The integration focuses on the UN/FY™ lending platform, which will now feature ASK BKR, an AI-driven tool designed to automate document classification and credit analysis. By digitizing these touchpoints, the bank intends to provide a more flexible borrower experience that allows clients to initiate and complete loan interactions through digital channels while maintaining access to human lending teams.

This shift is particularly significant for the bank’s 44 Business Capital division, a national leader in SBA 7(a) lending that has originated over $2 billion in loans during the last 16 years. According to Scott Gillanders, credit director for government guaranteed lending at Beacon Bank, the move is intended to balance the speed of digital engagement with the personalized service necessary for complex commercial financing. Baker Hill CEO Andy Ivankovich noted that the partnership reflects a broader industry trend where institutions must adopt sophisticated digital workflows to reduce origination costs and maintain competitiveness in the small business sector.