Challenge Financial Services, a regional automotive finance company operating throughout the West, made two notable moves to wrap the first month of 2026.

First, the lender appointed Brian Hopper as its new corporate chief credit and risk officer, working with Challenge Financial’s senior leadership and regional teams across California and Arizona.

Also, Challenge Financial announced it has signed an acquisition agreement with MAS Financial to take ownership of its $21 million auto finance portfolio.

As the company continues to build its portfolio, Hopper will be responsible for scorecard development and credit policy, underwriting practices as well as data management and analytics for originations, servicing and dealer management.

With more than 20 years of auto finance industry experience, Hopper comes to Challenge Financial by way of AutoNation Finance, where he was instrumental in the development of the captive lending framework for AutoNation’s national footprint.

Hopper previously served as chief credit and risk officer for United Auto Credit Corp. from 2008 through 2016. At UACC, he played an integral role in restructuring the company’s debt and taking the company private and was responsible for oversight of all facets of risk management, process implementation, and scorecard development.

Hopper also spent time as director of risk management for Westlake Financial Services.

“Brian’s experience and leadership will continue to push growth and strengthen our lending practices,” Challenge Financial president and CEO Jeff Mortis said in a news release. “We pride ourselves on our people and Brian certainly has the credibility and industry knowledge worthy of joining our family.”

Now also part of that greater family are customers who previously made their monthly payments to MAS Financial.

Challenge Financial said it will continue to manage its full book of business in addition to the newly acquired portfolio. Leadership added the expanded and experienced leadership team at Challenge will be instrumental in onboarding the MAS dealer base and ensuring a seamless transition.

MAS Financial, headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., had been an indirect auto lender since 2000, serving dealerships in California and Arizona. With this portfolio sale, MAS Financial will wind down originations and servicing operations.

“We’d like to congratulate MAS Financial on its longevity and success over the years. The ability to acquire this book of business is an exciting addition for Challenge Financial’s growth trajectory,” Mortis said.

Challenge Financial Services has agreed to retain select MAS employees, which will provide continued opportunity for the MAS staff as well as propel Challenge Financial’s growth and allow it to better and more efficiently incorporate a larger base of independent and franchise auto dealers and customers.

“At Challenge Financial, we continue to research and discover new ways to be more accessible and improve and scale our network of dealers and customers,” Mortis said. “We’re now better able to broaden our footprint to deliver our competitive products, programs and quality financing solutions.”

For more information about a regionalized program for your dealership, call Challenge Financial Services at (800) 541-1417 or go online to www.CFSnow.com.