Zest AI Named to CNBC’s World’s Top FinTech Companies List for a Second Consecutive Year

Global recognition underscores Zest AI’s leadership and impact helping lenders modernize underwriting, fraud detection and lending intelligence

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zest AI, a leader in AI lending technology, today announced it has been named to CNBC's 2026 World's Top FinTech Companies list in the Enterprise Fintech category, marking the second year in a row the company has earned this distinction. The list, produced by CNBC in partnership with Statista, recognizes fintech companies worldwide that are driving innovation and impact across the financial services industry.

"Financial institutions are under more pressure than ever to modernize responsibly and are relying on AI that delivers measurable outcomes,” Mike de Vere, CEO of Zest AI, said. “Back-to-back recognition on this list reflects both the momentum behind responsible AI in fintech, and our commitment to helping lenders enhance the borrower experience and build stronger portfolios. We’re proud to help make that possible.”

Zest AI's return to the list comes as the company continues to scale its AI-powered lending platform across credit unions, banks, and specialty lenders. Financial institutions rely on Zest AI's credit underwriting models to automate up to 80% of loan decisions while helping identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by legacy scoring models. Zest Protect strengthens fraud detection with greater visibility and control over risk tolerances, while LuLu, Zest AI's GenAI-powered lending intelligence platform, gives lenders real-time portfolio insights to make faster, more informed strategic decisions. Today, Zest AI supports financial institutions representing $5.6 trillion in assets and powers more than 1,500 active AI models.

The recognition follows a year of continued momentum for Zest AI, including expanded adoption of its generative AI and fraud detection solutions, new strategic partnerships, and growing deployment of its lending platform across banks, credit unions, and specialty finance institutions.

CNBC's World's Top FinTech Companies list is compiled through a combination of desk research by Statista and editorial input from CNBC. 3,500 eligible companies were assessed with publicly available data such as annual reports, company websites, and media monitoring, alongside companies that submitted key performance indicators such as revenue, growth, and employee headcount. This recognition reflects Zest AI's ongoing impact and innovation in enterprise fintech.

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 working to transform 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.