AFSA is celebrating Women’s History Month by featuring outstanding female leaders in the consumer credit industry.
What has been the most important lesson?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my career in auto finance and fraud prevention is that relationships and trust are the foundation of everything we do. Technology and analytics play a critical role in our industry, but it’s the people behind the work, collaborating, solving problems, and supporting one another that truly move the industry forward.
Early in my career, I was fortunate to work alongside leaders who encouraged me to speak up, ask questions, and trust my perspective, even when I was one of the few women in the room. That encouragement helped shape the confidence I carry into the work I do today with lenders, dealers, and partners across the industry.
If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be simple: don’t wait for permission to lead. Trust your instincts, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who believe in lifting others up.
Auto finance has long been a relationship-driven industry, and I’m proud to see more women stepping into leadership roles and supporting one another along the way. The more we share our experiences and open doors for the next generation, the stronger our industry becomes.
Women’s History Month | Ronda Cepeda
Mar 10, 2026
AFSA is celebrating Women’s History Month by featuring outstanding female leaders in the consumer credit industry.
What has been the most important lesson?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my career in auto finance… Read the rest
April White Paper: Marketing Checks
Mar 10, 2026
AFSA’s State Government Affairs April white paper highlights marketing checks. Marketing checks, also known as “live checks,” offer consumers convenient access to fully amortized installment credit through firm offers made only after… Read the rest
Congresswoman Kim Spotlights AFSA During Hearing
Mar 10, 2026
Last week, AFSA sent a letter to the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions regarding this week’s hearing, “Fighting Fraud on the Front Lines: Challenges and Opportunities for Financial Institution.” AFSA’s letter highlights the… Read the rest
AFSA Webinar | Rethinking Auto Recoveries: The Role of Secured Debt Sales in Today’s Market
Mar 06, 2026
BUSINESS PARTNER WEBINAR
Rethinking Auto Recoveries: The Role of Secured Debt Sales in Today’s Market
March 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET
As auto lenders navigate rising delinquencies, evolving consumer expectations, and increased regulatory… Read the rest
AFSA Testifies at IRS Public Hearing on Vehicle Finance Interest Tax Deduction
Mar 05, 2026
On February 24, AFSA staff testified at an IRS Public Hearing on regulations implementing the new tax deduction for vehicle finance interest. This tax deduction was enacted as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in July 2025. Since that time,… Read the rest
AFSA Submits Comment on CFPB Complaint Database Issues
Mar 05, 2026
On March 2, AFSA submitted comments on an information request from the CFPB regarding its Consumer Response Intake Form. The CFPB routinely requests for comments on this information request, and AFSA takes the opportunity to share our observations… Read the rest
AFSA to Congress: Close Debt Settlement Loopholes
Mar 04, 2026
AFSA Webinar | Trust, but Verify: Why Title & Lien Validation is the Missing Link in Lender Fraud Prevention
Mar 04, 2026
BUSINESS PARTNER WEBINAR
TRUST, BUT VERIFY: WHY TITLE & LIEN VALIDATION IS THE MISSING LINK IN LENDER FRAUD PREVENTION
APRIL 9, 2026 AT 2:00 P.M. ET
Lenders today verify income, identity, employment, and even driver’s licenses — yet the… Read the rest
Credit Where Credit Is Due: Celebrating Women in Consumer Finance
Mar 03, 2026
March is Women’s History Month, when we celebrate the women who’ve shaped our industry, as well as our communities and our country.
- Abigail Adams is credited with being the first woman investor. In addition to making
The Financial Fraud Congress Cannot Afford to Miss
Feb 27, 2026
AFSA applauds the House Financial Services Committee for holding a hearing on Thursday, March 5, titled “Fighting Fraud on the Front Lines: Challenges and Opportunities for Financial Institutions.” This hearing is an opportunity for financial… Read the rest