Lenders turn to AI to streamline dealer portals, accelerate funding 

Auto lenders are integrating automation technology to enhance income verification, reduce fraud and improve the dealership experience. 

Auto lenders are increasingly turning to AI and automation technology to modernize their dealer-facing platforms, to reduce funding delays and improve efficiency across the loan origination process. 

Several finance sources — including captives and independent lenders — have partnered with automation providers and document automation platforms to enhance core capabilities within their dealer portals. These enhancements include instant income calculation, automated stipulation clearance and real-time fraud detection, all designed to streamline document processing and minimize friction in the funding pipeline. 

The shift reflects a growing industry trend toward digitalization and workflow automation as lenders look to gain a competitive edge and respond to dealer demands for faster, simpler transactions. 

“We’re seeing a strong push across the industry to reduce manual review and improve document verification at the point of funding,” document automation platform Informed Chief Executive Justin Wickett said.  

How document automation works 

AI-powered tools integrate directly into dealer portals, where users can upload documents such as paystubs or bank statements. The system automatically extracts and analyzes the data to calculate income, verify authenticity and flag discrepancies that may indicate misrepresentation. Some platforms also automate the clearance of stipulations and instantly notify dealers of any missing or incorrect documents — eliminating back-and-forth between underwriters and dealers. 

Lenders report that these tools have helped: 

• Shorten funding time; 

• Reduce manual workload on dealer and lender staff; 

• Minimize the risk of fraud-related losses; and 

• Improve the consistency and accuracy of income assessments. 

Lenders are increasingly turning to third-party solutions to build dealer portals. Early adopters like Ally Financial, Consumer Portfolio Services, GM Financial and Exeter are already leveraging verification tools, while others in the industry are pursuing similar partnerships and integrations as part of their broader digital transformation strategies. 

Some lenders are incorporating AI into their dealer portals to provide instant feedback and API-based configurations that create a more seamless experience for dealers. F&I managers have emphasized the importance of real-time feedback and visibility into loan status, noting that intuitive dealer portals significantly streamline the process for both dealers and lenders. 

A broader digital push 

Automation in dealer portals is part of a larger trend in auto finance, as lenders explore AI-driven underwriting, digital contracting and embedded compliance tools. With tightening margins and rising risk management concerns, many lenders see intelligent automation as a path to operational efficiency and better dealer relationships. 

“This is about more than just speed,” said one auto lending executive familiar with the rollouts. “It’s about giving our dealer partners tools they can rely on — so they can focus on selling cars, not chasing paperwork.” 

As the technology continues to mature and adoption expands, experts expect automation to become a standard feature in dealer-lender interactions, shaping the future of auto finance workflows. 

Jessica Gonzalez is the vice president of lending strategies at Informed.IQ and has more than 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry, including tenures at Santander Consumer USA and Visa. 

Content sponsored by Informed.IQ