Empowering Data Scientists: Building Better Models with Ensemblex

In the fast-evolving world of financial services, data scientists play a pivotal role in driving innovation, particularly in underwriting and risk management. At Ensemblex, we recognize the immense value these professionals bring to the table and are committed to supporting them in creating more robust, accurate, and impactful machine learning (ML) models. Our mission is to enhance their work, not replace it, by providing specialized tools, expertise, and collaboration that elevate their capabilities while addressing the concerns of skeptics and ensuring seamless integration with internal stakeholders.

Supporting Data Scientists with Tailored Expertise

Data scientists often face challenges such as inconsistent datasets, blind spot risks, and the pressure to deliver models that balance growth with risk mitigation. These issues were evident in a recent case where a Latin American consumer lender experienced a spike in early payment delinquencies after deploying a custom origination score that failed to account for historical knock-out (KO) rules. At Ensemblex, we step in to bridge these gaps by offering a collaborative approach that leverages our decade-long experience in ML underwriting.

Our process begins with a deep dive into the client’s business context. We work alongside data scientists to analyze available data, structure it effectively, and identify blind spots—such as KOs applied inconsistently over time—that might skew model performance. By prioritizing client expertise and using “natural tests” (empirical data from periods with varying KO applications), we help data scientists refine their models with greater confidence. This hands-on partnership ensures that the models they develop are not only technically sound but also aligned with the client’s operational realities.

Enhancing Model Development with Rigorous Methods

At Ensemblex, we bring cutting-edge analytics and ML techniques to the table, empowering data scientists to push the boundaries of what’s possible. For instance, in the aforementioned case, we conducted a thorough swapset analysis—examining differences between new and incumbent models—to validate performance across segments like age and bank upgrade status. This allowed us to identify and replace higher-risk applicants with lower-risk ones, achieving an 11% risk reduction and a 40% improvement over the previous rollout’s disastrous outcome.

We also provide end-to-end support, from model development to deployment and optimization. Our team, composed of former executives from industry leaders like Capital One and CitiBank, shares best practices and advanced tools that data scientists can integrate into their workflows. This includes replicating credit rules in evaluation datasets—a step often overlooked but critical for accurate performance validation—ensuring models are both innovative and reliable.

Calming the Skeptics: A Transparent and Collaborative Approach

Skeptics might worry that external partners like Ensemblex could overshadow internal teams or impose untested solutions. We address these concerns head-on by fostering transparency and collaboration. Our work is not about taking over; it’s about augmenting the skills of in-house data scientists. We consult closely with client teams to prioritize which KOs to rollback or retain, respecting their institutional knowledge. In the Latin American lender case, we eliminated seven of 19 KOs only after joint analysis with the client’s analytics team, ensuring buy-in and alignment.

Moreover, our rigorous validation processes—such as scrutinizing swapset distributions and empirical performance—demonstrate that our methods are grounded in data, not assumptions. Six months post-rollout, the model’s risk indicators exceeded projections, validating our approach and building trust. We also maintain open communication with internal stakeholders, including credit and risk officers, to align models with business goals like growth and loss prevention, as outlined in our six core self-assessment questions for CEOs and risk leaders.

Strengthening Ties with Internal Stakeholders

Collaboration extends beyond data scientists to include internal client stakeholders such as risk officers and executives. We engage them early, using tools like risk monitoring dashboards to provide clear insights into model performance. This transparency helps stakeholders feel confident in the rollout process, as seen when the lender’s team quickly spotted issues with the initial model and worked with us to implement a successful recovery strategy.

Our tailored advisory services also address stakeholder pain points, such as navigating rapid growth or tackling credit challenges. By co-developing solutions that simplify underwriting processes—reducing 19 KOs to 12 in one instance—we empower stakeholders to achieve aggressive growth goals safely. This holistic approach ensures that everyone from data scientists to C-suite executives is part of the success story.

The Ensemblex Difference: A Partnership for Progress

At Ensemblex, we view data scientists as our allies in innovation. Our elite team, with decades of experience across sub-prime to prime lending, brings global insights and military-honed discipline to every project. Whether it’s scaling a startup from zero to 400,000 customers or upgrading a U.S. auto finance firm’s underwriting with a 17% loss rate decrease, our track record speaks for itself.

For data scientists, this means access to a partner that enhances their toolkit, validates their work, and shares the credit for success. For skeptics, it’s proof that we’re not here to disrupt but to uplift, working hand-in-hand with internal teams to deliver models that drive industry-leading loan economics. And for stakeholders, it’s the assurance of a streamlined, risk-mitigated path to growth.

Ready to take your models to the next level? Let’s connect and explore how Ensemblex can empower your data scientists and transform your business. Contact us at [email protected] to start the journey.

The Team:

Ensemblex isn’t just a company—it’s a powerhouse of talent, where decades of expertise in lending, fintech, operations, and revenue growth converge to deliver transformative results. From its visionary co-founders to its newest strategic partners, the team is a force ready to tackle the toughest challenges for clients, from startups to market leaders.

Shawn Budde and Mike Armstrong, the co-founders of Ensemblex, first joined forces two decades ago in the high-stakes world of sub-prime cards at Capital One, where they grew profitability by over 60% in just a few years. A decade later, they reunited at ZestFinance, pioneering the first machine learning-powered consumer lending business, setting new industry benchmarks with loan economics that left competitors scrambling to keep up. Now, with Ensemblex, they’re leveraging their deep experience to empower clients across the spectrum, delivering solutions that drive dominance in their markets.

Adding to this formidable foundation is Matt Slonaker, a revenue growth titan and strategic partner through M. Allen LLC. As the Founder, CEO, and Chief Revenue Officer of M. Allen LLC, Matt has an extraordinary track record, managing over $1 billion in revenue and generating more than $200 million in new revenue with a win ratio exceeding 33%. One of his standout achievements includes securing a $35 million annual deal with a top 5 U.S. bank, showcasing his ability to navigate complex negotiations and build lasting partnerships. Since founding M. Allen LLC in 2020, Matt has driven a 65% increase in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), collaborating with dozens of clients to generate a pipeline of opportunities exceeding $200 million. A strategic thinker and impactful sales leader, Matt’s executive network spans industries, and his methodologies have earned him recognition as a top sales influencer on LinkedIn. The author of The Art & Science of Selling – A Guide to Boost Revenue, Matt brings a military-honed resilience and a never-quit attitude to Ensemblex, amplifying the team’s ability to drive growth and enable client success.

Brandon Homuth, a Partner at Ensemblex, brings over two decades of consumer financial services experience, navigating the full spectrum of lending products from early-stage ventures to global giants. His 11-year tenure at Capital One saw him excel in analytical leadership roles across marketing, product development, credit policy, account management, operations, and risk management. Later, as a key executive at Encore Capital Group for seven years, Brandon helped transform the company into the world’s largest debt purchaser. He also served as President of ClearOne Advantage, steering a $100 million revenue business with 500 employees. A Yale University graduate, Brandon’s strategic insight is a cornerstone of Ensemblex’s success.

Scott Bass, Managing Director of Launch Operations, is a proven leader with two decades of operational expertise driving business growth. His career began as a Nuclear Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy, instilling discipline and precision that carried into his seven years at Capital One, where he rose to Director of Marketing Operations and Strategy. There, he crafted impactful marketing initiatives and managed key partner relationships. As co-founder of Ready Financial Group, he pioneered innovative prepaid card solutions, later merging with AccountNow, where he led direct marketing for an $80 million portfolio as Vice President of Marketing Operations. Most recently, as head of U.S. payments and card operations at Monzo Bank, Scott fueled the UK’s fastest-growing bank’s expansion. With a BSE in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Duke University, Scott’s operational mastery accelerates Ensemblex’s product launches.

Leland Burns, Managing Director of Client Engagement, combines military rigor with financial acumen. After six years as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer, he joined ZestFinance, where he managed the core installment loan business, scaling it to $90 million in revenue and serving over 350,000 customers. As Director of Business Analysis, he expanded the company’s professional services for diverse lending clients. Holding an M.Phil from the University of Cambridge and a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy, Leland’s strategic oversight ensures Ensemblex’s clients receive tailored, impactful solutions.

Chloe Zhu, also a Managing Director of Client Engagement, brings over a decade of credit and investment expertise. At Mission Lane, she spearheaded multiple new product launches, doubling the customer base to over two million and raising $300 million in capital. Earlier, as a founding investor at White Oak Global Advisors, she scaled a global fund to over $200 million across four continents. Starting her career at JPMorgan’s investment bank, Chloe, a CFA charterholder with a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago, drives Ensemblex’s client engagement with precision and foresight.

Meagan LeBlanc, an Operations Associate, offers over a decade of experience in customer service and operational strategy. At ZestFinance, she built robust training and quality programs for loan products, shaping customer service excellence. As a consultant, she crafted ground-up customer service strategies for lending startups. With a BA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Meagan’s people-focused approach strengthens Ensemblex’s operational foundation.

Vivek Rajgarhia, Managing Director for the APAC region, leads with nearly two decades of fintech and banking expertise. His global stint in Mumbai scaled analytics for one of India’s largest banks, while his U.S. career included senior roles at Silicon Valley fintechs, co-founding a QED portfolio company, and managing multi-billion-dollar lending portfolios at HSBC and Capital One. With an MBA from the University of Georgia, Vivek drives Ensemblex’s growth across Asia-Pacific.

Prashant Menon, Senior Advisor for APAC, brings over two decades of financial services experience across continents, working with top institutions like Capital One and HSBC. He pioneered advanced analytics and AI strategies, including real-time customer interaction systems for global banks. With an engineering degree from the National Institute of Technology, Calicut, a Masters in International Business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and MIT AI certificates, Prashant’s technical and strategic depth enriches Ensemblex’s advisory capabilities.

Jim McGuire, Director of Data Science, leverages his expertise in machine learning to push boundaries. Recently Principal Data Scientist at Flowcast, he applied ML to risk assessments in global trade. Previously, as Director of Data Science at ZestFinance, he led the ML team. With a BA in Physics from Dartmouth College and a PhD from the University of California, San Diego, Jim’s data-driven innovations fuel Ensemblex’s analytical edge.

Stephanie Goodrich, Operations Associate, transitions her two-decade hospitality career into fintech with remarkable adaptability. As a distinguished restaurant manager and sake sommelier in Portland, Maine, she mastered guest relations, inventory management, and process optimization. Now at Ensemblex, she applies these skills to enhance operational efficiency. With a BS from the University of Vermont, Stephanie’s unique perspective drives problem-solving and process refinement.

Trina Leishman, Project Manager, brings decades of finance and fintech experience as Lead Project Manager for Ensemblex product launches. At Green Dot, she led direct mail marketing testing and production, while her Capital One tenure included leading risk management projects. With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Boise State University, Trina ensures seamless execution of client feature builds and improvements.

Kevin Walsh, Senior Advisor, offers over two decades of credit risk and operational expertise. As Chief Commercial Officer at PeerIQ, he built an analytical platform for fintech lenders. At Ocwen Financial, he managed a $3 billion mortgage business with $35 million in annual pre-tax income. With a PhD in Physics from Yale University and a BS in Applied Physics from Cornell University, Kevin’s analytical prowess strengthens Ensemblex’s advisory role.

Matt Cosgrave, Senior Advisor, is a recovery and collections expert with over 20 years at Encore Capital Group, where he led AI-driven transformations boosting efficiency and profitability. He founded and scaled business units with strong P&L management and previously consulted for Fortune 100 companies at Booz Allen. With a double major in finance and accounting from Georgetown University, Matt’s strategic vision enhances Ensemblex’s recovery strategies.

Scott Goodrich, Senior Advisor, brings over 30 years of sales and operations experience, with two decades in consumer finance. At Capital One, he built an international supplier network for telesales, and at Encore Capital, he grew debt settlement collections sevenfold, including establishing a 200-seat operation in Costa Rica. As Chief Operating Officer at Clear One Advantage, he led over 400 team members. With a BA from the College of William & Mary, Scott’s operational leadership fortifies Ensemblex’s execution.

Together, this team—blending military discipline, academic rigor, industry innovation, and revenue growth mastery—positions Ensemblex as a transformative partner. With Matt Slonaker’s strategic revenue expertise amplifying their leadership and growth capabilities, Ensemblex is ready to deliver game-changing results for clients worldwide, driving growth, efficiency, and market leadership.