Onyx IQ Blog

Onyx IQ Mar 27, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Scaling Without Automation

Discover the hidden costs of scaling lending operations without automation and learn how streamlined processes can enhance efficiency and...

Onyx IQ Mar 27, 2026

The 5-Tool Problem: Why Most Lending Operations Are Held Together With Digital Duct Tape

Discover how fragmented operations in lending can hinder growth and learn about the solution: a unified loan management system that streamlines...

Onyx IQ Mar 26, 2026

Why MCA Operations Break at the Same Predictable Point

Discover why MCA operations often stall at a predictable point and learn how to build the right infrastructure for scalable lending success.

Onyx IQ Mar 25, 2026

Lending Infrastructure Audit

Discover how a lending infrastructure audit can reveal the true extent of system fragmentation in your operations and drive efficiency through...

Onyx IQ Mar 24, 2026

Speed vs. Oversight: A Trade-Off You Shouldn’t Have to Make

Discover how lenders can achieve the perfect balance between speed and oversight by integrating their systems, enhancing efficiency, and maintaining...

Onyx IQ Mar 23, 2026

What Actually Creates Bottlenecks in Lending Operations

Discover how bottlenecks in lending operations stem from disconnected systems, not team size or volume, and learn how automation can streamline your...

Onyx IQ Mar 17, 2026

What to Automate First: A Guide for Growth-Stage Lenders

Discover how growth-stage lenders can streamline operations and scale efficiently by automating key areas like intake, underwriting, compliance,...

Onyx IQ Mar 16, 2026

From Intake to Collections: What Actually Changes When Your Lending Lifecycle Is Connected?

Streamline your lending operations by keeping records intact from intake to collections. Discover how Onyx IQ enhances decision-making and efficiency...

Onyx IQ Mar 15, 2026

How to Pressure-Test Loan Management Software Before You Commit to a Vendor

Discover how to pressure-test loan management software to ensure seamless operations and scalability before committing to a new platform.

Onyx IQ Mar 13, 2026

Automated Credit Scorecards: The Operational Backbone for Growth-Stage Lenders

Discover how automated, rule-based credit scorecards enhance underwriting efficiency, enforce consistency, and protect profit margins in lending...

Onyx IQ Mar 12, 2026

Fragmentation: The Operating Ceiling Alternative Lenders Hit & How Automated Software Fixes It

Scaling lenders hit operating ceilings when fragmented systems fail. Learn how automated loan management software unifies workflows to drive...

Onyx IQ Mar 12, 2026

Why Manual Work Still Runs Modern Lending Operations (And What It Hides)

Manual work still drives many lending operations, from underwriting to reporting. Learn why it persists, what it hides at scale, and how modern...

Onyx IQ Mar 12, 2026

Automated Software Beats Headcount for ROI in Lending Operations

Is your lending team the "glue" holding fragmented systems together? Learn why hiring won't fix broken operations and how automated loan management...

Onyx IQ Mar 12, 2026

The Difference Between Growing Fast and Scaling Clean in Lending: Why Speed Alone Isn’t Enough

Growing fast is easy; scaling clean is the challenge. Learn how to move from manual effort to a unified automated loan management system to sustain...

Onyx IQ Mar 12, 2026

The Cost of Tool Sprawl: Why Your Lending Tech Stack Is Limiting Your Scale

Is your lending tech stack holding you back? Discover how tool sprawl creates operational debt and why a unified, automated loan management system is...

Onyx IQ Mar 12, 2026

Reflecting on Q4 2025: Why Fragmentation Strained Lending Ops and How to Fix It for 2026

Q4 exposed the limits of your lending tech stack. Discover why Q1 2026 is the time to transition to a unified, automated loan management system...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Financing Freelancers: MCAs and the Gig Economy

Gig workers. Freelancers. Independent workers. Read this article and discover the untapped merchant cash advance opportunities of the gig economy.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

What Does ChatGPT Have to Say About the MCA Industry?

Read this article to learn what ChatGPT has to say about current trends in the MCA industry. Some of the answers may surprise you…

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

COVID-19 and the MCA Industry: A Retrospective Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the merchant cash advance industry to evolve. Read this article and discover how the industry adapted in times of...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Lending Regulation Spotlight: Merchant Cash Advance

Read this article and discover some recent updates to MCA lending regulation, including new laws in New York, Utah, Virginia, and California.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

A Funder’s Guide to Managing MCA Defaults

Discover proactive strategies to manage merchant cash advance defaults and protect your profits, all while fostering strong merchant relationships.

Alan Quirk Feb 13, 2026

How Digital Transformation is Driving Alternative Lending

Effective alternative lending means taking advantage of automation and digitization via the right technology solutions. Read this article to learn...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

The Impact of Interest Rate Hikes on SME Lending

Interest rates are on the rise and if you’re a small business lender you need to be prepared. Read more to learn more.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Lending in the Metaverse: What Does the Future Hold?

Discover everything you need to know about the metaverse as it relates to SME lending: opportunities, risks, and what the future holds.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Everything MCA Funders Need to Know About the California Reporting Mandate

Discover key steps for MCA funders to adapt to California’s CCFPL, avoid penalties, and stay on track with annual reporting obligations.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

An Onyx IQ Guide to Understanding Lending APIs

Do you have lending APIs in your SME lending software? Learn more about APIs and why they’re necessary to keep your lending business thriving.

Belén Ancurio Feb 13, 2026

The 3 Rs in MCA Funding: Revenue, Rhythm, Reliability

Traditional loan underwriting frameworks don’t align with MCA funding. Discover how the 3 Rs can strengthen SME funding decisioning using real-time...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

28 Alternative Lending Statistics You Need to Know

What does the future hold for alternative lending? Read this article and discover 28 eye-opening statistics. You’ll be surprised by number 5…

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

8 Best Practices for SME Lenders During a Recession

Worried about the economy? Read this article and discover 8 best practices to help you prepare your SME lending business for the coming recession.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

How Technology Powers Underwriting for MCA Funders

Discover five ways technology is transforming underwriting for SME lenders, as well as what advice we have for the underwriters of the future.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Executive Interview Series: Wall Street Funding’s Mike Dell

For the second installment of our Executive Interview Series, we sit down with Wall Street Funding’s Mike Dell to learn more about the MCA industry.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Revenue-Based Finance Coalition: An Overview

Empowering SMEs and MCA funders alike, the Revenue-Based Finance Coalition is crucial to the success of alternative financing. Read on to learn more.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Here’s How To Scale Your MCA Funding Operation

The MCA funding market is more competitive than ever. Discover why strategic scaling is essential to thrive—and how the right tools make it possible.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Breaking Free From FICO: The MCA Provider Perspective

Read on to discover how MCA providers are harnessing alternative data for more accurate SME risk assessment and a more inclusive lending landscape.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

5 Best Practices for Successful MCA Brokers

What does it take to become a top-performing MCA broker? Read on and discover five essential best practices that every broker should follow.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

5 Best Practices for SME Funding

SME funders—want to fund more merchants faster and with less risk? Here are 5 proven best practices to enhance your alternative funding process.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

The 5 Biggest Merchant Cash Advance Stories of 2022

Read this article and discover the biggest MCA industry stories from 2022, as well as what we think is in store for merchant cash advance in 2023

Belén Ancurio Feb 13, 2026

Identifying Ideal MCA Clients for MCA Funders

Learn how MCA funders can find top MCA clients: Discover key industries & traits to boost your client acquisition strategy.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Choosing the Right Funding Platform

Is your funding platform robust enough? Discover the 5 features that it must have if you want it to help streamline and scale your funding operations.

Alan Quirk Feb 13, 2026

Syndicated Lending and the Power of SaaS

SaaS platforms have the power to transform the loan syndication process for alternative lenders. Read this article and discover how!

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

SME Lending: How to Provide a Great Customer Experience

How would you rate your SME lending customer experience? Here is what small business owners are looking for in a lender.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

The What, Why, and How of Business Credit Scorecards

Business credit scorecards are crucial to the success of your digital SME lending business. Read on and learn what they are and how they work.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

3 Roadblocks to Implementing Digital-First Collections

A digital collections strategy is a must for alternative lenders in 2022. Read on to discover four common barriers to adoption and how to overcome...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Executive Interview Series: Onyx IQ’s Elizabeth Schuerman

Welcome to our new alternative lending executive interview series. Today, we speak with our first interviewee, Onyx IQ’s VP of Sales, Elizabeth...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Executive Interview Series: Carter Ledyard & Milburn’s Jacob H. Nemon

Discover the legal challenges facing the merchant cash advance industry with attorney Jacob H. Nemon, including contracts, compliance, and more!

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Beyond AI: The Future of MCA Funding Technology

Discover how emerging tech like blockchain and DeFi could revolutionize MCA funding, and how Onyx IQ can help you stay ahead in a fast-evolving...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Customizable vs. Out-Of-The-Box Software: An Overview for MCA Funders

Looking for a loan management software? This article takes a detailed look at the difference between customizable vs. out-of-the-box software...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

MCA Disclosure Laws: The Costs of Non-Compliance

Read this article and discover the high stakes of non-compliance with MCA state disclosure laws (plus best practices for safeguarding your business).

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Industry Outlook: Top Predictions for Small Business Lending

Small business lending survival hinges on the ability of lenders to evolve to meet these new demands. And leveraging new technology can help to...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

MCA Funding: 5 Reasons Why Excel Is Bad For Business

Is Excel holding back your MCA funding business? Explore 5 reasons to ditch spreadsheets and upgrade to a smarter, more secure and automated SaaS...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Social Media Marketing for SME Funders: 5 Best Practices

Explore 5 key social media marketing strategies MCA funders can implement to improve engagement, grow their audience, and enhance the customer...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

SaaS Lending Platform: A Term Glossary for Funders

Are you a funder looking for your first SaaS lending platform? Onyx IQ’s lending platform glossary will introduce you to the terms you need to know.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Fraud Prevention and MCA: An Overview for Funders

Detecting MCA fraud before it happens is the key to minimizing losses. Discover the right procedures and technology to keep your MCA operations safe.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

MythBusters: Separating Fact from Fiction in MCA

Uncover the truth about merchant cash advances: Onyx IQ debunks 15 MCA myths for funders, brokers, and merchants. Read on to learn more.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

A Comprehensive Introduction to Alternative Funding

Discover how alternative funding, including MCAs, reimagines how SMEs access capital—offering faster, more flexible solutions versus traditional...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

The 3 Biggest Merchant Cash Advance Stories of 2024

From developing markets to state laws, relive the biggest MCA moments of 2024. Plus, learn how Onyx IQ can help you capitalize on these shifts in...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

MCA: A Guide For Business Owners Seeking Capital

In SME financing, knowledge is power. This financial education guide will help MCA funders prepare SMEs for a successful funding experience.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

The Top 3 SaaS Security Myths and the Power of Platform Uptime

Concerned about SaaS security for your MCA funding? You might be holding on to some outdated beliefs. Read this article and learn more.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

AI vs. Machine Learning vs. Decision Engines for SME lenders

Read this article and learn what advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and decision engines can offer SME lenders.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

A Brief History of the Merchant Cash Advance Industry

Read this article and discover the evolution of the merchant cash advance industry—its history, current trends, and what the future holds.

Alan Quirk Feb 13, 2026

Data Reporting: The Secret to Success for Alternative Lenders

Alternative lending is a financial service that lives and dies with data.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Funding Your First $1M MCA Deal: Best Practices

Are you an MCA funder looking to fund big-money deals? Read this article and discover some best practices for finding and funding your first $1M+...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

10 Signs Your SME Lending Operation Needs a Tech Makeover

How long has it been since you last updated your SME lending operations? It’s time for a rebuild if you’ve noticed any of these 10 signs.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Software Deployment for SME Lenders: Best Practices

Today, agile software is essential for SME lending success. Discover the best practices to follow when selecting and deploying a new platform.

Belén Ancurio Feb 13, 2026

Elevate Your MCA Funder Reputation

With competition high and trust in fintech low, MCA funders must build credibility to thrive. Discover best practices to boost your MCA funder...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

The Role of Alternative Funding in Supporting SMEs

Learn how alternative funding helps SMEs access vital capital–and how funding platforms like Onyx IQ can automate and streamline the entire process.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Cybersecurity For MCA Funders: What You Need To Know

It's time to get a cybersecurity strategy in place for your MCA funding business; here’s what you need to know.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

The Role of Alternative Lending in Supporting SMEs

Read this article and discover how alternative financing is powering the SME economy, from financing products to agile technology.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Does Social Credit Scoring Have a Place in SME Lending?

Is social credit scoring a valuable tool for risk analysis? Read this article and discover the potential pros and cons for SME lending.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

MCA Funding: Balancing Automation With the Human Touch

Automation can do a lot for your merchant cash advance business; but you also need the human touch. Learn how to find the right balance between both.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

How Seamless Onboarding Drives the Customer Experience in SME Lending

Is your digital lending onboarding process customer driven? No? Here are five tips to improve it.

Belén Ancurio Feb 13, 2026

Why MCA Funders Need ACH Processor Redundancy

Don’t let outages halt your merchant cash advance operations. Discover how ACH processor redundancy protects MCA funding, collections, and merchant...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Why Automation is Essential for MCA Funders

Stop wasting time and money with manual MCA processes! Learn how automation eliminates bottlenecks, boosts growth, and gives you that competitive...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

A Guide to Optimize Your MCA Pricing Strategy

Understanding how to optimize your MCA pricing strategy is critical for your long-term success in alternative financing. Here’s what you need to know.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

9 Funding Tools and Solutions MCA Funders Should Be Using

Forget about paperwork and tedious manual tasks. Streamline and fortify your MCA funding business with these 9 tech tools and solutions.

Belén Ancurio Feb 13, 2026

Understanding OCR Technology for MCA Funding

Discover how OCR technology is key to MCA funding success, converting the chaos of scanned documents into decision-making clarity.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

5 Debt Collection Best Practices for SME Lenders

Are you an SME lender struggling with collections? Here are 5 debt collection best practices to help you maximize your recovery efforts.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Total Cost of Capital vs. APR: The Great MCA Debate

Explore how MCA disclosure laws impact merchant cash advance financing, and why Total Cost of Capital may be a better fit for transparent pricing.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Executive Interview Series: Merit Business Funding’s Dave Shollock

Discover the future of small business financing with Dave Shollock, a leader at the crossroads of traditional banking and alternative funding.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

The 5 Biggest Merchant Cash Advance Stories of 2023

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Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Navigating MCA Disclosures With Onyx IQ

As more and more states implement new MCA disclosure laws, Onyx IQ offers funders with the resources they need to guide them through the regulatory...

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Benefits of a “Win-Win” Approach to MCA Deals

Read this article to discover what a "win-win" approach to MCA deals looks like, and how it benefits both merchants and MCA providers.

Onyx IQ Feb 13, 2026

Debt Settlement Scams: A Guide for MCA Funders

Unmasking debt settlement scams in the MCA industry: discover the potential consequences for SMEs and how to safeguard your funding business.

Onyx IQ Dec 15, 2025

What Multi-State Disclosure Laws Really Mean for MCA and Alternative Lenders

Multi-state disclosure laws introduce significant workflow challenges for MCA and alternative lenders. See how automation reduces risk and keeps...

Onyx IQ Dec 15, 2025

The Cost of Getting Compliance Wrong in Alternative Lending

Compliance in alternative lending is becoming more complex and costly. Learn how small misses trigger major penalties and how system-level controls...

Onyx IQ Dec 11, 2025

Introducing Onyx IQ Scorecards: The First No-Code, Real-Time Underwriting Engine Built for Modern Funders & Lenders

Meet Onyx IQ Scorecards, a no-code automated underwriting software that delivers real-time, consistent credit decisions and removes 90% of manual...

Onyx IQ Dec 10, 2025

Scaling Landing Operations: How to Go From 10 Deals a Week to 100 Without Extra Headcount

Scaling lending operations requires stronger infrastructure, not more staff. Learn how lenders remove friction, cut rework, and increase volume...

Onyx IQ Dec 4, 2025

Automating Disclosures and Compliance in MCA and Alternative Lending

Automated disclosures for MCA compliance remove manual steps, reduce risk, and speed funding. See how automation strengthens accuracy and oversight.

Onyx IQ Dec 3, 2025

End-to-End Lending Platform: Why Ecosystems Outperform “Modular” Platforms

An end-to-end lending platform replaces fragmented tools with one system that improves speed, oversight, and scalability across the lending lifecycle.

Onyx IQ Dec 3, 2025

How Automated Loan Underwriting Scales Operations Without Increasing Headcount

Automated loan underwriting helps lenders grow without extra headcount. See how automation and portfolio software strengthen operations and margins.

Onyx IQ Dec 3, 2025

Automation or Obsolescence: Why Lenders Are Moving to Automated Lending Platforms in 2026

In 2026, manual lending becomes a competitive liability. Lenders are turning to automated lending platforms to scale volume, reduce risk, and protect...

Onyx IQ Nov 26, 2025

Beyond Funding: How Loan Portfolio Management Software Protects Margin as You Scale

Understand how modern portfolio management software helps lenders protect profitability through automation, better recovery, and smarter reinvestment.

Onyx IQ Nov 25, 2025

Replacing Manual Workflows: Automating MCA Servicing

Discover how merchant cash advance software automates MCA servicing—replacing manual workflows with accuracy, visibility, and scale.

Onyx IQ Nov 25, 2025

The 8 Best Loan Origination Software for MCA and Alternative Lenders

Compare the top loan origination software for MCA and alternative lenders to find the right platform for automation, speed, and scalability.

Onyx IQ Nov 24, 2025

Executive Interview Series: Funder Intel’s Shane Mahabir

Read on as Shane Mahabir shares his experience and insights in the revenue-based industry—a lot has changed in the last ten years.

Onyx IQ Nov 24, 2025

Unified Data Checklist: Why Bringing Servicing and Collections Together Pays Off

Discover how unifying servicing and collections data enhances efficiency, compliance, and borrower satisfaction for lending operations.

Onyx IQ Nov 21, 2025

Breaking Down Data Silos: How Unified Lending Platforms Accelerate Approvals and Reporting

Discover how unified lending platforms like Onyx IQ can eliminate data silos, streamline loan approvals, and enhance reporting efficiency in the...

Onyx IQ Nov 21, 2025

MCA Funding: How to Provide a Great Customer Experience

In the crowded MCA funding space, providing an exceptional CX is a game-changer. Learn how prioritizing it can boost your sales, profits, and...

Onyx IQ Nov 21, 2025

E-Commerce and Merchant Cash Advances: An Overview for Lenders

The e-commerce SME lending market is rapidly growing. This article will help those merchant cash advance funders looking to serve this niche.

Onyx IQ Nov 21, 2025

How Lenders Can Stay Compliant While Scaling Their Business

Learn how to maintain compliance while scaling your lending business with effective frameworks, technology, and strategic partnerships.

Onyx IQ Nov 19, 2025

Save Hours Every Week: How ACH Automation Eliminates Manual Payment Processing

Discover how ACH automation can save your business hours every week by eliminating manual payment processing, reducing errors, and streamlining...

Onyx IQ Nov 18, 2025

Underwriting Bottlenecks: How Automated Underwriting Software Fixes What’s Slowing You Down

Learn how to identify and fix underwriting bottlenecks using automated underwriting software. Discover how structure, data, and process efficiency...

Onyx IQ Nov 17, 2025

The Modern Lending Tech Stack: How Automation is Transforming the Lending Industry

Discover how automation and advanced technology are revolutionizing the lending industry, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing borrower...