Tech People in the Know: HuLoop Automation’s Todd P. Michaud

In what is a recurring feature, Finopotamus will profile interesting and intriguing tech professionals who are positively impacting the credit union industry.

For this issue, we visited with HuLoop Automation’s CEO and Founder Todd P. Michaud.

By W.B. King

Growing up, anything technology-related caught Todd P. Michaud’s attention. He was particularly intrigued by its potential to transform how people work and live. Beginning his career with IBM in 1984, he spent the next 16 years with a front-row seat watching how cutting-edge hardware and software solutions transformed business operations.

Todd P. Michaud

“Over the years, I have had the chance to lead three fast-growing startups and oversaw two software turnaround businesses,” he told Finopotamus. “My passion for innovation eventually led me to start HuLoop Automation, where we apply these principles to build a ‘Future of Work’ platform that augments human capabilities through intelligent automation.”

The Auburn, Calif.-based HuLoop Automation optimizes how humans can leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), Michaud explained. The fintech’s goal, he added, is simplifying and democratizing AI access, especially for non-technical people.

Delivering Fast Results With Minimal Risks

Before founding HuLoop Automation in 2022, Michaud’s various experiences in fintech provided invaluable insights and actionable intelligence.

“Tech departments were historically more centralized, with decisions largely driven by IT leadership. Today, there's been a significant shift towards granting more autonomy to business leaders and departmental teams in making technology decisions,” he shared. “This decentralization allows for quicker decision-making and more aligned, agile strategies that are directly tied to business outcomes.”

Another notable change, he added, is a lower appetite for disruptive changes. “Now, organizations are more cautious, preferring incremental, manageable improvements that deliver faster results and minimize risk. The focus has shifted from seeking a massive technological overhaul to implementing solutions that are more practical, reliable, and have a quicker return on investment (ROI),” he said.

“This shift towards faster ROI solutions reflects the reality of today’s business environment, where agility and quick wins are essential,” he continued. “Technology departments are expected to deliver value quickly, with an emphasis on providing immediate benefits and demonstrating clear, measurable outcomes.”

Commitment to Inclusive Innovation

When it comes to investigating new technologies, the HuLoop approach involves a multitiered methodology, which ensures the team stays ahead of the curve, while meeting the evolving needs of its customers by listening to their feedback.

“We also keep a close eye on competitors and other innovative companies to understand emerging trends and benchmark our own capabilities. Additionally, talking to industry analysts provides us with expert perspectives on where the market is heading and how we can align our strategy with future demands,” he noted. “Finally, attending industry trade events allows us to engage with thought leaders, see new technologies firsthand, and network with others in the industry to identify new opportunities and solutions.”

Telling Finopotamus his employees are a comprised of millennials, Gen Xers, and seasoned professionals, Michaud also said gender diversity is a priority. This reflects the company’s commitment to inclusive innovation, he shared.

Future of Work

Among trends on Michaud’s radar is the continued evolution of AI and automation, particularly in the context of what he called “Future of Work.” The theory is described as a projected evolution of how work is shaped by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and societal changes.

“As businesses increasingly recognize the power of intelligent automation, we're seeing a shift towards more human-centric automation solutions that empower employees rather than replace them. AI and automation are enabling teams to focus on higher-value, creative, and strategic tasks by offloading repetitive and mundane work,” he said.

“AI-driven tools are becoming more sophisticated, allowing for smarter decision-making, personalized customer experiences, and more efficient operations,” he added. “This has profound implications for industries across the board, from financial services to healthcare, where automation is enhancing both speed and accuracy in critical processes.”

The rise of no-code and low-code platforms, he noted, is democratizing access to automation, which empowers all employees to create solutions that contribute to the digital transformation of their organizations. “This move towards the Future of Work isn’t just about technology—it's about creating environments where humans and machines work seamlessly together, each augmenting the other's strengths,” he shared.

Mutually Beneficial Collaborations

In Michaud’s view, credit unions not only stand out from other financial institutions due to their community-centric approach and member-focused services, but also by how they approach tech tools.  

“They prioritize personalized member experiences and agility in adopting new technologies,” he said. “This flexibility allows credit unions to innovate rapidly and tailor solutions that resonate deeply with their members' needs.”

To achieve technological solutions that best serve evolving member needs, Michaud said more credit unions are building progressive fintech relationships.

“Credit unions increasingly recognize the value of fintech partnerships in enhancing member services and operational efficiency. They're more willing to collaborate on innovative solutions, driven by the need to stay competitive and meet evolving member expectations,” he told Finopotamus. “This openness creates fertile ground for mutually beneficial collaborations that propel industry innovation forward.”