Scott Anderson has made a lifelong career in banking. That alone might not surprise someone. But where Anderson’s resume stands out is his deep experience in Recreational Lending.
He helped establish Merrick Bank’s Recreational Lending business in 2004 and currently serves as Senior Vice President of the business line, supporting business development and loan origination functions for RV, marine, and utility trailers, along with customer support among other responsibilities.
In June of 2026, Anderson expanded his leadership role when the RV Industry Association appointed him chairman of its Finance Committee.
We asked him to share the priorities of the committee and how his role helps Merrick Bank better serve the dealerships we work with.
Congratulations on your recent appointment! Can you tell us about the mission of the RV Industry Association Finance Committee?
There are many factors that keep the RV industry strong and access to financing is one of the most important. The Financial Services Committee’s focus is twofold:
- Supporting dealership financing: Ensuring dealerships have access to wholesale financing (floor plan) financing so that they have the capital needed to purchase inventory and maintain well-stocked showrooms to meet customer demand. display and have available for timely purchase.
- Expanding consumer financing: Helping to ensure retail financing options are available for consumers who wish to finance their purchase.
What are your priorities as Chairman?
My role is to counsel the committee on the health of both channels of capital, facilitate collaboration on issues impacting the industry, the availability of financing support and champion the annual lender’s survey that the committee sponsors to gather key data on wholesale and retail financing trends.
While the committee is comprised of several competing lenders, as Chairman, my goal is to continue the legacy of this group coming together to align on priorities in support of the long-term health of the RV industry. Serving in a leadership role like this one is positive way to strengthen the industry and build trust and respect among all members of the committee.
You recently led your first meeting in Washington, D.C. How was that?
It was a great experience. We had vibrant dialogue around many of the pressing topics facing the industry and lenders specifically, including a full review of the annual lenders’ survey results.
Part of your time in D.C. this summer was also spent meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill as a member of the RV Industry Association (RVIA). What policies have the attention of the industry right now?
The day spent on Capitol Hill continues to be a great opportunity for members of the RVIA to meet with representatives of their home states and share the positive financial impact the RV Industry has on each state. We also talked about some key industry topics that are being discussed on Capitol Hill, including:
- Uncertainty around tariffs and other economic pressures that are negatively impacting the affordability of the RV lifestyle. Fair and consistent tariff policies are important to planning and investing for manufacturers.
- Last year’s legislation that allows taxpayers to deduct up to $10K per year in interest paid on car loans excluded RVs in the final version of the bill. There is current legislation proposed to include RV loans in this tax benefit.
- Reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund that was created in 2020 through the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act. The industry is hoping to have the America the Beautiful Act passed that would support much needed repairs to America’s public lands, which are key to providing a positive RV’ing experience for many users.
- Encouraging members of Congress to join the RV Caucus to broaden awareness and support of ongoing issues facing the RV Industry.
Why is it important for our company to have leaders like you represented on committees and boards of these industry organizations? What is the value to the industry?
Participating in association committees helps CardWorks Financial Group and Merrick Bank stay aware of industry trends and opportunities. Knowledge and relationships are key to building a successful business strategy. Providing service to the industries we work in also creates goodwill for our organization within the RV Industry. An industry as large and diverse as the RV Industry requires many suppliers to run effectively. By bringing in leaders from various suppliers, the RV industry garners feedback necessary to continually improve. It also invites collaboration and communication needed to support the health and longevity of the RV industry.
What are the most significant challenges currently facing RV lenders and dealers, and how are they adapting to changing market conditions?
I think the concerns around affordability remain. With inflation in recent years and higher interest rates, many consumers are still cautious about entering into a large discretionary purchase. The consumers’ willingness and ability to pay their debt is an ongoing concern for lenders during these times. Dealers need qualified customers who are confident to make the purchase and endorse the RV lifestyle. The ability to service the customer and their RV is also an ongoing need for dealerships. Supply chain and qualified service technicians to meet the demand for repairs has been a pain point in recent years as well.
To learn more about how to become a dealership partner of Merrick Bank’s Recreational Lending team, visit www.merrickbank.com/recreation-loans/partner.