Where do credit unions sell their auto notes?

I’m looking into the process by which credit unions manage their auto note assets. Specifically, I’m curious about the typical channels or marketplaces where these notes are sold. Are they usually offered on a secondary market, or do credit unions work directly with private or institutional investors? Any detailed insights or resources would be appreciated.

I’ve seen a few things about this over the years, and my take is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. From what I’ve gathered, credit unions often try to keep their loan portfolios as stable as possible. When they do decide to unload some auto notes, it’s sometimes done through specialized brokers rather than the typical asset-backed security route. This gives them a bit more flexibility and a way to work with investors who really understand these loans, even if they’re not exactly the big institutional players everyone talks about. That said, I’ve also heard of some credit unions exploring newer platforms that target smaller or niche investors, especially as the financial landscape changes. In the end, I’d say it probably depends on the union’s size, the quality of the loans, and what kind of investor network they’ve built up over the years.

I’ve been following this space for a while and it seems that credit unions are getting more creative with how they handle auto note sales. Beyond just offloading problematic loans into a well-trodden secondary market, many are exploring securitization options or even tapping into emerging digital platforms to connect with a broader investor base. The interest rate swings we’re seeing lately have pushed some unions to rethink their strategies—sometimes opting for private, negotiated deals with institutional buyers who can appreciate the long-term yield potential in a rising rate environment. It’s not as straightforward as it used to be, given today’s mix of regulatory scrutiny and market volatility, but it’s impressive to see how these new channels are opening up unique opportunities. :blush:

Credit unions typically shift non-performing or underperforming auto loans off their books by selling them into the secondary market. They often package these loans together and sell them to institutional investors or specialized asset management companies that can handle the due diligence. The process isn’t necessarily done through a public auction but rather through private negotiations and established relationships with debt buyers. In my experience, these transactions can be quite opaque, with the credit union’s asset quality and loan history playing a crucial role in the pricing and buyer interest.