Relieving regulatory pressures with technology and human intelligence for context while optimizing operational efficiencies.
In the multi-faceted world of automotive finance and insurance (F&I) products, compliance isn’t just a box to check; it’s a strategic imperative. Enter F&I Sentinel, a beacon of reliability and innovation amidst the complex regulatory landscape and consumer protection mandates.
Born of the need to navigate the evolving demands of federal and state regulators, F&I Sentinel bridges the gap between auto finance companies, dealers, and product companies. Led by co-founders Stephen McDaniel and Matt Nowels, legal stalwarts with nearly two decades of expertise in F&I product regulations, F&I Sentinel champions a mission to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a transparent and efficient marketplace. Through the fusion of human intelligence and leading-edge technology, F&I Sentinel redefines compliance, introducing a dynamic framework that adapts to the ever-changing regulatory ecosystem.
Voluntary protection products such as vehicle service contracts, GAP waivers, prepaid maintenance agreements, etc. are offered to consumers by car dealers during the car buying process. Known by a variety of names including, ancillary products, voluntary protection products and F&I products, the cost of those products chosen by the consumer become part of the loan that is financed by the auto lender. The administration of these products are conducted by yet another party: The product company.
But it is the auto lender that regulators hold accountable for non-compliance during any phase of the products’ lifecycle.
F&I products have been coming under greater scrutiny by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) since 2015. Compounding matters, the patchwork of state regulations governing these product along with the ever-evolving regulations at both levels, make compliance challenging.
In many instances, the lack of data transparency between dealers, product companies and auto lenders lead to inefficiencies and inadvertent inaccuracies especially at servicing.
Prior to starting the company, co-founders Stephen McDaniel and Matt Nowels, both highly skilled attorneys, spent almost two decades working with auto lenders and product companies on regulations for F&I products in all 50 states and at the federal level. Their experience and expertise along with the increased scrutiny by the CFPB led them to start F&I Sentinel in 2018.
Create a compliant, transparent and efficient F&I product marketplace for auto finance companies, dealers and product companies.
An auto retail ecosystem where consumer interests are protected, and auto finance companies, dealers and product companies can thrive.
Unlike technology-only providers, we offer lender partners Dynamic Compliance. This approach is comprised of a unique service delivery model that combines the highly skilled Concierge Compliance Team who leverages leading-edge technology purpose-built for compliance-first F&I product lifecycle management to customers where they are on their compliance journey.
Trusted by more than a dozen auto lenders, including six of the top 10 lenders, and 600+ F&I product administrators, the cloud-native CITADEL platform houses more than 225,000 F&I product forms.
Rules-based workflows, and easy to use interfaces for lenders, dealers and product companies are just some of the features that reduce friction in the origination process.
On the downstream, the CITADEL FAIRRCalc® refunds quote engine and communications workflows ensure accurate real-time quotes and timely dealer and product company notifications.
At F&I Sentinel, compliance is never a set and forget. The complex and evolving compliance landscape coupled with the growing scrutiny on F&I products significantly raises the stakes for auto lenders, product companies and dealers, alike. The F&I Sentinel Concierge Compliance Team operates at the intersection of F&I products, regulations and compliance.
The team of almost 30 specialists rigorously reviews every product submitted by our network of 600 F&I product administrators. Only those that meet their corresponding lender’s risk threshold or Minimum Business Requirements are credentialed and added to the repository. We continuously monitor the regulatory landscape to proactively identify issues and develop solutions.
From dynamic compliance solutions to real-time insights, CITADEL powers F&I Sentinel’s Managed Originations and Fully-automated Cancellation solutions that streamline and simplify F&I product lifecycle management with a compliance overlay that keeps you audit-ready.
Ready to level-up your approach? Connect with our dedicated team today and embark on a journey toward operational efficiency.
CITADEL® Platform
Compliance management platform purpose-built for F&I product compliance.
Managed Originations
Stop F&I product cancellation challenges during originations.
Managed Cancellations
Three options to ensure timely, accurate and compliant F&I product refunds.
Add-On Concierge Services
Elevate your compliance strategy with data-driven services.
