be its undoing.
2026 Agenda Sessions
Is SMB lending the biggest missed opportunity in fintech?
SMBs make up the majority of businesses globally, yet still struggle to access credit that fits their needs. Traditional lenders cite high servicing costs and lack of data, while many fintechs focus elsewhere. The result? A massive market gap with underserved demand and clunky user journeys.
That’s changing fast. Fintechs and vertical platforms are now embedding credit directly into the tools SMBs already use, like POS, payroll, and invoicing systems. This session explores how contextual underwriting, real-time cash flow models, and flexible repayment terms are helping SMBs access smarter, faster credit, without leaving their workflows.
Takeaways:
• Understand why SMB lending has been historically overlooked—and why it matters now.
• Learn how fintechs and platforms are embedding credit into real business tools.
• Explore how modern data models are reshaping underwriting and risk.
Monday 30 March 16:15 - 16:55 Lending
Alternative Capital & Investment
Data & Personalization
Embedded Finance
That’s changing fast. Fintechs and vertical platforms are now embedding credit directly into the tools SMBs already use, like POS, payroll, and invoicing systems. This session explores how contextual underwriting, real-time cash flow models, and flexible repayment terms are helping SMBs access smarter, faster credit, without leaving their workflows.
Takeaways:
• Understand why SMB lending has been historically overlooked—and why it matters now.
• Learn how fintechs and platforms are embedding credit into real business tools.
• Explore how modern data models are reshaping underwriting and risk. Lending US/Pacific
