Terminology Used in This Guide
Ascent uses specific terminology for key concepts throughout the platform. This section defines the most commonly used terms you'll encounter while using Ascent or reading this documentation.
These definitions reflect how Ascent uses these terms, which may differ from other platforms or your institution's terminology.
Note: As mentioned in the previous section, we use "members" throughout this documentation to refer to credit union members and bank customers alike.
Core Concepts
Application
A digital form submitted by a member or business to request a financial product. Applications range from simple personal loans to complex commercial products with guarantors, collateral, or covenants.
Lead
A data object created automatically when an application is started. Leads represent in-progress applications and are visible in the Leads Table. Each Lead contains application data, applicant information, and an activity timeline.
Product
An approved financial product (loan, credit card, or deposit account) assigned to a member. Ascent creates a Product when you approve a Lead. You can then service the Product through the platform.
Form
A digital form created using Ascent's no-code builder. Forms power applications, data collection, product modifications, and internal reviews.
Request
A one-time prompt sent to a member or business to complete a specific task, such as uploading a document or providing additional information.
Applicant
The individual or business applying for a product. Most applicants don't need to register or sign in, but registration provides access to the Applicant Portal and additional features.
Platform Modules
Consumer Suite
Ascent's tools for consumer-facing products, including personal loans, auto loans, and deposit accounts.
Business Suite
Ascent's tools for small business banking. Includes commercial applications, SBA products, covenant tracking, and loan modifications.
Applicant Portal
A secure web interface where applicants can view application status, respond to requests, and upload documents. Registration is optional.
Lender Portal
The internal Ascent interface where your staff manage Leads, process applications, and perform servicing tasks.
Proxy Mode
A feature that allows staff to complete applications on behalf of members or assist with in-progress applications in real time.
OneView
A dashboard that aggregates real-time platform data into a single view. OneView highlights pending tasks, servicing deadlines, and items requiring attention. (Premium feature)
Data Hub
The central data repository of the Ascent platform. Collects and unifies data from applications, your core banking system, third-party integrations (Plaid, QuickBooks), and servicing tools.
Closing Documents
A module that generates pre-filled, compliant documents based on Lead or Product data. These documents route to e-signature services for completion.
Extensions
Optional add-ons that expand application functionality, such as insurance products or partner services offered during the application process.
Integration & Technical Terms
Core Integration
A connection between Ascent and your core banking system (Fiserv, Jack Henry) to synchronize member and product data.
Third-Party Data Source
External services integrated with Ascent to enhance applications or servicing, such as credit bureaus (Experian), accounting software (QuickBooks), bank verification (Plaid), and document processing (Ocrolus).
Prefill
The automatic population of form fields using data from previous applications or external integrations.
Trigger
A condition that automatically initiates an action, such as sending a document request when a Lead reaches a specific stage.
Sub-Account
A feature that allows parent organizations (such as CUSOs) to delegate access and permissions to individual credit unions or branches.
Lead Status Terms
Unsubmitted
A Lead created when someone starts an application but hasn't yet submitted it.
Submitted
A Lead with a completed application, ready for staff review.
Approved
A Lead that has been reviewed and resulted in Product creation.
Closed
A Lead that has been declined or is no longer active.
Archived
A Lead saved for recordkeeping but removed from active views. Archived Leads can be retrieved for review or reporting.
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