The MikedUp Show Figure FinTech ft. Michael Tannenbaum
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Tannenbaum, the new CEO of Figure Technology Solutions, for a conversation about career growth, smart leadership, and how new ideas are changing the way lending and finance work today.
Michael’s path is nothing short of impressive. He helped grow SoFi’s lending operations, including building their mortgage business from the ground up. He later joined Brex as its first employee and played a major role in taking the company from a small startup to one of the most recognized names in the fintech world, with over 1,200 employees and a multibillion-dollar valuation. Now, as CEO of Figure, he’s focused on building financial tools that make borrowing simpler and more transparent for everyday people.
Figure is the largest non-bank provider of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) in the country, with over $14 billion in loans originated for more than 160,000 homeowners. But Michael’s focus isn’t just on the numbers—it’s on helping people access their home’s value quickly, fairly, and with less hassle. He talks about the importance of improving the borrowing experience, not just for lenders and capital markets, but for homeowners across the U.S.
We also talk about how technology can improve the lending process—not by making it more complicated, but by cutting through red tape and making sure people get the support they need, when they need it. Michael shares what it means to lead in today’s fast-changing financial world and how he’s bringing fresh energy to Figure’s mission.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
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How Michael grew from a finance leader at SoFi and Brex to CEO of Figure
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What it takes to build a business that balances growth with customer experience
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Why improving how people borrow money can change the future of lending
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The story behind Figure’s rise in the lending space, and what’s coming next
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What leaders and lenders can learn from Michael’s journey through three top-tier fintechs
Whether you’re a mortgage professional, a homeowner curious about tapping into your equity, or just someone interested in where finance is heading, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the people and ideas driving change.
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