Takara taps former execs from PenFed, SAFE, Wells Fargo, Golden1, GLCU, and former NCUA chair to guide mortgage mobility solution

Takara today announced its Board of Advisors, a distinguished group of financial services and housing industry leaders who have provided strategic guidance in developing the company's DREAM (Discount for Real Estate Affordability and Mobility) program. The advisors bring deep expertise from credit unions, banks, fintech companies and regulatory agencies, positioning Takara to address the mortgage lock-in crisis with proven industry insight.

Advisors include:

• Chris Harris, former CFO and Chief Strategy Officer, SAFE Credit Union
• Debbie Matz, former Chair, National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
• Brad Blackwell, former EVP of Homeownership Growth, Wells Fargo
• Reva Rao, Head of Digital Transformation, Blend; former Chief Lending Officer, Travis Credit Union
• Jim Finn, President & CEO, The Kerryman Finn; former CEO, Construction FCU
• Fred Campobasso, Chief Lending Officer at GLCU
• Jim Cotton, former Head of Origination, PenFed & Freddie Mac

"At Takara, we fix what's broken by learning from what works," said Jonathan Arad, CEO of Takara. "Our advisors bring a rare combination of industry insight and global perspective, making us uniquely equipped to bring meaningful, timely change to the mortgage industry. Their guidance has been instrumental in building financial products inspired by global models that unlock flexibility, fairness, and mobility for homeowners and lenders alike."

Takara’s advisory board actively provides critical guidance on its flagship DREAM program, which addresses the mortgage lock-in effect constraining both households and financial institutions. With millions of Americans trapped in low-rate mortgages, DREAM offers a practical solution that aligns borrower affordability with institutional balance sheet objectives.

"The mortgage lock-in problem requires innovative thinking grounded in deep industry knowledge," said Dennis Devine, former CEO of Alliant Credit Union. "Takara's approach demonstrates how financial institutions can solve real member problems while strengthening their own financial position. That's the kind of win-win our industry needs."

The advisors' collective experience spans consumer banking, credit union operations, regulatory oversight, mortgage origination and digital transformation – all critical domains for successfully deploying solutions in today's complex housing market. Their involvement has helped Takara build a program that works within existing infrastructure while delivering measurable results for both borrowers and lenders.

"Working with Takara's team has been energizing," said Debbie Matz, former Chair of NCUA. "They're tackling one of the most challenging issues in housing finance with a solution that respects both borrower needs and institutional realities. The DREAM program represents the kind of thoughtful innovation our industry needs to serve members better."

Takara's approach combines technical innovation with practical implementation, enabling credit unions and banks to offer mortgage payoff discounts without losses while helping members regain mobility. The company's platform delivers yield, liquidity, and growth for lenders while meeting the evolving needs of today's homeowners.

About Takara

Takara is a financial technology company pioneering solutions that unlock mobility and affordability in the U.S. mortgage market. Its flagship program, DREAM (Discount for Real Estate Affordability and Mobility), enables homeowners to move more freely while empowering credit unions and banks to enhance balance sheet efficiency. Learn more at www.Takara-capital.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260223111459/en/

"The DREAM program represents the kind of thoughtful innovation our industry needs to serve members better," said Debbie Matz, former Chair of NCUA.