LendingTree Celebrates North Carolina's AI Roadmap for Responsible Technology Development

LendingTree Celebrates North Carolina's AI Roadmap

On July 6, 2026, LendingTree, known as one of the largest online financial marketplaces in the U.S., expressed its enthusiastic support for the newly released AI Strategic Roadmap from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. This initiative aims to establish North Carolina as a pioneer in the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI).

Governor Stein remarked on the urgency, stating, "Artificial intelligence is already changing how we work, learn, and serve the people of our state, and North Carolina must lead with urgency and care." The roadmap outlines a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding citizens from potential harm, preparing the workforce for future opportunities, and enhancing government services through innovative technology.

LendingTree has actively contributed to the formulation of this roadmap through the involvement of Sarah Bacha, the Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy and Analytics at LendingTree. Bacha served on the Governor's Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, which is made up of industry leaders, academic experts, government officials, and non-profit advocates tasked with shaping the future of AI in the state.

"The AI Strategic Roadmap is a model for other states looking to navigate this evolving technology landscape," commented Bacha. She emphasized that the council's recommendations strive to balance innovation with necessary safeguards to foster public trust—a key consideration as AI technology continues to emerge and evolve.

For nearly three decades, LendingTree has positioned itself at the cutting edge of leveraging technology to help consumers make informed financial decisions. As AI increasingly influences the financial services sector, LendingTree's advocacy for responsible technology use has never been more crucial. The company highlights the importance of innovation while ensuring the protection of consumer choice and privacy.

At the recent Fintech + Insurtech Generations conference in Charlotte, Hala Shakra, the Director of AI Strategy at LendingTree, underscored the significance of governance in AI development. "Governance should not be viewed as a hindrance to AI progress; rather, it should provide the clarity that teams require to innovate rapidly and effectively," Shakra stated, reflecting on how good governance can accelerate technological advancements.

The final AI Strategic Roadmap presents a holistic approach to advancing AI across various sectors, including state government, education, workforce development, economic growth, and consumer services. This initiative positions North Carolina strategically to attract future investments and talent, while also championing ethical and responsible AI usage.

In summary, LendingTree’s involvement in North Carolina’s AI Strategic Roadmap not only highlights the company's leadership in this critical area but also sets a precedent for responsible AI development nationwide. With the goals established in this roadmap, North Carolina stands ready to lead the way in balancing innovation with public safety and trust.

For further insight about LendingTree and its offerings, you can visit their official website at www.lendingtree.com.