LendingPoint, a leading Atlanta-based online direct loan provider, has announced that Houman Motaharian has joined its Board of Directors, adding an even deeper level of expertise to its innovative mission of providing fair credit opportunities to an underserved marketplace. As Chief Credit Officer of OPEN – US Small Businesses and Global Merchant Services at American Express, Houman has broad expertise in global SMEs commercial lending, card issuing and acquiring businesses.

“Houman is a sought-out professional with an impressive standing in the credit and risk industry. He’s highly respected for his credit and risk knowledge, and brings a significant level of credibility and authority to his role at LendingPoint. Houman provides a depth of experience in the credit and risk space that helps us take our business to the next level. He has deep understanding of consumers, small businesses and large businesses as it relates to risk, so we’re fortunate to have him in an advisory role,” says Tom Burnside CEO of LendingPoint.

As a dynamic, young company, LendingPoint has achieved remarkable success in just six short months, becoming a real force in the consumer credit marketplace. Houman’s board appointment strengthens the bench further, allowing for ongoing consultation and insights on credit policy, new concepts and new ways of identifying opportunities and credit risks. This step further fosters an environment that allows the company to continue serving the right borrowers inside the credit bands it operates within, and favorably impact their unique credit stories.

Houman Motaharian, CCO of OPEN, says, “I have known the founders of LendingPoint for years, and they are some of the brightest minds in the lending space. When they asked me to join the board, I was honored to have the opportunity to work with them. I’m looking forwarding to helping the company excel in its mission to provide fair lending solutions to a large underserved segment in the marketplace. They have the people, the platform and the passion to help make the difference for consumers.”