Zest AI Named to American Banker's 2026 Best Fintechs to Work For List

Recognition underscores employee-validated culture of trust and purpose-driven work

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zest AI, a leader in AI lending technology, today announced its inclusion on American Banker's 2026 Best Fintechs to Work For list. The annual program, produced in partnership with Best Companies Group and published across Arizent brands, recognizes fintech companies that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture, benefits, and employee experience.

“The work we do at Zest AI to strengthen the financial system demands a team that is genuinely invested in our mission,” Mike de Vere, CEO at Zest AI, said. “That kind of commitment doesn’t come by accident. It’s the result of a culture where people feel trusted, supported, and proud of what they’re building. Being recognized by American Banker, a publication our bank and credit union customers read every day, is a reflection of that.”

Zest AI’s people-first approach is reflected across its broad set of benefits and employee support programs designed to promote flexibility, well-being, professional growth, belonging and long-term financial health. Employees have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage, retirement support, learning and development resources including a $1,000 education stipend, wellness initiatives, and flexible work arrangements that support both remote and hybrid employees among many other benefits.

Belonging is central to how Zest AI operates. The company sponsors six Employee Resource Groups, including Women at Zest, Caretakers, People of Color, Pride, Zest Vets, and Culture Club and maintains recruiting partnerships with organizations focused on expanding access and representation in technology. Women make up 41% of Zest AI’s executive team, reflecting the company’s continued focus on building diverse leadership.

This recognition adds to a growing list of workplace awards for Zest AI. The company has been Great Place to Work® certified for three consecutive years (2023-2026), was named to Fortune’s Best Places to Work in the Bay Area (2024), and Fast Company’s Best Places to Work for Innovators (2025). Industry recognition has similarly followed, with inclusion on CNBC’s World’s Top Fintech Companies (2025), and the Forbes Fintech 50 (2024).

The American Banker's 2026 Best Fintechs to Work For list is determined through a rigorous two-part evaluation: an assessment of company policies, practices, and benefits, combined with a direct employee survey that accounts for 75 percent of the final score. Placement on the list signals that employees themselves affirm the quality of the workplace.

About American Banker's Best Fintechs to Work For

The Best Fintechs to Work For list is an annual awards program produced by Arizent and Best Companies Group, designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in the fintech industry. Companies enter a two-part survey process evaluating workplace policies and practices alongside direct employee feedback. The combined scores determine the final list. The program has recognized top fintech employers since 2017 and is published across American Banker, National Mortgage News, Financial Planning, and Digital Insurance.

About Zest AI

Founded in 2009, Zest AI is a leader in financial technology with a mission to modernize lending and strengthen the financial system. The company is transforming the $17 trillion US consumer credit market by delivering AI technology that helps lenders identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by legacy credit methods, while leveling the playing field for financial institutions of all sizes to harness AI. With over 1,500 active AI models and 50+ issued and pending patents, Zest AI is providing financial institutions with a comprehensive suite of solutions spanning underwriting, fraud detection, lending intelligence, and more to make smarter lending decisions that power growth and profitability. Learn more at Zest AI and connect on LinkedIn.