NADA Show 2026: Shannon Robertson & Steven Abernethy | AFIP & Feldman Automotive Group

CBT News continues its NADA Show 2026 coverage as Shannon Robertson, executive director of AFIP and host of CBT News’ “Compliance That Works,” speaks with Steven Abernethy, Director of Finance at Feldman Automotive Group, about how dealers are balancing F&I productivity, compliance, and evolving technology across multi-store operations.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Maintaining compliance across multi-store operations requires a clear separation between production and compliance teams, along with consistent safeguards that protect customer data throughout the transaction lifecycle. Abernethy emphasized that successful operations ensure compliance processes continue even after a sale, supporting long-term customer relationships and maintaining trust across every dealership touchpoint.
2. Dealership finance operations are accelerating efforts to eliminate paper processes, as digital documentation improves efficiency and transparency. Electronic records enable dealers to securely track transactions from start to finish, respond more quickly to customer inquiries, and reduce risks associated with lost or mishandled paperwork, all while improving the customer experience.
3. As remote and off-site vehicle transactions become more common, verifying customer identity and safeguarding personal information remain critical challenges. Feldman Automotive Group relies on layered internal safeguards and approval processes to ensure sensitive customer information is released only after proper verification, underscoring the continued importance of disciplined operational controls as technology evolves.

Catch all of CBT News’ coverage of the 2026 NADA Show here.