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Agora Data Co-Founder, President, and Chief Operating Officer Matt Burke recently joined the Used Car News Podcast with host Jeffrey Bellant to discuss his new role as President of the National Automotive Finance Association, the organization’s 30-year history, and key auto finance trends.
The conversation covered Burke’s background in the business, how Agora approaches dealer participation in auto finance portfolios, and what he sees ahead for the industry as technology and risk dynamics continue to evolve.
From Industry Roots to Leadership at NAF
Burke’s connection to auto finance runs deep.
He shared that his father, Steve Burke, CEO of Agora Data, was one of the founding members of the NAF Association, which naturally introduced Matt to the industry early on. After spending years in the retail automotive space, Matt Burke transitioned into the finance side, where he found a strong fit for both the operational and entrepreneurial aspects of the business.
That experience now informs Matt’s leadership approach, especially as he steps into the role of NAF President during a period of rapid industry change.
How Agora Approaches Dealer Participation
During the discussion, Matt explained how Agora is focused on giving dealers a greater role in the performance of their auto contracts.
Rather than simply originating contracts and moving on, dealers have the ability to:
- Contribute contracts into a broader portfolio
- Track performance over time
- Participate in additional loan profit
The model is designed to be simple on the front end, while creating more long-term value behind the scenes. Matt compared it to a flexible investment approach, where dealers can decide when to prioritize liquidity and when to focus on building their portfolio.
A Focus on Transparency, Collaboration and Alignment
Matt emphasized that dealers want more visibility into how their contracts perform and how value is created across the transaction lifecycle.
He also pointed to the importance of alignment across all participants in the transaction, including dealers, finance companies, and capital providers. That same idea carries into his work with NAF, where collaboration across the industry is a central priority.
Expanding Engagement Through NAF Networks
As part of his leadership focus, Matt discussed the importance of keeping industry engagement active beyond the annual NAF conference.
One of the ways this is being addressed is through NAF Networks, smaller groups within the association that allow professionals to connect more frequently.
These groups bring together participants across different areas of the business to share insights on topics such as:
- Leadership and organizational strategy
- Risk management and fraud trends
- Operational challenges
The goal is to create more consistent dialogue across the auto finance industry and provide a space for ongoing knowledge sharing.
Artificial Intelligence in Auto Finance
When asked about current trends, Matt pointed to artificial intelligence as a major area of focus.
He noted that AI is already being used to identify patterns in contract data, including cases of potential income misrepresentation.
At the same time, he acknowledged that AI introduces new risks.
These include:
- More sophisticated forms of fraud
- Questions around model accuracy
- The need for proper oversight and governance
According to Matt Burke, the challenge for the industry is to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that new tools are used effectively while maintaining compliance and accuracy.
Fraud Prevention as a Shared Responsibility
The discussion also touched on the role of dealers in identifying potential issues during the origination process.
- Dealers
- Finance companies
- Risk and compliance teams
This approach reinforces the need for communication and coordination across the industry, as fraud prevention strategies continue to evolve.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation wrapped up, Matt highlighted the importance of staying connected as an industry.
With ongoing changes in technology, regulation, and market conditions, he emphasized that collaboration will play a key role in navigating what comes next.
Through expanded engagement efforts and continued focus on innovation, organizations like NAF aim to help industry participants stay informed, aligned, and prepared.
Listen to the Full Podcast
Want to hear the full conversation?
Listen to Matt Burke’s interview with Used Car News Podcast host Jeffrey Bellant to learn more about his perspective on National Automotive Finance Association leadership, AI in auto finance, and how collaboration is shaping the future of the industry.