Category Archives: Finance

Chelsea Groton Bank Proudly Offers Homebuyer Assistance Program for Persons with Documented Disabilities

GROTON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Chelsea Groton Bank is pleased to partner with the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to help borrowers with documented disabilities to purchase their first home, through the Home of Your Own Program.

The Home of Your Own Program allows borrowers to be eligible for a low-interest rate loan and down-payment assistance if the borrower or a live-in family member of the borrower has a documented disability.

"Keeping in line with our commitment to assisting all qualifying persons to achieve homeownership, we are thrilled to be able to offer a program specifically for the members of our community who overcome challenges each day due to a documented disability. We look forward to supporting the borrowers and their loved ones as they purchase a first home," shared Matt Morrell, VP, Retail Lending Manager at Chelsea Groton Bank. "As the leading mortgage lender in Eastern Connecticut, we're committed to preparing people to buy a home when it makes good financial sense for them. This program offers financial assistance and ensures, by requiring borrowers to attend a homebuyer class, that first time homeowners are prepared to accept the responsibility of homeownership."

In addition to providing the disability documentation, borrowers must be a first-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the past three years, and the home must be the borrower's primary residence. Borrowers must qualify for the program and attend a free Homebuyer Education course prior to closing. Eligible properties may include existing single family homes, multi-unit, condominiums, townhouses and new construction.

Chelsea Groton offers many additional affordable lending programs to the community through partnerships with Veterans Administration, Federal Housing Administration (FHA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and down payment assistance and grant programs, including FHLB Equity Builder, HDF SmartMove, and CHFA DAP.

Please visit https://www.chelseagroton.com/ for more information and to contact a lender about specific eligibility requirements.

About Chelsea Groton Bank

Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1.4 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank's products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management, financial planning and financial education programming. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County and a Loan Production Office in Hartford County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses. To learn more, please visit chelseagroton.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Institution ID 402928.

Chelsea Groton Bank is pleased to partner with the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to help borrowers with documented disabilities to purchase their first home, through the Home of Your Own Program.

Related link: https://www.chelseagroton.com/

Jencap Announces Acquisition of U.K.-based Lloyd’s Coverholder

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Jencap Group, LLC (Jencap), the wholesale program management and binding authority business of Galway Insurance Holdings LP (Galway), has acquired London-based Worldwide Hole 'N One Ltd. (WHNO).

Through its primary brand, Worldwide Special Risks (WWSR), WHNO has operated as a Lloyd's coverholder underwriting agency for over 25 years. As an established leading provider, Worldwide Special Risks' contingency team service the live events market with a range of covers including cancellation, non-appearance, and event property and liability. Additional lines, to include film and media, prize indemnity and accident and health, are supplied to the UK and international retail and wholesale broker market. With an underwriting office in the Lloyd's building, cover is available to the U.K. and international clients, via exclusive binding authorities, to a number of leading insurers, including the Lloyd's market.

John Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of Jencap commented, "It is important that Jencap has operations in London, a most important marketplace for complex and specialty insurance. I've gotten to know Jon Wilkinson and his business, and can't think of a better platform or business line to start with than event and other specialty contingency products. We're excited with the prospects for underwriting and distribution of more products ahead and the benefit it will provide to our partners and clients."

Jon Wilkinson, WWSR Managing Director, added, "Everyone at Worldwide is excited about the next chapter that the Jencap acquisition delivers. The last year has seen unprecedented and ongoing disruption to the contingency market, and this new partnership will provide great stability and support. It will also enable us to enhance the products and services we offer, and provides a strong platform for additional growth."

Jencap and other Galway businesses currently provide extensive insurance products, broking and risk management services to the entertainment and sport industry. The live event market is particularly important within this niche.

"Now that we are once again able to enjoy live music, sports and other large group gatherings, we're thrilled to be part of enabling those events to take place. With Jon and his team at WWSR joining existing Jencap facilities, we will play a big part in expanding desperately needed capacity for our distribution partners and clients," said Peter Garvey, Vice Chairman of Galway.

About Jencap Group, LLC

Jencap is one of the largest wholesalers in the U.S. with notable industry-leading expertise in wholesale brokerage, binding authority, and program management. Its specialized divisions and affiliate organizations provide niche underwriting prowess, broad market access, and nationwide influence. With headquarters in New York, Jencap leverages its collective power, exceeding the expectations of 15,000+ independent agency partners. Visit https://jencapgroup.com/.

About Galway Holdings LLC

Galway Insurance Holdings, the holding company for EPIC Brokers & Consultants and Jencap Group, is a diversified insurance brokerage distribution platform with retail, wholesale, program administration and managing general agent capabilities. In total, Galway manages over $7 billion of insurance premiums and operates in over 100 offices serving all 50 states.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. For more information on EPIC, visit: https://epicbrokers.com/.

*LOGO link for media (Jencap): https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0708s2p-jencap-logo-300dpi.jpg

Jencap Group, LLC (Jencap), the wholesale program management and binding authority business of Galway Insurance Holdings LP (Galway), has acquired London-based Worldwide Hole 'N One Ltd. (WHNO).

Related link: https://jencapgroup.com/

FormFree integrates AccountChek 3n1 one-stop VOE/VOIE into Encompass®

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® has partnered with ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure,  to make its AccountChek 3n1 asset, income and employment verification service available in Encompass®, the mortgage industry's leading cloud-based loan origination platform.

The seamless API integration allows lenders to order, manage and review verification of asset (VOA) and verification of income/employment (VOIE) reports with a single provider selection in Encompass. By consolidating VOA and VOIE orders through a single vendor, mortgage lenders improve efficiency in the loan origination process, reduce per-loan costs and streamline vendor due diligence.

FormFree's AccountChek 3n1 securely delivers direct-source VOA and VOI/E data in less than a minute, significantly shortening loan application timelines and collecting critical underwriting documents earlier in the application process.

VOA (Asset Report)

For over 10 years, FormFree VOA has helped borrowers skip the paper chase when qualifying for a loan. Borrowers send their direct-source financial data straight to lenders in an underwriting-friendly format that reduces delays, manual errors and fraud risk. Real-time insight into borrowers' assets, income and employment enables better credit decisioning.

Key features include:

* Average connection time of just 22 seconds

* Available with 30, 60, 90 and 180-day refresh periods

* Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) rep and warrant relief eligible

VOIE (Income and Employment Report)

Several of today's popular VOI and VOE solutions have a success rate of less than 50%, requiring lenders to fall back on manual verification processes that are slow and result in a diminished borrower experience. FormFree's VOIE product covers 85% of all U.S. workers (over 100 million wage earners), saving lenders time and improving margins.

Key features include:

* Flat pricing significantly lower than market alternatives

* Up to 6 most recent pay stubs and 2 years of W-2s

* One free report refresh prior to close

"Now mortgage lenders can get all three core verifications - assets, income and employment - from one trusted partner within the familiar Encompass environment," said FormFree CEO Brent Chandler. "By combining VOA and VOIE, FormFree's AccountChek 3n1 eliminates the cost and headache of managing multiple vendors, helps loan teams work more efficiently and delivers a world-class borrower experience that expedites pre-approvals and increases loan pull-through."

About FormFree®

FormFree® is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek® and Passport® make for a more inclusive credit decisioning landscape by enabling lenders to understand people's true ability to pay (ATP®). To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing trillions of dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, dramatically reduces origination timelines and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey®. For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

ICE Mortgage Technology combines technology, data and expertise to automate the entire mortgage process from consumer engagement through loan registration and every step and task in between. ICE Mortgage Technology is the leading cloud-based loan origination platform provider for the mortgage industry with solutions that enable lenders to originate more loans, lower origination costs, and reduce the time to close, all while ensuring the highest levels of compliance, quality, and efficiency. Visit https://www.icemortgagetechnology.com/ or call (877) 355-4362 to learn more.

About Intercontinental Exchange

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds and operates digital networks to connect people to opportunity. We provide financial technology and data services across major asset classes that offer our customers access to mission-critical workflow tools that increase transparency and operational efficiencies. We operate exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, and clearing houses that help people invest, raise capital and manage risk across multiple asset classes. Our comprehensive fixed income data services and execution capabilities provide information, analytics and platforms that help our customers capitalize on opportunities and operate more efficiently. At ICE Mortgage Technology, we are transforming and digitizing the U.S. residential mortgage process, from consumer engagement through loan registration. Together, we transform, streamline and automate industries to connect our customers to opportunity.

Trademarks of ICE and/or its affiliates include Intercontinental Exchange, ICE, ICE block design, NYSE and New York Stock Exchange. Information regarding additional trademarks and intellectual property rights of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and/or its affiliates is located here: https://www.intercontinentalexchange.com/terms-of-use. Key Information Documents for certain products covered by the EU Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation can be accessed on the relevant exchange website under the heading "Key Information Documents (KIDS)."

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- Statements in this press release regarding ICE's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see ICE's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in ICE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 4, 2021.

Twitter: @RealFormFree @ICEMortgageTech #mortgageindustry #fintech #digitalmortgage

FormFree® has partnered with ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure,  to make its AccountChek 3n1 asset, income and employment verification service available in Encompass®, the mortgage industry's leading cloud-based loan origination platform.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

HousingWire selects DepthPR founder Kerri Milam as 2021 Marketing Leader

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Depth Public Relations (DepthPR), a leading provider of consultative marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending fintech and residential finance industries since 2006, today announced company Founder and President Kerri Milam is a recipient of HousingWire's inaugural Marketing Leaders award.

"The housing sector is driven by sales and marketing agility and execution. The successful market-share leaders consistently demonstrate a commitment to marketing strategy, superior communication and a passion for the technology that builds relationships and closes transactions," said HousingWire Media CEO Clayton Collins. "The Marketing Leaders award recognizes the CMOs and marketing executives who drive outsized business outcomes, transform brands and make everyone around them better."

Milam's career-long passion for issues related to residential finance and desire to work with industry innovators led her to found DepthPR in 2006. As president, she guides her company and clients to serve as meaningful contributors of mortgage industry thought leadership and delivers shrewd advice that elevates business strategies and keeps the customer experience front and center. HousingWire's awards committee was particularly struck by Milam's success in helping her clients maintain a high level of visibility while grappling with the uncertainty of an unprecedented pandemic. DepthPR increased both its employee headcount and client roster by more than 15% in 2020, during which time DepthPR clients received an average 592% ROI from DepthPR's services.

"I am honored to be among this talented and admirable peer group of HousingWire 2021 Marketing Leaders who inspire me with their accomplishments," said Milam. "It is no secret that I love the U.S. housing finance sector and am committed to advancing mortgage fintech innovation by delivering strategic marketing services to its visionaries and workhorses. There is nothing more gratifying than to provide value to a cause one is passionate about."

"The level at which we've been able to accomplish our strategic goals is indicative of the tremendous value that Kerri Milam and the DepthPR team have brought to FormFree," said FormFree Head of Sales and Marketing Christy Moss. "Kerri has a unique ability to quickly analyze opportunities and foresee the best approach to create visibility and deliver our message to the market, further accelerating our growth. Our company is proud to have such a brilliant public relations and marketing strategist as a part of our team."

Now in its inaugural year, HousingWire's Marketing Leaders award program seeks to highlight the brightest minds in marketing within the housing industry. View the full list of 2021 HousingWire Marketing Leaders at https://www.housingwire.com/articles/presenting-housingwires-2021-marketing-leaders/.

About DepthPR:

Depth Public Relations (DepthPR) is a leading provider of consultative marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industries. Since 2006, the firm has represented a clientele of established and emerging brands serving mortgage lenders, real estate professionals and appraisers. DepthPR is committed to serving the cause of digital innovation and to practicing the pay-it-forward principle alongside The Golden Rule. DepthPR is a member and supporter of the Mortgage Bankers Association and The Mortgage Collaborative. For more information, visit https://www.depthpr.com/.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 1.0 million unique visitors each month. Our audience of mortgage, real estate and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit www.housingwire.com or www.solutions.housingwire.com to learn more.

Twitter: @HousingWire #HWmarketingleaders #mortgagemarketing

Depth Public Relations (DepthPR), a leading provider of consultative marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending fintech and residential finance industries since 2006, today announced company Founder and President Kerri Milam is a recipient of HousingWire's inaugural Marketing Leaders award.

Related link: https://www.DepthPR.com/

The IRS Collection is Now Back and Sending Final Intent to Levy Notices – Ace Plus Tax Resolution Suggests Tax Relief Strategies

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- James Cha, a CPA and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist from Ace Plus Tax Resolution, underlines that the IRS is starting its collection actions by sending Final Intent to Levy notices, and urges taxpayers to act with tax relief strategies.

The IRS collection enforcement is now back! The IRS switched its lenient position during COVID-19 and has now started sending millions of Final Notices of Intent to Levy (Letter 11 or LT11) from June 15, 2021. Its Automated Levy and Systematic Lien Programs were halted since April 2020 due to COVID, but these programs have now returned. It's time to take action to protect your bank accounts, wages, and other assets and income from the IRS!

A levy occurs when the IRS collects the back taxes by seizing delinquent taxpayers' real or personal properties. Typically, levies are made on financial accounts held for them by others, such as a bank, a stockbroker, or an employer. Levies can be placed on bank accounts, social security benefits, and retirement income.

If anyone wishes to appeal this proposed levy action, Form 12153, "Request for a Collection Due Process or Equivalent Hearing," has to be sent to the IRS within 30 days from the receipt of LT11.

About 45 days after Letter 11 is issued, a levy will take place if the taxpayer has not contacted the IRS for resolution. The IRS computer sends levy notices to any financial institution suspected of holding funds under its Social Security numbers or names, or to any employers or contractors who have filed a W-2 or 1099 form showing they have paid them in the past. In addition to any properties, a levy can attach to any future federal tax refunds or state income tax refunds that they are to receive, in order to satisfy the federal tax liability.

James Cha, CPA, CTRS, says that "It is critical for the taxpayers to understand where they are in the collection process. Any delinquent taxpayers are highly recommended (or strongly urged) to start working out a deal with the IRS as soon as possible."

Upon receiving Letter 11, here are some critical points to consider:

* Get any missing returns filed as soon as possible to be in compliance.

* Respond to the notices or letters, and seek professional tax help for the best possible resolution options.

* Respond to IRS requests in a timely fashion.

Additionally, James states "It is also worth noting that I expect that the IRS will continue to hire many more new employees to ramp up its enforcement actions". In 2021, the IRS has already announced plans to hire 87,000 new employees, doubling their workforce over the next six years. The current administration has pledged $80 billion toward enforcement activities over the next ten years.

Tax Reliefs

In the case where the taxpayer is approached by the IRS for back taxes, the best possible course of action might be to adopt an approach to deal with the issue tactfully without panicking.

James believes "the best course of action is to see if they qualify for any tax relief options." However, this can only be done after delinquent tax returns have been filed and all current income tax or payroll tax deposits have been paid.

Businesses or individuals can settle their taxes substantially less than they owe through an Offer in Compromise if they qualify. Financial inability to pay is the most common reason an Offer is accepted, but it must be supported by and verified with well-prepared financial documents and statements.

Or, through an Installment Agreement, businesses or individuals may set up an affordable payment plan to pay off the back taxes. If they qualify for a Partial Payment Installment, they will not be paying off the full amount, as the balance left at the end of the payment term will be forgiven. Strategizing is crucial when submitting an application in order to maximize the benefit.

Also, they may be able to halt IRS collection actions by declaring a Currently Not Collectible status. To qualify for this status, they must prove they have a dire financial situation and none to very little income. The IRS will put a pause on their attempt to collect payment until the financial situation improves.

Lastly, business owners who have fallen behind on their Payroll Tax Obligations need to figure out the best method to protect themselves and deal with the IRS.

The Final Words

There are numerous tax relief options that are put forth by the government, but individuals and business owners should seek an experienced tax relief specialist who can strategize, take full advantage, and save considerable sums of money for taxpayers.

Ace Plus Tax Resolution provides permanent solutions to taxpayers with IRS and state tax problems. James Cha is a CPA and Certified Tax Resolution Specialist(r) at Ace Plus Tax Resolution, has been representing his clients and dealing with the IRS for over 30 years. His practice is in Los Angeles, but his clients are all across the nation.

Contact him at (213) 600-7388 or James@AcePlusTaxResolution.com for a free consultation.

VIDEO (YouTube) - How To Stop IRS Levy. Final Intent to Levy notice: https://youtu.be/Zmgi3Hb7Xlc

Watch all our YouTube videos about how to resolve your tax problems: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbL7h9yy9oOKyybrcPD_OXg/featured

James Cha, a CPA and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist from Ace Plus Tax Resolution, underlines that the IRS is starting its collection actions by sending Final Intent to Levy notices, and urges taxpayers to act with tax relief strategies.

Related link: https://AcePlusTaxResolution.com/

Travis Mlodzik Elected President of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals

SAVAGE, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Travis Mlodzik, Central Practice Leader for ICS Tax, LLC has been elected President of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP). Cost Segregation is a tremendously valuable tax planning strategy for real estate investors. The ASCSP provides education, credentialing, and a code of ethics for its members while representing the very best professionals in the cost segregation industry.

When discussing what joining the ASCSP has meant, Travis stated it's "one of the best decisions I have made for both my professional and personal growth. The ASCSP has highly respected individuals from this niche industry within its membership and being able to network and learn from them has only made the industry stronger and more prominent."

On his personal growth, Travis says, "Since joining the ASCSP, I have gained confidence in my skill set, tax knowledge, communication skills and presenting how Cost Segregation can benefit taxpayers."

Travis adds, "I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized and elected by my peers for the Presidency of the ASCSP."

Since 2012, Travis has been an active member in the ASCSP and earned his Certified Member credentials in 2014. Travis currently chairs the Membership Committee, co-chairs the Education Committee, and assists the Conference Committee. In addition to committee responsibilities, Travis has served on the Board of Directors since 2015, holding elected positions of Director and most recently of Treasurer.

Travis earned a B.A.S. Construction Management degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and has over 15 years of experience and proven knowledge of construction, cost segregation, tax law, depreciation, and fixed assets. Travis resides in Apple Valley, Minnesota with his wife and two daughters. In his free time, Travis enjoys woodworking, hunting, fishing, and taking his daughters to Karate.

ABOUT ICS TAX, LLC

ICS Tax, LLC (ICS) is a consulting firm providing innovative tax planning strategies to real estate investors. ICS collaborates with taxpayers and their tax professionals to identify credits and incentives that reduce tax liabilities and increase profitability. ICS provides nationwide service through its offices located throughout the country.

Learn more at https://ics-tax.com/

Travis Mlodzik, Central Practice Leader for ICS Tax, LLC has been elected President of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP). Cost Segregation is a tremendously valuable tax planning strategy for real estate investors. The ASCSP provides education, credentialing, and a code of ethics for its members while representing the very best professionals in the cost segregation industry.

Related link: https://ics-tax.com/

Say Goodbye to Receipt Headaches! AmTrav and Emburse Automate Travel Expenses

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- AmTrav, the one connected platform for business travel, and Emburse, a global leader in expense management and accounts payable automation, today announced the next evolution in their partnership with the launch of their automatic receipts integration. This cutting-edge integration automatically populates AmTrav travel expenses in clients' Emburse expense wallets to save travelers, expense preparers and expense administrators time, frustration and mistakes.

Traditional travel and expense integrations all have shortcomings that cause errors and create additional work for users. Booking data feeds often don't match up with actual payment data, credit card data feeds are delayed several days and don't include receipts or important expense details, email forwarding is unreliable, and manually entering expenses and uploading receipts is a time-consuming pain for users.

The automatic receipts integration solves these pains by enabling AmTrav to send 100% accurate expense data and receipt images from the AmTrav point of sale to users' Emburse expense wallets. Users can then add these complete travel expense items to an expense report with one click. This feed includes any travel changes made through AmTrav, automatically populating expense records for additional fare amounts, change penalties or refunds. Emburse users can also designate expense owners to receive expenses for specific travelers.

This new integration builds on AmTrav and Emburse's history of simplifying clients' travel and expense processes since 2013. Busy travelers and expense preparers are freed from tedious tasks like uploading receipts and entering receipt data for travel purchases and travel changes. Expense owners no longer need to remind travelers to forward receipt emails for expense report preparation. And expense administrators get reliable expense data straight from the AmTrav point of sale, saving those administrators time and frustration as travel expenses reliably reconcile with company credit card statements with fewer user or system errors.

"The word 'integration' gets thrown around a lot these days, but the one between AmTrav and Emburse is robust and real-time," said AmTrav CEO Jeff Klee. "Customers who pick AmTrav and Emburse can get a travel management platform that they'll love, paired with a world-class expense management system, tightly integrated so their travel expense data flows accurately from one to the other to save all users time and headache."

To learn more about how AmTrav and Emburse can make travel and expense management easier for your team, reach out to AmTrav or Emburse today.

About AmTrav Corporate Travel

AmTrav is a new kind of technology and services platform that's driving business travel into a bold new era. Our easy-to-use solution empowers travelers and travel bookers to be more productive. Companies of all sizes use AmTrav to book trips, find savings, set travel policies, manage payments and expenses, and keep their travelers safe. Travelers love AmTrav because our one connected platform provides a seamless experience across the travel ecosystem and our travel experts and relationship managers are always ready to help. More than 1000 businesses use AmTrav to go places, meet people, build meaningful connections, and get the most out of every trip. For more information on AmTrav visit https://www.amtrav.com/, call us at 800-795-8371 or drop us a note.

About Emburse

Emburse humanizes work by empowering business travelers, finance professionals, and CFOs to eliminate manual, time-consuming tasks so they can focus on what matters most.

Emburse offers a growing portfolio of award-winning expense and AP automation solutions, including Emburse Abacus, Emburse Captio, Emburse Certify, Emburse Chrome River, Emburse Cards, Emburse Nexonia, Emburse SpringAhead and Emburse Tallie. Its innovative offerings are tailored to meet the unique needs of specific industries, company sizes, and geographies, and are trusted by more than 9 million users in more than 120 countries. Over 16,000 customers, from start-ups to global enterprises, including Boot Barn, Grant Thornton, Telefónica, Lufthansa Systems, and Toyota rely on Emburse to eliminate manual processes, make faster, smarter decisions, and help make users' lives - and their businesses - better.

Emburse is recognized as a leader in expense management and accounts payable automation by analyst firm IDC, and has received multiple awards for its high levels of customer satisfaction.

For more information on Emburse, visit https://www.emburse.com/, call 877-EMBURSE, or follow the organization's social channels at @emburse.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0624s2p-amtrav-logo-300dpi.jpg

AmTrav, the one connected platform for business travel, and Emburse, a global leader in expense management and accounts payable automation, today announced the next evolution in their partnership with the launch of their automatic receipts integration.

Related link: https://www.amtrav.com/

MobilityRE welcomes mortgage technology leader Jonas Kruckeberg as director of growth and client success

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- MobilityRE, a leader in real estate intelligence technologies for mortgage lenders and real estate agents, today announced it has appointed mortgage technology leader Jonas Kruckeberg as director of growth and client success. In this role, Kruckeberg will strengthen customer engagement for the company's flagship product, Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI). Kruckeberg will also oversee sales and customer success.

For 18 years, Kruckeberg has been driving sales and forging strategic partnerships at marquee mortgage technology firms. Notably, Kruckeberg helped grow Top of Mind into the mortgage industry's most used customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation platform, holding positions during his nine-year tenure as vice president of sales and executive vice president of strategic partnerships and industry relationships. Immediately before joining MobilityRE, Kruckeberg served as chief revenue officer at Knowledge Coop, a leading provider of continuing education (CE) training for mortgage lenders.

"We feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a mortgage tech industry veteran as well-established as Jonas," said MobilityRE CEO and Founder Ben Teerlink. "Bringing him on board to spearhead customer engagement and success for MMI is going to help our customers work smarter and grow revenue as the pendulum shifts from red hot refi- to purchase market."

By accessing an unrivaled database of comprehensive real estate and mortgage production data, MMI's enterprise customers can identify partner networks that best support their business objectives, with granular insight into lenders, loan officers and real estate agents by region or individual transactions. As director of growth and client success, Kruckeberg will work closely with customers to ensure that their teams are maximizing every facet of MMI's powerful feature set.

"As a former customer and power user of MMI, it's invigorating to now be on the inside with the ability to directly help our customers turbocharge their strategic data initiatives," said Kruckeberg. "Working side-by-side with Ben and the leadership team here is already giving me flashbacks to my early days with Top of Mind. There's just so much potential; it's enthralling to think we're only scratching the surface. Honestly, the excitement and amazement I see in peoples' eyes when we give them a demo of MMI, that says it all. The data and tech is really unrivaled right now. MMI is a rocket ship, no question about it."

About MobilityRE:

MobilityRE is a market leader in real estate intelligence technology. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, the company's signature product, Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), provides access to actionable, dependable data for enterprise customers in mortgage lending, real estate, title and related industries. MMI is currently used by over 200 enterprise customers, including 18 of the top-25 lenders in the country.

Visit https://mobilitymi.com/ to learn more.

Twitter: @MobilityRE #digitalmortgage #mortgagelending

MobilityRE, a leader in real estate intelligence technologies for mortgage lenders and real estate agents, today announced it has appointed mortgage technology leader Jonas Kruckeberg as director of growth and client success.

Related link: https://mobilitymi.com/

Move For Hunger to Connect Food Donations with Local Distribution Centers in Partnership with Goldman Sachs Asset Management

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, today announced that they will partner with the Private Real Estate business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs) on a national program that leverages both organizations' networks to create scalable social impact through community-based food distribution channels.

This new partnership, the first of its kind with an institutional real estate investor, will help Move For Hunger transport more food to those in need and become a standard offering at eligible existing Goldman Sachs multi-family real estate investments, and future acquisitions. The program involves establishing a seamless and easy process that provides residents with a donation kit and instructions for packaging food that would

have otherwise been discarded. Through a national network of professional moving companies, Move For Hunger collects resident food donations from each participating property on a regular cadence and delivers the donated items to local food banks for distribution.

With thousands of units in more than 40 cities in the current multifamily portfolio, this represents a large-scale opportunity to create consistent and ongoing positive impacts in the communities where the team invests. In rental communities, a steady flow of resident turnover and lease expirations typically means an increase in items that end up in the onsite dumpsters. Among the many household items that are often disposed of during a move, pantry items and nonperishable foods are commonly found in the trash receptacles. This program is a strong example of how strategic relationships can enable market participants to connect the dots and make the user's and beneficiary's experiences, easy and streamlined. The impact is also clear with Move For Hunger collecting more than 5 million lbs of food (4 million meals) in 2020 alone.

On the partnership, Nicolette Jaze, a Vice President who manages operational ESG integration for real estate investments at Goldman Sachs Asset Management says, "The obvious benefit here is rescuing and delivering countless pounds of food to community-based organizations that can quickly activate to get these donations in the hands of those who need them most. The less obvious, yet highly impactful benefit is the connectivity that Move For Hunger is creating between properties and local communities. They are the facilitators of a classic neighbor-helping-neighbor framework that is critical to strengthening communities and creating sense of place."

"We are absolutely thrilled to add Goldman Sachs and their properties to the Move For Hunger network," said Adam Lowy, Executive Director and Founder of Move For Hunger. "Hunger is experienced in every zip code and the diversity of Goldman Sachs' portfolio will allow us to make a positive impact in cities all across the United States."

In the U.S., food insecurity is on the rise. Due to the pandemic, 5 million more Americans (42 million in total) are going hungry including 1 in 6 children. All the while, 35% of the food produced in the country is ending up in landfills. The new partnership between the two organizations will help get food in the hands of the people that need it most.

About Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Goldman Sachs Asset Management is the primary investing arm of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS). We provide investment and advisory services for some of the world's leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals. We invest across public and private markets through one world-class investing platform with more than $2 trillion in assets under supervision. Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution that delivers financial services across investment banking, securities, investment management and consumer banking to a large and diversified client base. Visit www.gsam.com for more information. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About Move For Hunger

Move For Hunger is a national non-profit organization that has created a sustainable way to reduce food waste and fight hunger. We have mobilized the leaders of moving, relocation, and multifamily industries to provide their customers, clients, and residents with the opportunity to donate their food when they move. Members of Move For Hunger also organize community food drives, participate in awareness campaigns, and create employee engagement programs. For more information, or to find out how you can host your own food drive, visit https://moveforhunger.org/.

Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, today announced that they will partner with the Private Real Estate business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs) on a national program that leverages both organizations' networks to create scalable social impact through community-based food distribution channels.

Related link: https://moveforhunger.org/

SimpleNexus integrates with Finicity’s Mortgage Verification Service to give lenders a simpler, faster way to verify borrower assets, income and employment

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced an integration with Finicity's Mortgage Verification Service (MVS) that allows lenders to streamline the verification of applicants' assets, income and employment using a single embedded service.

Finicity (https://www.finicity.com), a Mastercard company and leading provider of open banking solutions, launched MVS in February. The service leverages consumer-permissioned bank and payroll data to provide accurate, real-time insight into a borrower's current assets, income and employment in minutes, without any paperwork. MVS has helped lenders shave up to 12 days off the origination process and is accepted by both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, making loans eligible for rep and warrant relief.

SimpleNexus is the first mortgage point-of-sale (POS) platform to offer Finicity's MVS as an integrated solution. Without ever leaving the SimpleNexus mobile app, borrowers can use MVS to complete asset, income and employment verification in a few simple steps that take just minutes to complete. Lenders receive validated payroll, paystub and bank account data in real time and can refresh the data within 10 days of the loan closing as needed to fulfill investor requirements.

"Our integration with Finicity's Mortgage Verification Service delivers GSE-accepted verification of assets, income and employment in one easy interaction," said SimpleNexus Chief Product Officer Shane Westra. "The entire process takes place in minutes within the simple, familiar SimpleNexus app that borrowers and loan officers rely on throughout the homebuying journey."

"Digital experiences that simplify our lives are the rule of the day," said Finicity Chief Product Officer Nick Thomas. "The integration of Finicity's Mortgage Verification Service into the innovative SimpleNexus platform furthers this vision with a simple, intuitive digital process for verifying income, assets and employment in a single online experience."

"By embedding Finicity's income and employment verifications within S1 Connect, just as we previously integrated Finicity's asset verification, we have once again significantly empowered our clients and streamlined the home approval process," said Synergy One CEO Steve Majerus. Synergy One's 275 loan officers use a white-labeled version of SimpleNexus under the S1 Connect moniker.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is a homeownership platform transforming the mortgage experience and connecting borrowers, loan officers, real estate agents and settlement service providers throughout the homebuying process. The platforms' native mobile toolset enables lenders to originate, process and close home loans from anywhere with increased efficiency and convenience. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals, sign disclosures and execute eClosings - all on the go. SimpleNexus provides borrowers with a single sign-on experience from home search to the application, document upload, eClose and beyond for a more streamlined homeownership journey.

About Finicity:

Finicity, a Mastercard company, helps individuals, families and organizations make smarter financial decisions through its safe and secure access to fast, high-quality data. The company provides a proven and trusted open banking platform that puts consumers in control of their financial data, transforming the way we experience money for everything from budgeting and payments to investing and lending. Finicity partners with influential financial institutions and disruptive fintech providers alike to give consumers a leg up in a complicated financial world, helping to improve financial literacy, expanding financial inclusion and ultimately leading to better financial outcomes. Finicity is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. To learn more or test drive its API, visit https://www.finicity.com.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus @finicity

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced an integration with Finicity's Mortgage Verification Service (MVS) that allows lenders to streamline the verification of applicants' assets, income and employment using a single embedded service.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

HWS Enters into An Exclusive Partnership with Mrs. LTC to Offer Long-Term Care Claim Processing for Household Employers

STERLING, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- HomeWork Solutions (HWS), the industry expert in household payroll and employment taxes, has entered into an exclusive partnership agreement with Mrs. LTC, a leading provider of Long-Term Care Claims processing. The new partnership will provide HWS customers with a top-quality resource for processing long-term care claims.

Jay Schulze, President of HomeWork Solutions, stated, "As the in-home care marketplace continues to grow, we are seeing more families turn to Long Term Care insurance policies to fund the cost of a caregiver. This partnership with Mrs. LTC allows HWS to expand our offerings and expertise in the administrative side of household employment, including payroll, taxes, worker's compensation, and now long-term care insurance claims processing."

Stana Martin, President, Mrs. LTC stated, "We're excited to form this exclusive partnership with HomeWork Solutions and provide its clients with our expertise in Long Term Care insurance claims. I'm excited I now have a resource for my clients on household payroll and taxes."

HWS offers uncomplicated, straightforward household payroll, tax support, and now Long-Term Care Insurance Claims processing for its clients.

Anyone interested in scheduling time with Mrs. LTC can click here. Stana offers a 1-hour free consultation - https://www.homeworksolutions.com/long-term-care-claim-processing/.

Call us today at 866.959.7812 to learn more. Clients can enroll online at https://www.homeworksolutions.com/.

HomeWork Solutions, Inc. has provided payroll and tax preparation services to families nationwide since 1993. As experts providing services to tens of thousands of families, the staff at HomeWork Solutions has been a trusted resource for household employers and publications such as The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Fox, The Washington Post, and many more. Homework Solutions provides free consultations to families, CPAs, and other financial professionals at 866.959.7812 or online at HomeWorkSolutions.com.

Mrs. LTC, Stana Martin, is a recognized leader and author in long-term care insurance for the past 14 years. She holds a Ph.D. From the University of Texas at Austin. Mrs. LTC was created in large part because of the complexities of understanding long-term care insurance claims. Stana was interested in taking the burden off of families to concentrate on taking care of their loved ones. Learn more: https://mrsltc.com/.

For further information:
Jay Schulze
Jay@homeworksolutions.com
703-404-8151
www.homeworksolutions.com

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HomeWork Solutions (HWS), the industry expert in household payroll and employment taxes, has entered into an exclusive partnership agreement with Mrs. LTC, a leading provider of Long-Term Care Claims processing.

Related link: https://www.homeworksolutions.com/

Critical Defect Rate Moderates in Q4 but CY 2020 Defect Rate Remains High, Per ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACES Quality Management™ (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, announced the release of its quarterly ACES Mortgage QC Trends Report covering both the fourth quarter (Q4) and the 2020 calendar year (CY). The latest report provides an analysis of post-closing quality control data derived from ACES Quality Management & Control Software™.

Notable findings from the Q4/CY 2020 report include:

* The overall critical defect rate improved to 2.09%, which was lower than the prior quarter but still higher than other quarters in 2020.

* Loan Documentation defects rose in 2020, which was most likely driven by pandemic-related issues and symptomatic of manufacturing-related defects overall.

* 2020 was dominated by refinances as a result of pandemic-driven historically/record low interest rates.

* Conventional loan share hit its highest point since ACES began publishing the QC Trends Report in 2016.

* Early Payment Defaults decreased in Q4 2020 and Q1 2021, providing some hope for the future, but lenders should be mindful of upcoming forbearance-related deadlines.

"Despite the distinct differences in the Fannie Mae defect categories of 2020 compared to previous years, the defect share for Income and Employment in 2020 was 23.95%, just above 2019's defect share of 23.10%," said ACES Executive Vice President Nick Volpe. "Of the remaining core credit categories, liabilities is the only category to increase in 2020. This is a testament to the agility lenders showed last year, despite the continuing challenges lenders faced in maintaining loan quality."

Findings for the Q4/CY 2020 ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report are based on post-closing quality control data derived from the ACES Quality Management and Control benchmarking system and incorporates data from prior quarters and/or calendar years, where applicable. All reviews and defect data evaluated for the report were based on loan audits selected by lenders for full file reviews.

"It would be easy to say the last two quarters of 2020 were dismal, but considering the pandemic, unemployment and critical defect rates, our Q4 findings are buoyant," said ACES CEO Trevor Gauthier. "Critical defect rates and early payment defaults will continue to be areas to watch closely, particularly as lenders respond to the changing landscape of 2021 and more borrowers come out of forbearance."

ACES executives will analyze the findings from the Q4 2020 ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report and offer insights into what lenders can expect in future quarters during a webinar titled, "Insights into Mortgage QC Trends" as part of its ongoing QC NOW Web Series. Visit the QC Now website for upcoming registration details.

Mortgage QC Industry Trends Reports are available for download, free of charge, at https://www.acesquality.com/resources/reports.

About ACES Quality Management

ACES Quality Management, formerly known as ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), is the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry. The nation's most prominent lenders, servicers and financial institutions rely on ACES Quality Management & Control Software™ to improve audit throughput and quality while controlling costs, including:

* 3 of the top 5 and more than 50% of the top 50 independent mortgage lenders;

* 7 of the top 10 loan servicers;

* 11 of the top 30 banks; and

* 1 of the top 3 credit unions in the USA.

Unlike other quality control platforms, only ACES delivers Flexible Audit Technology, which gives independent mortgage lenders and financial institutions the ability to easily manage and customize ACES to meet their business needs without having to rely on IT or other outside resources. Using a customer-centric approach, ACES clients get responsive support and access to our experts to maximize their investment. For more information, visit https://www.acesquality.com/ or call 1-800-858-1598.

ACES Quality Management™ (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, announced the release of its quarterly ACES Mortgage QC Trends Report covering both the fourth quarter (Q4) and the 2020 calendar year (CY).

Related link: https://www.acesquality.com/

Maxwell Announces Launch of MaxDiligence, a Tech-Powered Due Diligence and Quality Control Service for Lenders

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, leading digital mortgage platform Maxwell released MaxDiligence, a new offering that provides Due Diligence and Quality Control services for its clients. The latest feature in Maxwell's suite of tools designed for community lenders, MaxDiligence is a new scalable way to gain efficiency and generate reliable results. This service uses tech-powered features alongside an experienced team of industry veterans to save lenders time and money across a wide array of asset types.

Through MaxDiligence, Maxwell can create a custom experience for any transaction type increasing efficiency, minimizing risk, and improving performance. Beyond tech-enabled features that ensure adherence to agency and government guidelines, MaxDiligence also benefits from deep industry expertise. Lenders using the service gain access to Maxwell's staff of seasoned underwriting professionals with a diverse background of loan experience.

MaxDiligence is an important addition to Maxwell's growing set of offerings that help community lenders to gain productivity throughout the lending process. Maxwell's Point of Sale technology recently surpassed $6 billion in monthly loan volume, and our Fulfillment Platform, providing onshore outsourced processing, underwriting, and closing services provides superior operational leverage for lenders. Today, the Maxwell Fulfillment Platform is one of the country's top onshore fulfillment providers. By applying technology learnings from its other features to Due Diligence and QC services, Maxwell is able to offer a more transparent, efficient, and faster process.

"The launch of MaxDiligence is a significant step towards an all-inclusive solution for our clients," said Maxwell President Brian Simons. "Maxwell continues to grow beyond a point-of-sale solutions provider, anticipating and solving the daily challenges community lenders face in the market today. Community lenders have historically been underserved in these offerings, and more recently, lenders both large and small are feeling the pressure with large backlogs in diligence services. MaxDiligence, will provide a significant value, using automation to help our clients focus on streamlining their process."

The MaxDiligence service is spearheaded by some of the industry's most tenured leadership. Sadie Gurley, a veteran with over 25 years of experience managing residential mortgage platforms and a recent addition to Maxwell, will help to head up the new offering. Alongside her is Kyle Waltz, a digital risk expert joining Maxwell from SourcePoint. Together, the MaxDiligence leadership team holds over 75 years of mortgage operational experience.

Learn more: https://himaxwell.com/maxdiligence

About Maxwell

Maxwell empowers mortgage lenders to enhance borrower experience, increase efficiency, and improve their economics by intelligently automating workflow through its digital platform and technology-powered services. Hundreds of mortgage lenders, banks, and credit unions nationwide use the Maxwell platform to serve thousands of homebuyers every day. Founded in 2015, Maxwell is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association and is proud to be built in Denver, Colorado. Since 2017, it has been named one of the most innovative companies in real estate by HousingWire Magazine.

Learn more: https://himaxwell.com/

Today, leading digital mortgage platform Maxwell released MaxDiligence, a new offering that provides Due Diligence and Quality Control services for its clients. The latest feature in Maxwell's suite of tools designed for community lenders, MaxDiligence is a new scalable way to gain efficiency and generate reliable results.

Related link: https://himaxwell.com/

LBA Ware and Sales Boomerang showcase borrower and business intelligence strategies that help mortgage lenders win in a purchase market

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence (BI) software solutions for the mortgage industry, announced a free webinar highlighting the data points mortgage lenders should focus on to propel business performance in a purchase market. Better Together: How To Keep Pipelines Full with Borrower and Business Intelligence will take place Thursday, June 24, from 2-3 p.m. ET.

LBA Ware's Chris Gassel will join Sales Boomerang CEO Alex Kutsishin and Homespire Mortgage CFO Bill Napier for an informative discussion of the data residential housing professionals can leverage to make more effective business decisions, from which staff to retain (and which to let go) to how to retain the orphaned deals that result from staffing down. The webinar includes a 15-minute Q&A session during which audience members can pose questions to the expert panelists.

"The average lender grew loan officer headcount by 32% from Q1 2020 to Q1 2021. As lenders prepare for a return to a purchase market, they'll want the right data at their fingertips to make tough decisions about staffing and how to retain orphaned customers," said Gassel. "This is going to be a can't-miss discussion full of best practices for using borrower and business intelligence to make decisions that improve bottom-line performance."

Attendees may submit questions for the panelists to answer at the time of registration. Registration is required. To register, click here - https://hubs.ly/H0Q4wC70.

About LBA Ware™:

LBA Ware is a leading provider of cloud-based software for mortgage lenders. Since 2008, LBA Ware has been on a mission to help mortgage companies reach new heights with software that integrates data, incentivizes performance and inspires results. Today, more than 100 lenders of all sizes, including some of the nation's top producing mortgage companies, use LBA Ware's award-winning technology to enhance lender experiences and maximize the human potential within their organizations. A 2020 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company, LBA Ware is headquartered in Macon, Georgia. For more information, visit https://www.lbaware.com/.

Twitter: @LBAWare #CompenSafe #mortgagetrends #LOcompensation

LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence (BI) software solutions for the mortgage industry, announced a free webinar highlighting the data points mortgage lenders should focus on to propel business performance in a purchase market.

Related link: https://go.lbaware.com/

ICE Mortgage Technology Acquires eVault Technology from DocMagic for Encompass eClose

TORRANCE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure, today announced it will deploy an eVault solution for secure storage of digital mortgages and notes, based upon technology acquired from DocMagic, Inc.

The eVault technology will be integrated into ICE's mortgage closing platform, Encompass eClose, a leading-edge solution that helps to transform the way loans are electronically closed in the United States. Encompass eClose enables lenders to electronically facilitate every aspect of the eClosing workflow, from ordering documents to delivering loans to investors - and all steps in between - without ever having to leave Encompass, the industry's most recognized loan origination system.

"By creating an end-to-end solution and further automating the mortgage closing process, we're helping the industry transition to paperless closings and enabling more efficient processes for our customers," said Joe Tyrrell, President, ICE Mortgage Technology. "We acquired technology from DocMagic, who has deep experience in the mortgage space, and when this technology is integrated with our other services, Encompass eClose will enable customers to eliminate time and cost in the closing process and create better experiences for borrowers."

"ICE Mortgage Technology and DocMagic have been helping lenders implement digital mortgage processes for years," said Dominic Iannitti, president and CEO of DocMagic. "The migration towards digital mortgages is progressing quickly, and we're happy to have provided ICE with capabilities to enable fully-paperless lending workflows along with better supply chain connectivity."

Both ICE and DocMagic are committed to delivering technology to increase eClosing adoption in the mortgage industry.

ICE Mortgage Technology combines technology, data and expertise to automate the entire mortgage process from consumer engagement through loan registration. Today, more than 3,000 mortgage lenders, 45,000 agents, as well as technology partners and mortgage investors can use the powerful capabilities of ICE Mortgage Technologies solutions to drive efficiencies and profitability for their businesses.

About Intercontinental Exchange:

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds and operates digital networks to connect people to opportunity. We provide financial technology and data services across major asset classes that offer our customers access to mission-critical workflow tools that increase transparency and operational efficiencies. We operate exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, and clearing houses that help people invest, raise capital and manage risk across multiple asset classes. Our comprehensive fixed income data services and execution capabilities provide information, analytics and platforms that help our customers capitalize on opportunities and operate more efficiently. At ICE Mortgage Technology, we are transforming and digitizing the U.S. residential mortgage process, from consumer engagement through loan registration. Together, we transform, streamline and automate industries to connect our customers to opportunity.

Trademarks of ICE and/or its affiliates include Intercontinental Exchange, ICE, ICE block design, NYSE and New York Stock Exchange. Information regarding additional trademarks and intellectual property rights of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and/or its affiliates is located here. Key Information Documents for certain products covered by the EU Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation can be accessed on the relevant exchange website under the heading "Key Information Documents (KIDS)."

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- Statements in this press release regarding ICE's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see ICE's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in ICE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 4, 2021.

About DocMagic:

DocMagic, Inc. is a leading provider of fully compliant document generation, automated compliance, eSignature and comprehensive eMortgage solutions for the mortgage industry. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Torrance, Calif., DocMagic, Inc. develops award-winning software, mobile apps, processes, and web-based systems for the production and delivery of compliant loan document packages. The company's solutions connect industry participants, promote collaboration, and data integrity to execute precision-based digital lending transactions. The company's compliance experts and in-house legal staff consistently monitor legal and regulatory changes at both the federal and state levels to ensure accuracy. For more information on DocMagic, visit https://www.docmagic.com/.

© 2021 Ellie Mae, Inc., doing business as ICE Mortgage Technology. All rights reserved. Encompass(r) and the ICE Mortgage Technology logo are trademarks of the entities of ICE Mortgage Technology.

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ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure, today announced it will deploy an eVault solution for secure storage of digital mortgages and notes, based upon technology acquired from DocMagic, Inc.

Related link: https://www.docmagic.com/

Chelsea Groton Bank Approves $244K in Grants During Spring Giving Cycle

GROTON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- This spring, the Chelsea Groton Foundation provided $244,319 to 67 non-profit organizations from Connecticut and Rhode Island. Over 60% of the Foundation's approved funding went to organizations providing Health and Human Services, including critical needs such as healthcare, food, clothing and shelter.

A grant donation of $15,000 was provided to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital and $10,000 went to Westerly Hospital, both in response to decimation of resources caused by the pandemic. The Foundation gave a third consecutive grant in the amount of $15,000 to the Community Foundation of Eastern CT for the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund. Since last spring, the Foundation has given a total of $85,000 to the Fund. Operation Fuel was also the recipient of a third consecutive donation and has received a total of $22,500 from the Chelsea Groton Foundation since the pandemic began.

The Foundation was also able to support multiple organizations in the Arts and Culture and Youth Activities sectors, as they work towards a return to normalcy. Eastern Connecticut Ballet ($2,000), Avery-Copp House Museum ($1,500) and La Grua Center ($2,500) all received grants to assist in re-opening to the public for art and live performances. Both Girl Scouts of Connecticut ($3,000) and Muscular Dystrophy Association ($2,500) are welcoming campers back this summer, and Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board ($5,000) is running a summer employment program for low-income youth.

"We made a commitment early on in the pandemic to do whatever it took to support the non-profits in our area who make the community the wonderful place it is. We stand by that and are proud to be able to give to organizations that support basic human needs - hunger, homelessness and healthcare - as well as those that provide education, economic growth, arts and cultural experiences, and more, as we recover, together," shared Michael Rauh, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank, and President of the Chelsea Groton Foundation. "In addition to our usual support, I'm happy to share that the Foundation's guidelines that were adjusted in 2020 will remain in place for this year. Some of the adjustments we made allowed organizations to change the purpose of the grant if the original purpose is no longer possible, and organizations are currently permitted to apply for funding two times in a calendar year. We hope these adjustments will allow more organizations to benefit in greater ways from the funding we have available."

The Foundation typically reviews applications and awards grants two times per year. Organizations who support critical needs are invited to apply for additional funding this year if needed, through the application on the Bank's website, chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.

Last year, Chelsea Groton Bank and the Chelsea Groton Foundation gave a record $1 million to the community in the wake of the pandemic. Each year, the Bank and Foundation support more than 300 local organizations through monetary gifts, grants, sponsorships, scholarships and employee volunteerism. More information, including a list of all spring grant recipients, is available at chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.

About the Chelsea Groton Foundation

The Chelsea Groton Foundation was formed in June 1998 as a Section 501(c) (3) organization. Initially endowed with a $2 million donation from Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation has, to date, awarded over $4.7 million in grants to hundreds of scientific, educational and charitable organizations located within the Bank's market area. To learn more, visit: http://www.chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.

About Chelsea Groton Bank

Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1.4 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank's products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management, financial planning and financial education programming. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County and a Loan Production Office in Hartford County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses. To learn more, please visit https://www.chelseagroton.com/. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

This spring, the Chelsea Groton Foundation provided $244,319 to 67 non-profit organizations from Connecticut and Rhode Island. Over 60% of the Foundation's approved funding went to organizations providing Health and Human Services, including critical needs such as healthcare, food, clothing and shelter.

Related link: https://www.chelseagroton.com/

Report: Over One Quarter of All Mileage Reimbursement Claims Are Overreported

ISSAQUAH, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- According to internal data gathered by TripLog, a leading enterprise mileage and expense tracking solution, over 1/4 (nearly 30%) of all mileage is overreported, which could potentially cost businesses millions of dollars per year in fraudulent reimbursements.

Between January 2018 and January 2021, TripLog found that roughly 2.8 million trips were overreported. The 52.33 million miles reported among those trips were inflated by 27.2% for a total of 14.26 million miles.

For drivers reporting manually (that is, not using the app to automatically start tracking their mileage when they start driving), that number balloons to 28.9%. At 58 cents per mile, this would account for $8.2 million in fraudulent reimbursements.

For example, a driver may take a trip and report that it took 27 miles when in reality the trip only took 17 miles. TripLog's system compares the route recorded by their app's automatic mileage tracking features or a given manual mileage entry by the driver to Google Maps' data.

If Google Maps says that the drive actually took 17 miles, that can result in overreporting. Thanks to TripLog, those trips were flagged and easily corrected, but companies using manual reporting and processing methods are far more likely to miss such errors.

"Companies still using outdated pen-and-paper forms of mileage tracking and expense processing may be losing out on thousands of dollars each year per driver due to inaccurate mileage claims," said company CEO, Ted He. "Modern digital solutions, such as mileage tracking apps, are a powerful way to avoid such losses."

The most common type of expense fraud is mileage reimbursement. Employees that travel long distances in their own vehicles often pad their mileage amounts in order to receive additional funding from their employer.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, expense reporting fraud was on the rise. According to Chrome River's 2019 Expense Fraud Survey, an average of 5% of employees committed expense reporting fraud that year. The most important piece of information, however, is how these expenses were being submitted.

Employees were most likely to commit expense reporting fraud when submitting manual or spreadsheet-tracked receipts to accounts payable. 9.1% of employees who submit expenses this way have committed fraudulent actions in their expense tracking, typically inflating small expenses that are less likely to be noticed.

To help stop these instances of fraud, solutions like TripLog have made it possible and affordable for firms to get exact mileage reports, put them all into a readable format, save time for the accounting team, and, most importantly, stop fraud in its tracks.

Learn more at: https://triplogmileage.com/

About TripLog, Inc.:

Located east of Seattle in Issaquah, Washington, TripLog has been helping businesses ranging from small to enterprise-scale handle their mileage claims and expense reimbursements for over ten years. TripLog's intuitive app provides mobile employees with an easy-to-use system to automatically track their mileage when they start a drive, eliminating any guesswork and inaccuracies. In addition, their web dashboard gives administrators access to detailed data, providing increased oversight, allowing businesses to keep their clients' teams accountable, and provide them with accurate reimbursements.

{Citation -- Chrome River's 2019 Expense Fraud Survey: https://info.emburse.com/rs/496-CPG-762/images/Chrome-River-White-Paper-Expense-Fraud-Survey.pdf]

According to internal data gathered by TripLog, a leading enterprise mileage and expense tracking solution, over 1/4 (nearly 30%) of all mileage is overreported, which could potentially cost businesses millions of dollars per year in fraudulent reimbursements.

Related link: https://triplogmileage.com/

Mid America Mortgage Securitizes Its First Ginnie Mae eNote with eCustodian Wilmington Trust

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today that the company has completed its first Ginnie Mae eNote transaction with Wilmington Trust, an approved and active eCustodian under Ginnie Mae's Digital Collateral Initiative. Having announced its first eNote transaction in August 2016, this represents the next step in Mid America's ongoing digital mortgage adoption efforts across its retail, wholesale and correspondent lending channels.

"As long-time Ginnie Mae-approved issuer, Mid America Mortgage was eager to achieve eIssuer status with Ginnie Mae so that we could begin securitizing our considerable government-backed digital mortgage volume as well," said Mid America Owner and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bode. "However, we knew we needed a document custodian that not only was also approved by Ginnie Mae to participate, but one that also possessed a keen understanding of the nuances of storing eNotes. That is exactly what we've found with Wilmington Trust, and we look forward to partnering with them to expand Mid America's digital mortgage push."

Wilmington Trust, a leader in corporate and institutional services. was among the first document custodians approved by Ginnie Mae to store eNotes for Ginnie Mae-approved eIssuers and is currently working to become approved by Freddie Mac. The firm provides full service eNote custodial services, which includes taking in eNotes via the MERS eRegistry, as well as performing a review and certification to the agencies or warehouse lenders, while safekeeping the eNotes on their behalf. In addition, Wilmington Trust provides full-service custodian services for non-agency and non-Qualified Mortgage eNotes.

"We are proud to support such a great partner like Mid America Mortgage as one of the first lenders accepted into the Ginnie Mae Digital Collateral Initiative," said Joseph Deller, Product Development Manager, Wilmington Trust. "This is a critical step in the ongoing digital transformation in the mortgage industry, and Wilmington Trust is excited to be part of this historic program launch."

First announced in July 2020, the Digital Collateral Initiative enables Ginnie Mae to accept eNotes and other digitized loan files as collateral for its securities. Once approved for participation in the program, all eIssuers and their associated eCustodian must successfully complete a series of test transactions before receiving written eMortgage Issuance Authority from Ginnie Mae. During the initial phase of the Digital Collateral Program, eIssuers are limited by Ginnie Mae in the total number of eMortgages that may be securitized, regardless of loan size.

About Mid America Mortgage, Inc.

Mid America Mortgage, Inc., Addison, Texas, is a multi-state, full-service mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its retail, wholesale and correspondent channels. We offer a wide range of residential home loan programs to meet the needs of most home buyers and homeowners and are also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. Learn more at https://www.midamericamortgage.com/.

In operation since 1940, Mid America has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, including its adoption of eClosings eNotes. Click n' Close is Mid America's ultra-secure, digital mortgage approval and closing process that gets home buyers from application to closing within two weeks. With just a few clicks at closing, Click n' Close puts keys in the home buyer's hand in 15 minutes or less. Apply online at https://www.midamericamortgage.com/click-n-close/#cnc.

Frequently named a top mortgage employer/workplace by industry trade magazines such as Mortgage Professional America, MReport, National Mortgage News and National Mortgage Professional, Mid America is looking for tech-savvy, service-oriented mortgage professionals to join our growing team. We are dedicated to providing our employees with industry-leading tools and technology to deliver a great package of competitive pricing, programs and knowledgeable service. Want to join our team? Visit https://www.midamericamortgage.com/careers/.

Twitter: @midamericamtge

ABOUT WILMINGTON TRUST

Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark used in connection with various fiduciary and non-fiduciary services offered by certain subsidiaries of M&T Bank Corporation including, but not limited to, Manufacturers & Traders Trust Company (M&T Bank), Wilmington Trust Company (WTC) operating in Delaware only, and Wilmington Trust, N.A. (WTNA).

Wilmington Trust, N.A. provides Corporate and Institutional Services including institutional trust, agency, asset management, retirement plan, agency, asset management, and administrative services for clients worldwide who use capital markets financing structures. Wilmington Trust provides direct trust, custody, and fiduciary services for retirement plans, companies, foundations, organizations and financial institutions.

Wilmington Trust also provides Wealth Advisory services with a wide array of personal trust, financial planning, fiduciary, asset management, and family office solutions designed to help high-net-worth individuals and families grow, preserve, and transfer wealth.

Wilmington Trust maintains offices throughout the United States and internationally in London, Paris, Dublin, and Frankfurt. For more information, visit www.WilmingtonTrust.com.

Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today that the company has completed its first Ginnie Mae eNote transaction with Wilmington Trust, an approved and active eCustodian under Ginnie Mae's Digital Collateral Initiative. Having announced its first eNote transaction in August 2016, this represents the next step in Mid America's ongoing digital mortgage adoption efforts across its retail, wholesale and correspondent lending channels.

Related link: https://www.midamericamortgage.com/

Digital Mortgage Platform Maxwell Adds Industry Veteran Sadie Gurley to its Leadership Team

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Leading digital mortgage platform Maxwell just announced the addition of Sadie Gurley as Vice President to its leadership team. Sadie holds over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, most specifically in due diligence and quality control services. Her role at Maxwell will help the company find new opportunities and expand its impact on community lenders across the country.

As Maxwell grows beyond a point-of-sale service, it aims to expand its leadership with strategic, highly experienced hires. Sadie is an integral step towards further enhancing Maxwell's current services and spearheading new technology that can save time and money in the loan manufacturing process. Because she deeply understands the challenges lending teams face, Sadie is uniquely equipped to identify new avenues that could benefit the more than 250 community lenders who use Maxwell today.

Sadie comes to Maxwell from Digital Risk, where she headed up diligence services. Previously, she served as VP of Mortgage Bond Trading at Goldman Sachs for over 10 years. Sadie holds a B.A. in Economics from Washington State University and an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business.

The addition of Sadie comes at a pivotal time of growth for Maxwell. In May of 2020, the company launched its Fulfillment Platform, providing onshore outsourced processing, underwriting, and closing services to help lenders save money and flex with changing market volume. Since its launch, the Maxwell Fulfillment Platform has grown to be a top-three onshore outsourced fulfillment provider in the nation. Meanwhile, Maxwell's digital mortgage platform has reached over $6 billion in monthly loan volume.

"By welcoming Sadie to the team, Maxwell continues on its journey of innovating game-changing solutions designed for community lenders," said Brian Simons, Maxwell President. "Community lenders represent a market historically underserved by service providers. Sadie, with her robust industry knowledge and experience, is ideally suited to help our growing leadership team expand the tools and features we offer to help these lenders compete against the industry's largest players."

About Maxwell

Maxwell empowers mortgage lenders to enhance borrower experience, increase efficiency, and improve their economics by intelligently automating workflow through its digital platform and technology-powered services. Hundreds of mortgage lenders, banks, and credit unions nationwide use the Maxwell platform to serve thousands of homebuyers every day. Founded in 2015, Maxwell is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association and is proud to be built in Denver, Colorado. Since 2017, it has been named one of the most innovative companies in real estate by HousingWire Magazine. Learn more: https://himaxwell.com/

Leading digital mortgage platform Maxwell just announced the addition of Sadie Gurley as Vice President to its leadership team. Sadie holds over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, most specifically in due diligence and quality control services. Her role at Maxwell will help the company find new opportunities and expand its impact on community lenders across the country.

Related link: https://himaxwell.com/

AmeriSave Leveraging DocMagic Technology to Scale Operations, Elevate the Borrower Experience and Maximize Productivity

TORRANCE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, automated regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation, one of the fastest-growing privately-held mortgage lenders in the nation and a pioneer in digital origination, is utilizing its document preparation solution and Total eClose™ platform to drive digital mortgage efficiency.

AmeriSave has grown exponentially over the past several years, in part, by strategically leveraging DocMagic's technology to establish system-wide interoperability, enterprise scalability, newfound business process efficiencies, elevated customer service, and compliance adherence. DocMagic's document preparation solution, eSigning, and eClosing technology has helped AmeriSave operate smoothly throughout a volume intensive environment and enhanced the self-service borrower experience.

"DocMagic has been a wonderful partner to work with throughout the pandemic and re-fi boom, proving to be a key technology partner that has helped rapidly scale AmeriSave," said AmeriSave CIO, Magesh Sarma. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with DocMagic to establish even more efficiencies for our customers and internal teams."

DocMagic's solutions integrate tightly with AmeriSave's proprietary built loan origination system (LOS), which focuses heavily on streamlining the lending process by removing manual touch points using total workflow automation, task management, event triggers, auto calls to vendors, and more. Many of DocMagic's functions automatically occur at the appropriate time within the workflow of AmeriSave's LOS --- without any human intervention whatsoever. This has maximized employee productivity throughout the lending process, not only with DocMagic but with many of AmeriSave's vendor partners.

AmeriSave has effectively managed its growth by designing and implementing systems and processes that have been paramount to the company's continued success. DocMagic's Total eClose platform has helped AmeriSave expand during the re-fi boom and over the course of the pandemic, with simple and intuitive interfaces for borrowers.

“AmeriSave understands the importance of always ensuring that borrowers have as many options and tools as possible available at their fingertips to walk away with a good experience that ultimately creates repeat business,” stated Dominic Iannitti, president and CEO of DocMagic. “Everything we do at DocMagic places ease of use, simplification, and elegant design as a top innovation priority, which is reflected by AmeriSave’s ongoing achievements. We are elated that AmeriSave is having such immense success with our technology.”

Total eClose™ is DocMagic's single-source eClosing solution. It fully automates the closing workflow while leveraging the precision-based accuracy of its intelligent, dynamic document generation capabilities and compliance engine. DocMagic ensures that data and docs are consistent and accurate throughout the origination and closing process.

AmeriSave has been very successful as an industry leader in digital origination with simplified self-service options for borrowers to engage the loan process directly. Ease of use among DocMagic's solutions was cited by AmeriSave as a key component of the lender's self-service consumer direct lending model. Its early adoption to go digital coupled with the company's commitment to make attaining a home loan as easy as possible for borrowers has been widely recognized and lauded by borrowers. AmeriSave has consistently been ranked a leading lender in the mortgage industry for customer satisfaction, as rated by actual consumers.

Moving forward, AmeriSave has plans to also implement DocMagic's remote online notarization (RON) capability, eNotes, and eVault to establish further lending efficiencies.

About DocMagic:

DocMagic, Inc. is the leading provider of fully compliant document generation, automated compliance, eSignature and comprehensive eMortgage solutions for the mortgage industry. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Torrance, Calif., DocMagic, Inc. develops award-winning software, mobile apps, processes, and web-based systems for the production and delivery of compliant loan document packages. The company's solutions connect industry participants, promote collaboration, and data integrity to execute precision-based digital lending transactions. The company's compliance experts and in-house legal staff consistently monitor legal and regulatory changes at both the federal and state levels to ensure accuracy. For more information on DocMagic, visit https://www.docmagic.com/.

About AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation:

Founded in 2002, AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation is a leading mortgage lender best known for pioneering the first truly digital mortgage experience to borrowers. With six major loan centers located across the U.S., AmeriSave is a direct to consumer lender, licensed in 49 states and D.C., FNMA, FHLMC, GNMA approved. For more information, visit https://www.amerisave.com/. NMLS ID #1168

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc. for DocMagic
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

Social: @DocMagic @AmeriSave #TechSavvyLender #DigitalLendingPioneer #eClosingLeader #TotaleClose

DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, automated regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation, one of the fastest-growing privately-held mortgage lenders in the nation and a pioneer in digital origination, is utilizing its document preparation solution and Total eClose™ platform to drive digital mortgage efficiency.

Related link: https://www.docmagic.com/

Mortgage Coach adds debt consolidation strategies in Total Cost Analysis to educate consumers on finance options using home equity

CORONA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Coach, the only platform enabling mortgage lenders to create digital and accurate home loan options for consumers, today announced its addition of detailed debt consolidation strategies in the Total Cost Analysis (TCA) presentation, allowing loan originators to educate consumers on lower interest debt repayment options as peaking home equity values offer household cashflow relief.

According to Q1 data from the Federal Reserve, there is $21 trillion in U.S. home equity and about $4.6 trillion in non-mortgage consumer debt such as credit cards, auto loans and college loans, with revolving and student debt having risen during the period of pandemic job loss. At the same time, mortgage rates remain at historic lows.

Mortgage lenders use the Mortgage Coach platform nationwide to create millions of multi-option loan comparisons annually. Each personalized TCA presentation is delivered to the borrower via digital link by way of email or text, offering the borrower a custom digital experience and an opportunity to make a thoroughly informed decision on their home loan. The added Mortgage Coach debt consolidation illustrations enable loan originators to easily review detailed consolidation scenarios within a borrower's Total Cost Analysis presentation, including comparisons between a mortgage without debt consolidation, a mortgage consolidating all consumer liabilities, and a mortgage with partial debt consolidation, offering both short- and long-term views of interest savings and cashflow impact.

"One of the more powerful items in a Mortgage Coach debt consolidation strategy is showing the borrower alternatives for how to apply funds they'd otherwise be spending on debts," said Finance of America President Bill Dallas. "Using Mortgage Coach to present a debt consolidation strategy supports our commitment to helping people make informed decisions about borrowing and their most important life purchases."

Mortgage lenders currently using Mortgage Coach will find its easy-to-understand debt consolidation strategies intuitive for their borrowers from its clearly labeled call-out position on the Total Cost Analysis summary.

From the debt consolidation call-out short-term tab, the borrower has a view into interest savings by consolidating debt based on selected time parameters and can drill into how costs such as mortgage insurance have been calculated via informational windows on each strategy, allowing comparison of the total cost of each option against each other and net savings for those new options.

In the long-term section, lenders can change metrics for any time horizon aligning with borrower goals such as planning for children's college in five years, planning retirement in 15 years, or other life event planning allowing borrowers to align their goals with metrics meaningful to their particular financial needs.

"We are pleased to unveil this innovation at a time when rising home equity offers many borrowers relief from high-interest consumer debt or lingering student debt," said Mortgage Coach President Joseph Puthur. "Any lender and borrower can now easily explore refinance options leveraging home equity strategies to pay off consumer debt at historically low rates, while maintaining a manageable mortgage. Understanding how best to put home equity to use is simple and accurate for anyone with this addition to our Total Cost Analysis."

About Mortgage Coach

Mortgage Coach is the only platform that allows mortgage lenders to create digital and accurate home loan comparisons for consumers. With the Total Cost Analysis presentation, lenders can create a multi-option comparison, offering the borrower a more personalized digital experience. This level of transparency has revolutionized the rate quoting and pricing process allowing borrowers to make faster, more informed mortgage decisions and ultimately, increase production and pipeline conversion for lenders of any size. For more information on how to start using borrower education as a competitive advantage, please visit https://mortgagecoach.com/.

Mortgage Coach, the only platform enabling mortgage lenders to create digital and accurate home loan options for consumers, today announced its addition of detailed debt consolidation strategies in the Total Cost Analysis (TCA) presentation, allowing loan originators to educate consumers on lower interest debt repayment options as peaking home equity values offer household cashflow relief.

Related link: http://mortgagecoach.com/

Staff Retention Tops List of Lender Concerns in 2021, Inaugural Survey from The Mortgage Collaborative Finds

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent mortgage industry cooperative network, has announced the results of its inaugural The Pulse of the Mortgage Industry survey ranking mortgage lenders' top concerns based on 598 executive responses from the co-op's 234 lender members.

The survey found these six issues to be most critical for mortgage lenders in 2021:

1. Retention of existing staff;

2. Enhancing customer experience at point of sale;

3. Scaling and modernizing loan manufacturing process to better insulate against volume fluctuations;

4. Measuring operations and employee productivity;

5. Implementing and integrating new technology; and

6. Fair lending compliance.

"After a lender hiring frenzy to manage last year's historic volumes, we fully expected staffing to be one of the top concerns this year, but to have it rank as lenders' No. 1 concern was truly a surprise," said Rich Swerbinsky, chief operating officer and president of TMC. "As much as the 'hire-and-fire cycle' has come to define how lenders typically manage the peaks and valleys of origination volume, there is also a real concern among lenders about the human impact of this strategy, as well as the operational and financial effects, and lenders seem to be ready to embrace alternative means to better manage volume fluctuations. This aligns neatly with the overall theme we observed in the list of lenders' top concerns of modernizing the generally inefficient mortgage loan manufacturing process."

"However, one of the top concerns lenders noted that falls outside this general theme is fair lending compliance," Swerbinsky added. "With the Biden Administration and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau telegraphing their collective intent to make housing equity a top regulatory priority, as well as the reinstatement of the disparate impact standard, our lender members are understandably focused on ensuring their policies and procedures are up to scratch to ensure compliance with existing fair lending laws."

TMC staff selected 40 relevant pressing issues facing mortgage lenders today and asked survey respondents to indicate the level of importance each issue held for them in their current role. The 40 issues were divided into six categories: culture and inclusion, efficiency and profitability, technology and data, compliance and legal, marketing and business development and miscellaneous. In terms of institution mix, 53.7% of survey respondents work for an independent mortgage lender and 46.3% for a depository lender (i.e., banks and credit unions). TMC will now compile and release Pulse Survey findings twice a year, with the next survey scheduled for November.

Download the full report here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/79925722ed00e9b6a64c2d25619d9d99?r=use1

About The Mortgage Collaborative

Based in San Diego, Calif., The Mortgage Collaborative was founded in 2013 by four notable industry leaders and is the nation's largest independent mortgage cooperative network. TMC is singularly focused on creating an environment of collaboration and innovation for small to mid-size mortgage lenders across the country to reduce cost, increase profitability, and better serve the dynamic and changing consumer base in America. For more information, visit http://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/.

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent mortgage industry cooperative network, has announced the results of its inaugural The Pulse of the Mortgage Industry survey ranking mortgage lenders' top concerns based on 598 executive responses from the co-op's 234 lender members.

Related link: https://www.mortgagecollaborative.com

FormFree and MX receive 2021 Tearsheet Data Award for Best Data Aggregator/Fintech Partnership

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® has been named a recipient of the 2021 Tearsheet Data Award for Best Data Aggregator/Fintech Partnership. FormFree was recognized for collaborating with financial data firm MX to improve its customer experience through the implementation of API and token-based connections that speed data retrieval and eliminate vexing multi-factor authentication pop-ups. Together, the companies succeeded in reducing the average aggregation time for FormFree connections by 89 percent.

FormFree automates lenders' verification of loan applicants' assets, income and employment. Since its founding in 2008, FormFree has helped lenders calculate, verify and quantify what consumers can afford for over $2 trillion in mortgage loans.

"FormFree is revolutionizing the credit landscape by capturing a holistic view of each consumer's unique Financial DNA, a process that begins with the retrieval of consumer data from financial institutions and other authoritative sources," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "Through our partnership with MX, we are continually advancing our data connections in ways that benefit both lenders and consumers, and we are honored to be recognized by Tearsheet for this important work."

The Tearsheet Data Awards identify and celebrate the best work in financial data, ecosystems and alternative data. A panel of industry expert judges evaluated entries in eight categories based on criteria including creativity, innovative thinking, customer value and results.

"We received dozens of entries from some of the best companies in the industry," Tearsheet said in a written statement. "It was very hard to choose single winners from so many qualified submissions."

Winners of the 2021 Data Awards were announced May 27 at Tearsheet's DataDay Conference, an event exploring the challenges and opportunities data aggregators, banks, payment firms and fintechs face as they work to build the rich financial data ecosystems that underpin the modern financial experience. View a complete list of winners here.

About FormFree:

FormFree® is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek® and Passport® make for a more inclusive credit decisioning landscape by enabling lenders to understand people's true ability to pay (ATP®). To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing trillions of dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, dramatically reduces origination timelines and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey®.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

Twitter: @RealFormFree @tearsheetco @mX #fintech #DataAwards2021

FormFree has been named a recipient of the 2021 Tearsheet Data Award for Best Data Aggregator/Fintech Partnership. FormFree was recognized for collaborating with financial data firm MX to improve its customer experience through the implementation of API and token-based connections that speed data retrieval and eliminate vexing multi-factor authentication pop-ups.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

EPIC Adds William Schoenbach as Managing Principal

HARTFORD, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that William Schoenbach is joining its growing Financial Services business.

Schoenbach brings a wealth of knowledge to his role, where he will focus on providing risk management and transactional risk services in the financial services sector. This includes family offices, private equity firms, hedge funds, business development companies, venture capitalists, special purpose acquisition companies, REITS, and centers of influence in the mergers and acquisition space. His experience in the Alternative Asset Management industry will bring added value to EPIC and its clients. Additionally, Schoenbach will originate and manage key relationships.

"We are thrilled that Bill is joining our Financial Services team. His deep understanding of our industry, combined with his focus on alternative asset managers and family offices, will be very additive to our business," said Philip Moyles, Chief Growth Officer and President of Financial Services. Schoenbach will report to Moyles, and joins as Managing Principal.

Schoenbach comes to EPIC from Aon in New York City where he held the position of Senior Vice President in its Financial Services practice. In this role, he focused on managing strategic relationships and driving new business growth in the financial services sector.

"The whole of EPIC will benefit from Bill's addition to the Financial Services team. We are excited to bring him onboard." said Tom O'Neil, President, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants.

Schoenbach earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Michigan. He is a co-founder of the Urban Scholar Society, an active Tutor and TutorMate, and Board Member at Kick4Life.

William Schoenbach
wschoenbach@vanbridge.com
Phone: 908.591.6227

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail insurance brokerage, has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to clients. EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S.

Learn more at: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that William Schoenbach is joining its growing Financial Services business.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Sales Boomerang’s Rusty Barnes Honored for Innovative Contributions to Mortgage Customer Retention

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sales Boomerang, the industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system, today announced that Rusty Barnes, senior product manager, has been named a 2021 Rising Star by housing finance trade publication HousingWire as part of its eighth annual Rising Stars awards program recognizing the leaders under the age of 40 who are shaping and driving the mortgage, real estate and fintech industries forward.

Barnes was an integral part of the early 2021 release of Sales Boomerang's Prescriptive Scenarios, a line of multi-dimensional loan scenarios designed to identify the ideal loan for each borrower. Through the development of Prescriptive Scenarios, Barnes helped Sales Boomerang usher in a new era of 'smart' borrower retention for the mortgage industry and expanded its ability to help both lenders and borrowers find the right loan at the right time. He also led much of the work around defining and implementing Sales Boomerang's dynamic mapping, a capability that streamlines the lender onboarding process by automating how Sales Boomerang ingests and categorizes leads and loan records to deliver relevant alerts.

"Rusty's soup-to-nuts expertise with Sales Boomerang's platform and its integrations is an invaluable asset that his team and our lender clients rely on each and every day," said Sales Boomerang CEO Alex Kutsishin. "Rusty is one of the most tenured team members at Sales Boomerang, and his analytical approach to problem solving and collaborative manner have benefited us all over the years."

The 2021 Rising Stars were chosen by HousingWire's selection committee based on their professional achievements within their organizations, contributions to the overall housing economy, community outreach, client impact and personal success. The list includes entrepreneurs, marketers, operations experts and technology innovators. While the winners represent a wide variety of industry functions, they all demonstrate leadership and innovation that inspires not only those within their own organizations, but also in their communities and in the industry at large.

"These Rising Stars are such an impressive group. Their hard work and resiliency is evident in the success they brought to their companies during a year that started off with shut downs and ended up with record origination volume," HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler said. "Usually, we think of Rising Stars as the future leaders of housing, but in many cases this year's winners are already leading out in significant ways."

For the full list of winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/presenting-housingwires-2021-class-of-rising-stars.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 1.0 million unique visitors each month. Our audience of mortgage, real estate and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit www.housingwire.com or www.solutions.housingwire.com to learn more.

About Sales Boomerang:

Sales Boomerang transformed the relationship between mortgage lenders and borrowers with the introduction of the first automated borrower intelligence system in 2017. The company's intelligent alerts notify lenders as soon as a past customer or prospect is ready and credit-qualified for a loan. As the mortgage industry's #1 borrower retention tool, Sales Boomerang is trusted by more than 125 lenders - including brokers, independent mortgage companies, credit unions and banks - to help build lasting borrower relationships that maximize lifetime customer value. To date, Sales Boomerang alerts have enabled lenders to close more than $30 billion in additional loan volume that would have otherwise been overlooked and achieve customer retention rates that outperform industry norms by an average of 3-5X. To learn more about Sales Boomerang and its No Borrower Left Behind(tm) ethos, visit https://www.salesboomerang.com.

@SalesBoomerang @HousingWire #HWRisingStars #mortgageleaders

Sales Boomerang, the industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system, today announced that Rusty Barnes, senior product manager, has been named a 2021 Rising Star by housing finance trade publication HousingWire as part of its eighth annual Rising Stars awards program recognizing the leaders under the age of 40 who are shaping and driving the mortgage, real estate and fintech industries forward.

Related link: https://www.salesboomerang.com/

Top of Mind Networks Director of Customer Growth Ryan Minard honored as 2021 HousingWire Rising Star

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, announced its Director of Customer Growth Ryan Minard has been named a 2021 Rising Star by HousingWire. Now in its eighth year, the HousingWire (HW) Rising Star award program recognizes industry professionals who have become leaders in their respective fields.

Selected as a HW Rising Star for his effectiveness as a customer success champion, over the last year, Minard has enabled more than 16,000 loan originators to fill their production pipelines and helped hundreds of mortgage lenders achieve extraordinary results. Minard's team achieved 100% customer retention across all accounts, and in January 2021, Top of Mind customers reported 100% satisfaction with the platform.

"Ryan's success is a demonstration of his passion for client service, where he is a natural force that brings technology and origination teams together in a mutually beneficial partnership," said Top of Mind CEO Bill Hayes. "His recognition as a HousingWire Rising Star is well-deserved and all of us at Top of Mind are extremely proud of Ryan's success."

"Blazing a new trail in a year that came with no road map, this year's winners tapped into their core strengths to not only help their companies navigate the tumultuous year, but set them up for success as they journey into 2021," said Brena Nath, HW+ managing editor at HousingWire. "We're honored to present HousingWire's 2021 Class of Rising Stars and their remarkable impact in the industry."

The full list of 2021 HousingWire Rising Star honorees can be viewed at https://www.housingwire.com/

About Top of Mind Networks:

Founded in 2003, Atlanta-based Top of Mind Networks (https://www.topofmind.com) started as a bootstrapped direct-mail marketing company. Today, the company is recognized as the mortgage industry's most-relied-upon provider of marketing automation and creative content solutions. From individuals to enterprise lenders, Top of Mind's SurefireCRM helps thousands of mortgage professionals win new business, earn repeat business and deserve referral business. With intuitive, "set it and forget it" workflows and award-winning content, mortgage professionals are able to effortlessly maintain and deepen their emotional connections with clients.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit https://www.housingwire.com/ or https://www.solutions.housingwire.com/ to learn more.

Twitter: @HousingWire #HWInsiders @mortgagecrm #marketingautomation #mortgagemarketing #digitalmortgage

Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, announced its Director of Customer Growth Ryan Minard has been named a 2021 Rising Star by HousingWire. Now in its eighth year, the HousingWire (HW) Rising Star award program recognizes industry professionals who have become leaders in their respective fields.

Related link: https://www.topofmind.com/

The Premier Agency is Recruiting New Insurance Agents in Arizona and Utah, and Matching Their Marketing Budget Dollar-For-Dollar

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Premier Agency, founded in 2017, has begun recruiting top insurance agents throughout Arizona and Utah. The company specializes in Medicare, health, life, and long term care insurance. By working with the Premier Agency, new agents will represent most Major Medicare Advantage and Supplement carriers. One of the perks to working with the Premier Agency is their co-op marketing program.

The agency offers an exclusive co-op marketing program that matches their agent's marketing budgets, dollar-for-dollar.

Brent Crawley, co-founder of The Premier Agency, explains, "Our co-op process is quite unique and unlike anything we think you'll find elsewhere. Simply put, our agents are never alone when spending money to market their business. If they spend a dollar, we spend a dollar. We want to see our agents thrive! We care about their success and often that success takes time, commitment and costs money, and we are here to help.

"At The Premier Agency, we empower our agents to take control of their agency by providing them access to state of the art tools and resources to ensure their clients receive the best advice and service possible. We position agents and agencies to achieve instant success with best-in-class technology and well-established partner networks."

In addition to the co-op marketing program, new agents with the Premier Agency also have access to partnerships with doctors and medical groups, a free CRM, agent referral bonuses, and a multi-carrier online enrollment and quote tool, among other perks. Cultivating a positive company culture is also a cornerstone of working with the Premier Agency.

"The Premier Agency is very focused on the connection and relationship we have with our agents and agencies. We do weekly trainings, quarterly conference calls, promotional events and so much more for our agents. We want everyone to feel like they are part of our team. We go through a process of building a business plan for every producer who wants one, with the idea of helping them grow their business. We have created a culture that empowers and encourages our agents to provide the time and world class service that our senior community so desperately deserves," says Crawley.

Interested agents can inquire about working with the Premier Agency by calling (602) 350-5540, emailing j.heubach@premieragentnet.com or visiting https://www.premieragentnet.com/become-an-agent/.

The Premier Agency, founded in 2017, has begun recruiting top insurance agents throughout Arizona and Utah. The company specializes in Medicare, health, life, and long term care insurance. By working with the Premier Agency, new agents will represent most Major Medicare Advantage and Supplement carriers.

Related link: https://www.premieragentnet.com/

HousingWire honors FormFree director of marketing Sarah Crossley as 2021 Rising Star

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® today announced that HousingWire (HW), a leading publication in the mortgage and financial technology industries, has selected Director of Marketing Sarah Crossley as a 2021 HW Rising Star. Now in its eighth year, the HW Rising Stars award program recognizes industry professionals who are helping move markets forward daily.

In the last year, Crossley overhauled FormFree's graphic identity and corporate website to illustrate how the fintech firm is transforming mortgage credit decisioning - an initiative destined to be as impactful as FormFree's pioneering role as the first asset verification service to qualify for GSE reps and warrants relief. Through her inspiring collaboration with FormFree's executive team and its web design resources, Crossley wove the narrative of how FormFree's insight into each consumer's unique Financial DNA® produces actionable intelligence that fuels customer inclusion and acquisition.

"Sarah has created a world-class brand that boldly represents the organization and movement I have dedicated the last 13 years to building," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "She is a natural-born relationship builder who has earned the trust and ear of the FormFree team, our clients and our most important partners."

"These Rising Stars are such an impressive group. Their hard work and resiliency is evident in the success they brought to their companies during a year that started off with shut downs and ended up with record origination volume," HousingWire Editor and Chief Sarah Wheeler said. "Usually, we think of Rising Stars as the future leaders of housing, but in many cases this year's winners are already leading out in significant ways."

The full list of 2021 HousingWire Rising Star honorees can be viewed at https://www.housingwire.com/

About FormFree®

FormFree® is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek® and Passport® make for a more inclusive credit decisioning landscape by enabling lenders to understand people's true ability to pay (ATP®). To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing trillions of dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, dramatically reduces origination timelines and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey®. For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit https://www.housingwire.com/ or https://www.solutions.housingwire.com/ to learn more.

Twitter: @HousingWire #RisingStars @RealFormFree #mortgageindustry #fintech #financialinclusion

FormFree® today announced that HousingWire (HW), a leading publication in the mortgage and financial technology industries, has selected Director of Marketing Sarah Crossley as a 2021 HW Rising Star. Now in its eighth year, the HW Rising Stars award program recognizes industry professionals who are helping move markets forward daily.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

SimpleNexus Founder Matt Hansen to lead new skunkworks unit, names Cathleen Schreiner Gates CEO

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced that Founder Matt Hansen will pass the CEO baton to President Cathleen Schreiner Gates. Hansen remains heavily involved with the firm, where he will double down on customer focus leading a task force of software developers and sales staff that specializes in tackling high-priority projects.

"SimpleNexus started as a passion project - an app to help my brother-in-law expand his mortgage business - and it has since grown beyond anything I originally imagined," said Hansen. "Over the past seven years, I've had the great pleasure of building a better homebuying experience for consumers and lenders with the help of hundreds of dedicated, passionate professionals."

"Now, by placing the leadership of SimpleNexus into Cathleen's highly capable hands, I have the opportunity to return to the work that brings me the most joy: focusing on the voice of the customer and rolling up my sleeves to lead projects that translate our users' needs into reality."

As CEO, Schreiner Gates will guide SimpleNexus to set the bar for what a homeownership platform should be as she leads operations and strategic decision-making. Schreiner Gates began her engagement with the organization as a board member in April 2020 and was named president in September 2020. She is a decorated mortgage technology leader. Previously, she served as EVP of sales and marketing at digital mortgage technology provider Ellie Mae (now ICE Mortgage Technology). During her tenure, Ellie Mae spent six consecutive years on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and negotiated a $3.7-billion purchase by private equity firm Thoma Bravo.

"Early on I recognized that SimpleNexus is more than another technology tool for lenders. Our team's empathy for our customers and enthusiasm for continuously improving the homebuying process is driving SimpleNexus to develop innovative tools that are fundamentally changing the mortgage experience for the better," said Schreiner Gates. "I am excited to continue helping SimpleNexus chart its course as a mortgage technology game-changer."

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is a homeownership platform transforming the mortgage experience and connecting borrowers, loan officers, real estate agents and settlement service providers throughout the homebuying process. The platforms' native mobile toolset enables lenders to originate, process and close home loans from anywhere with increased efficiency and convenience. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals, sign disclosures and execute eClosings - all on the go. SimpleNexus provides borrowers with a single sign-on experience from home search to the application, document upload, eClose and beyond for a more streamlined homeownership journey.

Learn more: https://www.simplenexus.com/

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #digitalmortgage #mortgageindustry #mortgagelending #peoplemovers

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced that Founder Matt Hansen will pass the CEO baton to President Cathleen Schreiner Gates. Hansen remains heavily involved with the firm, where he will double down on customer focus leading a task force of software developers and sales staff that specializes in tackling high-priority projects.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

LBA Ware welcomes former State Bank vice president Georgia Capalbo to client success team

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence (BI) software solutions for the mortgage industry, announced it has tapped former State Bank vice president Georgia Capalbo as client success product liaison. In her new role, Capalbo will assist lenders post-implementation to ensure they are leveraging CompenSafe™ to its fullest potential.

Capalbo possesses 11 years' administrative commercial banking experience, including nine years as a State Bank vice president until the company's 2018 merger with Cadence Bank. Beginning in special assets, Capalbo's role at State Bank expanded to support business intelligence, business analytics and third-party software management, where she served as a liaison between business lines and third-party software vendors to develop productivity and efficiency improvement solutions.

"Georgia's commercial mortgage banking knowledge makes her a powerful addition to the team," said LBA Ware CEO and Founder Lori Brewer. "Now on the inside looking out, Georgia possesses the lender empathy, product knowledge and technical skillset to help our clients flourish."

"I've always admired Lori and the LBA Ware team. She's made such an impact on the industry while growing an amazing company and taking care of her employees," said Capalbo. "I'm thrilled to be a part of such an innovative team and cannot wait to see what we accomplish."

Capalbo's hire and expansion of the client success team speak to LBA Ware's recent growth. In August 2020, LBA Ware onboarded its 100th CompenSafe client and was named an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company for the second year in a row, climbing more than 1,000 spots over its 2019 ranking.

About LBA Ware™:

LBA Ware is a leading provider of cloud-based software for mortgage lenders. Since 2008, LBA Ware has been on a mission to help mortgage companies reach new heights with software that integrates data, incentivizes performance and inspires results. Today, more than 100 lenders of all sizes, including some of the nation's top producing mortgage companies, use LBA Ware's award-winning technology to enhance lender experiences and maximize the human potential within their organizations. A 2020 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company, LBA Ware is headquartered in Macon, Georgia.

For more information, visit https://www.lbaware.com/.

Twitter: @LBAWare #mortgageindustry #mortgagetechnology #mortgagelending #peoplemovers

LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence (BI) software solutions for the mortgage industry, announced it has tapped former State Bank vice president Georgia Capalbo as client success product liaison.

Related link: https://go.lbaware.com/

Promontory MortgagePath Adds Industrial Bank, Optus Bank as First MDIs, CDFIs in Its Minority-Owned Financial Institution Initiative

DANBURY, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Promontory MortgagePath LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive digital mortgage fulfillment services, announced Industrial Bank and Optus Bank as the first participants in its initiative to support community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and minority depository institutions (MDIs). The initiative is focused on expanding mortgage credit access in underserved communities. Washington D.C.-based Industrial Bank, a U.S. Treasury-certified CDFI and the oldest Black-owned commercial bank in the Mid-Atlantic region, is fully onboarded and began offering mortgages via Promontory MortgagePath's platform in April. South Carolina-based Optus Bank, a federally-designated MDI and U.S. Treasury-certified CDFI, is in implementation.

"Industrial Bank has been committed to helping families in our communities purchase homes, grow small businesses, and build wealth since 1934," said Industrial Bank President and CEO Doyle Mitchell. "Our partnership with Promontory MortgagePath will mean more people in our community will be able to purchase homes - the most important pillar to closing the wealth gap."

"For more than 100 years, Optus Bank has been fighting to counter racial disparities. We strive to build wealth for all customers, with a special focus on those impacted by the 400-year legacy of exploitation and racism," said Optus Bank President and CEO Dominik Mjartan. "Together with Promontory MortgagePath, our goal to create $100 million in Black wealth over the next 10 years is more attainable."

Promontory MortgagePath's program offers exclusive pricing, resources and joint marketing opportunities to participating institutions. These services help lower the barriers to entry into mortgage lending and allow these institutions to participate in the mortgage market profitably, with the overall goal of helping build long-term wealth in communities through increased homeownership. Participating institutions also gain access to Promontory MortgagePath's point-of-sale platform Borrower Wallet(r), technology-driven, U.S.-based mortgage fulfillment services and compliance support to accelerate their entry into the market and delivery of mortgage services. As a Community Development Bankers Association (CDBA) endorsed solution, Promontory MortgagePath is working with the CDBA to identify strategic partners to participate in the initiative.

Promontory MortgagePath founder and CEO and former Comptroller of the Currency Gene Ludwig has been focused throughout his career on access to responsible credit and other mechanisms to give families a hand up.

"We are proud to support Industrial and Optus banks in driving homeownership in their communities," Ludwig said. "These community-focused financial institutions are the lifeblood of wealth-building opportunities for the customers they serve. CDFIs and MDIs are a critical component to addressing big societal issues - from unemployment to wage stagnation - facing so many communities. These problems are more acute for Americans of color. And this is why Promontory MortgagePath is such a supporter of these banks."

Ludwig is also the chair of The Ludwig Institute for Economic Prosperity, which is focused on the plight of lower- and middle-income Americans. Part of this effort is to shine a light on economic indicators, like unemployment and wages, that do not give an accurate view into the real economic situation of these Americans.

MDIs or CDFIs interested in learning more about becoming strategic partners in this initiative should contact Promontory MortgagePath Managing Director and Head of Bank Relations Paul Katz at paul.katz@mortgagepath.com.

About Promontory MortgagePath LLC | NMLS ID 1532373

Promontory MortgagePath is a fast-growing team of passionate problem solvers on a mission to fundamentally change the way lenders approach their mortgage business. The company combines an intuitive, collaborative digital mortgage platform with modern, comprehensive fulfillment services, giving lenders the progressive technology and scalability required to profitably compete in today's rapidly changing residential mortgage market. Promontory MortgagePath's founder, former U.S. Comptroller of the Currency Gene Ludwig, is widely recognized as a visionary thinker on the critical issues confronting financial services, and his companies are renowned for helping community lenders resolve their most pressing challenges. To learn more, visit https://www.mortgagepath.com/.

Promontory MortgagePath LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive digital mortgage fulfillment services, announced Industrial Bank and Optus Bank as the first participants in its initiative to support community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and minority depository institutions (MDIs).

Related link: https://www.mortgagepath.com/

NotaryCam’s ‘Help a Hero’ Initiative Offers Free RON Services for Current, Retired Military Members over Memorial Day Weekend

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization and identity verification / authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced its semi-annual "Help a Hero" initiative will once again offer free remote online notarization (RON) sessions to United States veterans and current service members over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The event will run Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31, allowing active duty and retired service members to connect to a live notary public via NotaryCam's secure virtual signing room to legally notarize, sign and execute documents and agreements online from anywhere in the world.

"As a proud supporter of our retired and active duty service members, NotaryCam is honored to be able to provide this token of gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve our country," said NotaryCam founder Rick Triola. "While we can't repay those who serve our country, we can show our appreciation by offering our remote online notarization services to military members at no charge this Memorial Day."

Since 2013, NotaryCam has held its Help a Hero promotion for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Current U.S. military service members and veterans who wish to take advantage of this offer need only notify their notary and present a valid military ID, Veterans ID or other proof of service during the promotion. Promotion applies only to NotaryCam RON services. For more information, please visit https://www.notarycam.com/.

About NotaryCam, a Stewart Company

After pioneering the world's first multi-party/multi-state remote online notarization (RON), career real estate executive Rick Triola founded NotaryCam and completed the first mortgage remote online closing (ROC) in 2014. Today, NotaryCam, a Stewart-owned company, is the leader in online notarization and mortgage eClosing solutions, having notarized documents worldwide for hundreds of thousands of customers in all 50 states and more than 146 countries.

The company's patented eClose360® platform delivers the "perfect" online mortgage closing in every jurisdiction and supports all eClosing scenarios - RON, IPEN or Hybrids - with a flexible workflow for document recording and unparalleled identity verification, security and customer convenience. In addition to real estate transactions, NotaryCam provide RON services for the execution of electronic wills (eWills), legal docs (i.e., power of attorneys) and Apostilles. The company also proudly maintains an industry-leading 99.8 percent customer satisfaction rating.

Visit https://www.notarycam.com/ for additional information or to get a document notarized today.

NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization and identity verification / authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced its semi-annual "Help a Hero" initiative will once again offer free remote online notarization (RON) sessions to United States veterans and current service members over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Related link: https://www.notarycam.com/

While More and More Tampa Bay-Based Organizations Focus On Mental Health and Wellness, GTE Financial Has Been On Board For Years

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- GTE Financial recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month by celebrating the importance of access to mental health services. Mental Health has been an important topic for GTE Financial for several years and during the pandemic, this important initiative proved to be an essential benefit.

GTE Financial made the decision to invest in their team members by investing in programs that focus on mental health and wellness. Understanding the importance of maintaining an equal work-life balance was a driving factor in creating programs to ensure GTE team members were supported through difficult times. They have unlimited access to services to aid in their mental health struggles.

Through additional initiatives like, "GTE LiveWell," a five-pillar approach to health, GTE has committed to fostering a culture that celebrates differences and understands the real struggles people face in both their personal and professional lives. These benefits have not gone unnoticed. Shakira B, a team member at GTE Financial says, "Having this benefit gives me the peace of mind that no matter what happens in our personal and work lives, we have someone to go to and can trust that it is also confidential."

Rene' McKenna SHRM-CP, AVP of Talent Management said, "We don't just check off a box. We have a commitment to educate, support, and empower team members to make healthy lifestyle choices. Mental Health falls under 'Mind,' one of our five pillars within our GTE LiveWell initiative. It is imperative that we as an organization support our team members with every aspect of health and wellness and mental health is just as important as financial health."

GTE LiveWell focuses on five pillars of success - financial, mind, active, nutrition, and know-how. Know-how, one of the most important pillars, focuses on educating GTE team members so they know and understand all the great resources available to them and their families through their employment with GTE Financial. One such program that GTE offers is a wellness reimbursement plan that offers $30 a month to employees which can be put towards an activity of their choosing - these activities can include a gym membership, art therapy, massage, cooperative gardening, and much more.

GTE Financial has found that companies who raise awareness and actively implement programs centered around mental health are more likely to reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. While many organizations have fallen a bit behind in providing mental health services to their employees, GTE Financial has always kept this service as a top priority. After all, when you take care of your team members, they take care of you. As such, GTE continues to keep an open line of communication and actively works to end the stigma surrounding mental health by keeping their employees' success and growth top of mind.

One of GTE Financial's employees Dolores R states, "This is great! I love the research and resources that are offered to help us live better, healthier, and more productive lives! I always find the advice for living healthier so interesting and enjoy learning things I didn't know that can make us more aware and better stewards of our health and wellness."

GTE Financial shines as an example for other organizations within Tampa Bay and beyond, to invest in mental health initiatives for the sole benefit of providing essential healthcare to their team members. GTE is an employer that champions for access to health and wellness with the inclusion of mental health. Providing these programs for their employees is another example of GTE living their mission to be the preferred financial services provider and employer in the marketplace.

GTE Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. This means they make decisions for the benefit of all customers, whom they call member-owners, because each one has a stake, or ownership, in their cooperative. The money GTE earns is returned to their "shareholders," GTE member-owners, in the form of higher dividends, lower rates, and new products and services.

Learn more: https://www.gtefinancial.org/

For more information, interviews or media requests, call 813.644.7443 or email Katy at pr@bkncreative.com.

GTE Financial recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month by celebrating the importance of access to mental health services. Mental Health has been an important topic for GTE Financial for several years and during the pandemic, this important initiative proved to be an essential benefit.

Related link: https://www.gtefinancial.org/

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group® Surpasses 10,000 Paperless eClosings with DocMagic’s Total eClose™ Solution

TORRANCE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, automated regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group®, a national independent mortgage banker, has successfully processed more than 10,000 paperless eClosings. The tech-savvy lender is utilizing DocMagic's Total eClose™ platform, with eNote generation, integrated eVault technology, and compliant document production. Together, the solution set has helped catapult Atlantic Bay into an industry-leader position in eMortgage lending and complete digitization of the closing process.

In January of 2020, Atlantic Bay had executed only seven eNotes but concluded the year with more than 7,000 eNotes registered with MERS. As of May 2021, the lender surpassed 10,000 eClosings, representing more than 20 percent of all loans originated as paperless closings.

"We are very excited about the immense success we've had and continue to experience with DocMagic's Total eClose solution," stated Christina Brown, Chief Operations Officer at Atlantic Bay. "From origination through closing, warehouse lending and onto secondary marketing, we've seen a tremendous upside to producing eNotes that has benefited us as a company, our staff, and our customers."

As a result of offering a completely electronic closing to borrowers that includes remote online notarizations (RON), Atlantic Bay reports that it has experienced increased accuracy; quicker turn times; strict compliance adherence; better secondary marketing sell-side efficiencies; more warehouse line liquidity; and a straightforward, speedy, and pleasant closing experience for borrowers. Together, these benefits have produced greater profitability and reduced costs for Atlantic Bay.

"Atlantic Bay exemplifies an incredibly efficient lender that has made all the right moves to fully embrace digital lending and completely remove paper from the closing process with our Total eClose platform," stated Dominic Iannitti, president and CEO of DocMagic. "When you put the necessary pillars in place like Atlantic Bay has, it paves the way to more scalable operations with paper-free eClosings at the heart of the workflow. The benefits Atlantic Bay is enjoying are tremendous and we're excited to showcase them as a client that's perfected the eClosing process."

Brown added: "More than anything, our success has been predicated on being early adopters of RON and eNotes, helping settlement agents become comfortable with DocMagic's software, working closely with our warehouse lenders and investors to accept eNotes, and having a 'just do it' attitude toward eClosings with eNotes. All of the legwork that we performed before, and in the early days of the pandemic, helped us gain a lot of experience and were able to execute thousands of eClosings. It's now become a competitive advantage for us."

Atlantic Bay is a long-time DocMagic client and has been an early adopter of hybrid eClosings since processing its first hybrid eClose in 2018. The lender's subsequent implementation of RON technology and eNotes has taken its closing, post-closing, funding, and loan sales to the next level. Moving forward, Atlantic Bay will widen the use of RON technology and continue to work closely with settlement providers to expand its footprint in digital originations and closings.

DocMagic's Total eClose solution gives Atlantic Bay users the ability to easily access the platform directly from a seamless integration with its loan origination system (LOS). Total eClose provides an end-to-end paperless workflow that seamlessly connects every component of the closing process. It includes use of DocMagic's eDocument library with integrated eSign technology, automatic generation of a MISMO Category 1 SMART Doc® eNote, eNotary technology for all 50 states, direct MERS® eRegistry of the eNote, and secure storage in its certified eVault.

Total eClose leverages the precision-based accuracy of DocMagic's intelligent, dynamic document generation capabilities. It also integrates tightly with DocMagic's AutoPrep™ solution that e-enables any 3rd-party documents to execute eClosings.

About DocMagic:

DocMagic, Inc. is the leading provider of fully compliant document generation, automated compliance, eSignature and comprehensive eMortgage solutions for the mortgage industry. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Torrance, Calif., DocMagic, Inc. develops award-winning software, mobile apps, processes, and web-based systems for the production and delivery of compliant loan document packages. The company's solutions connect industry participants, promote collaboration, and data integrity to execute precision-based digital lending transactions. The company's compliance experts and in-house legal staff consistently monitor legal and regulatory changes at both the federal and state levels to ensure accuracy. For more information on DocMagic, visit https://www.docmagic.com/.

About Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group:

Founded in 1996, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group® is a privately owned national mortgage lender headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va. The company offers conventional and other home loans and reverse mortgage services. Atlantic Bay has been recognized as a Top 100 Mortgage Company in America, Best Mortgage Company, Most Enjoyable Place to Work, and an Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company. Through its AB Cares program, the company has donated more than $2 million to charities and participated in events that promote the passions of our customers, employees and neighbors. For more information, visit the company's website https://www.atlanticbay.com/ NMLS #72043 (https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Located at 600 Lynnhaven Parkway Suite 203 Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

Media Contact:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc. for DocMagic
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

Social Media: @DocMagic @AtlanticBay #eClosingLeader #TotaleClose #eClosingLender #PaperlesseClosings

DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, automated regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group®, a national independent mortgage banker, has successfully processed more than 10,000 paperless eClosings.

Related link: https://www.docmagic.com/

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Category Archives: Finance

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Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group® Surpasses 10,000 Paperless eClosings with DocMagic’s Total eClose™ Solution

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