Category: Finance

Tim Cox rejoins Informative Research to lead the company’s business process automation efforts

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced that Tim Cox has rejoined the IR leadership team as executive vice president of business process automation. In this role, Tim will apply his industry expertise to support the company and help its clients work more efficiently and intelligently.

Analysis: iEmergent’s 2025 U.S. mortgage forecasts closely track HMDA actuals

DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, today released a new analysis validating its 2025 forecasts against actual Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. The analysis, which uses final 2025 HMDA data released by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council on June 23, 2026, spans every geographic level from national down to individual census tracts.

Argyle extends its mortgage verification experience to the wholesale channel with the launch of a broker-branded borrower experience

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., Sept. 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, the leading consumer-permissioned verification platform, today announced the launch of a new solution that enables wholesale mortgage lenders to extend income, employment, and asset verification across their broker networks with a broker-branded borrower experience. The solution is available through Argyle’s Verification API as well as through Encompass® TPO Connect from ICE Mortgage Technology®.

Atlantic Bay builds on Southern growth with expansion into Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. and VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Sept. 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group LLC (Atlantic Bay) today announced the opening of its first Louisiana branch in Baton Rouge, extending its’ presence across the South and giving Louisiana homebuyers access to a wide range of mortgage options, local expertise, and the technology and resources of an established lender.

Atlantic Bay builds on Southern growth with expansion into Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. and VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Sept. 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group LLC (Atlantic Bay) today announced the opening of its first Louisiana branch in Baton Rouge, extending its’ presence across the South and giving Louisiana homebuyers access to a wide range of mortgage options, local expertise, and the technology and resources of an established lender.

EnergyCAP Adds Insights to its Energy Management Platform as Customers Report 3x More Value Than They Pay

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — EnergyCAP®, the leading utility and energy management platform for public and private sector organizations, announced Insights, a new capability to their energy and utility management platform, that brings reporting, alerting and prioritization together so energy teams can focus on what’s most important. The announcement came at Catalyst Converge, the company’s 20th annual conference where energy, facilities, finance and sustainability teams are gathered for three days of learning, collaboration, and product innovation.

Vesta Customers Gain Access to Mezzo’s One-to-Many Operating Architecture

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Sept. 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mezzo, creator of the mortgage industry’s first one-to-many operating architecture for third-party services, today announced an integration with Vesta, the AI-native loan origination system (LOS) and agent platform built to automate and accelerate mortgage operations. Mezzo launches with a single gateway across verification providers.

Vice Capital Markets expands bid tape capabilities to include VantageScore data

NOVI, Mich., Sept. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vice Capital Markets, a leading mortgage hedge advisory firm for independent lenders, banks and credit unions, today announced that its capital markets platform now supports the inclusion of VantageScore™ credit scores on mortgage bid tapes, providing lenders and investors with greater visibility into loan-level credit characteristics during the secondary market execution process.

Friday Harbor’s AI pre-underwriting platform integrates to the Freddie Mac Income Calculator API

SEATTLE, Wash., Sept. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced its integration to the Freddie Mac Income Calculator API. Lenders can now determine calculated monthly income for wage earners, including borrowers with variable income, in minutes while helping preserve eligibility for certain representation and warranty (R&W) relief tied to the income calculation.

Optimal Blue announces initial speaker lineup for 2027 Summit

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced its initial speaker lineup for its 2027 Optimal Blue Summit, including Analyst, ESPN Monday Night Football, 3-Time Super Bowl-Winning Quarterback, Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman. The third annual event shaping what’s next in mortgage will take place February 1-3, 2027 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Velocity Expands Member Benefits with Comprehensive Insurance Solutions

AUSTIN, Texas, July 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Velocity Credit Union is making it easier for members to protect what matters most by offering access to a wide range of insurance solutions through trusted industry partners. From home and vehicle insurance to business protection and specialty coverage, members can now explore insurance options designed to fit their unique needs and budgets.

Down Payment Resource identifies 2,746 homeownership programs nationwide in Q2 2026

ATLANTA, Ga., July 22, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homeownership programs, today released its Q2 2026 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report, identifying 2,746 programs nationwide. The total represents an increase of 67 programs from Q1 2026, reflecting continued expansion of resources designed to improve affordability and access to homeownership, and is a new survey high.

Argyle and The BIG Point of Sale named 2026 Connections Award winners by PROGRESS in Lending

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., July 22, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, the leading consumer-permissioned verification platform, and The BIG Point of Sale today announced they have been named winners of the 2026 Connections Award by PROGRESS in Lending. The award honors the most impactful partnerships, integrations and acquisitions advancing the mortgage industry, recognizing the companies for an integration that embeds verification of income and employment (VOIE) directly into the loan origination process through ICE Mortgage Technology’s Encompass Partner Connect® framework.

Informative Research names Ajay Trilokeshwaran chief technology officer

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., July 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced the promotion of Ajay Trilokeshwaran to chief technology officer (CTO). In his new role, Trilokeshwaran will lead the company’s product and technology execution, overseeing platform development, application engineering, infrastructure and cloud strategy to support business growth.

Friday Harbor adds USDA loans to its AI pre-underwriting platform

SEATTLE, Wash., July 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced support for USDA loans. The new capability enables lenders to identify documentation gaps, eligibility issues and changes that require updated Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS) findings before loan files reach underwriting, helping reduce rework and deliver a more predictable path to closing for both lending teams and borrowers.

Volume growth from existing staff ranks as lenders’ top priority for the second half of 2026, The Mortgage Collaborative’s survey finds

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, today released results from its June 2026 Pulse of the Network survey. The biannual survey gathered input from mortgage lenders, including independent mortgage banks, credit unions and depository institutions, on strategic priorities heading into the second half of 2026.

Click n’ Close named one of USDA’s Top Wholesale Lenders for 2026

ADDISON, Texas, July 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, received a USDA 2026 Top Wholesale Lender award. The award was presented today at USDA Rural Development’s National Lender of the Year Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

NotaryCam President Brian Webster named a 2026 Inman Best in Finance honoree

HOUSTON, Texas, July 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced that President Brian Webster has been recognized as a 2026 Inman Best in Finance award winner.

LodeStar Integrates with Dark Matter Technologies’ Empower® LOS Platform

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., July 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LodeStar Software Solutions (LodeStar), the leading provider of mortgage closing cost and fee data, today announced that it is integrated with Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®). LodeStar’s Closing Cost Calculator is now available in Empower® loan origination system (Empower), developed in conjunction with the Dark Matter Developer Platform.

Vice Capital Markets names Terry Aikin, CMB as executive vice president, strategic growth

NOVI, Mich., July 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vice Capital Markets, a leading mortgage hedge advisory firm for independent lenders, banks and credit unions, today announced the appointment of Terry Aikin as executive vice president, strategic growth. Aikin will focus on expanding Vice Capital’s customer base, strengthening existing client relationships and identifying new market opportunities.

Class Valuation verified by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to support new Uniform Property Data Report specification

TROY, Mich., July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), has been verified by Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac (the government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) to support the Uniform Property Data Report (UPDR) specification under Uniform Property Dataset (UPD) Version 1.0. Use of the UPDR is mandatory for mortgages with applications received on or after June 30, 2026.

Dovenmuehle’s Amber Cowan named a Mortgage Stars honoree by Mortgage Women Magazine

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Amber Cowan, first vice president of Default Operations, has been named a Mortgage Stars honoree by Mortgage Women Magazine. The program recognizes women making significant contributions to the mortgage industry through innovation, leadership and impact on colleagues and clients.

Dovenmuehle’s Amber Cowan named a Mortgage Stars honoree by Mortgage Women Magazine

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Amber Cowan, first vice president of Default Operations, has been named a Mortgage Stars honoree by Mortgage Women Magazine. The program recognizes women making significant contributions to the mortgage industry through innovation, leadership and impact on colleagues and clients.

Optimal Blue report: Mortgage demand strengthens as purchase activity and pull-through rebound

PLANO, Texas, July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its June 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage activity strengthened month over month (MoM), with purchase lock volume climbing to its highest level since early spring and pull-through rates rebounding across both purchase and refinance pipelines. Total rate-lock volume rose 10% MoM and 15% year over year (YoY).

The Mortgage Collaborative launches TMC Healthcare Cooperative to give lender members and preferred partners control over rising healthcare costs

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, has launched the TMC Healthcare Cooperative, a self-funded medical program open to all TMC lender members and preferred partners. Developed in partnership with CCIG, a Colorado-based employee benefits firm, the program gives vendors, community banks, credit unions and independent mortgage bankers a way to fund their own health claims as a group.

LodeStar report shows nominal year-over-year decline in national average mortgage closing costs

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., June 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LodeStar Software Solutions (LodeStar), the leading provider of mortgage closing cost and fee data, today announced the release of its Year-Over-Year Mortgage Closing Cost Report covering 2024 versus 2025. The report analyzes distinct mortgage quotes across all 50 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.), drawn from the company’s closing cost calculator platform.

Dovenmuehle names Ann Morey its head of product

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., June 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Ann Morey has been named Head of Product. In this role, Morey will lead DMI’s product management function, which includes establishing strategic product vision, driving outcome-oriented roadmaps that address stakeholder expectations, increasing internal cross-functional alignment and building agile, high-performing teams.

Friday Harbor and NewFed Mortgage honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award

SEATTLE, Wash., June 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, has been named a recipient of PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award alongside NewFed Mortgage Corp. (NewFed), a full-service residential mortgage lender operating in more than 20 states. The recognition honors a partnership that allowed NewFed to grow production without the hiring cycles and overhead that typically accompany scale.

DocMagic and Truliant Federal Credit Union earn PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award for industry-first eHELOC milestone

TORRANCE, Calif., June 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — DocMagic® was honored today with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award alongside Truliant Federal Credit Union, a North Carolina-based credit union serving more than 300,000 members. The recognition honors a yearslong partnership that culminated in the mortgage industry’s first electronic home equity line of credit (eHELOC) registered with the MERS® eRegistry. [UPDATED]

Franklin Madison Welcomes Matt Bishop as Chief Growth and Strategy Officer

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., June 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Madison is excited to announce the addition of Matt Bishop as Chief Growth & Strategy Officer. With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industries, Matt brings a proven ability to scale organizations and deliver impactful results to the executive leadership team.

Click n’ Close names Merv Govender chief information officer

ADDISON, Texas, June 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the appointment of Merv Govender as chief information officer (CIO). Govender brings more than 27 years of technology leadership across the banking, gaming and healthcare industries. As CIO, he will lead Click n’ Close’s technology development and deployment strategy.

iEmergent supports launch of CONVERGENCE Knowledge Hub with Market Profile Dashboard

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, today announced its support of the newly launched CONVERGENCE® Knowledge Hub, a centralized resource designed to help lenders, nonprofit organizations, housing counselors, real estate professionals and community leaders expand access to sustainable homeownership.

Dovenmuehle launches Diagnostic Process to streamline mortgage subservicing onboarding

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., June 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that it is improving onboarding with its new Diagnostic Process. This approach helps DMI subservicing clients identify and evaluate organizational complexity, resource constraints and team readiness earlier in servicing transfer workflows. Early preparation using the Diagnostic Process improves servicing transfer outcomes and increases onboarding efficiency.