Tag Archives: mortgage capital markets technology

Optimal Blue Fully Automates Best Efforts Locking Directly with Investors

Launch of new capability in the Optimal Blue PPE allows lenders to eliminate all manual steps when executing best efforts locks

PLANO, Texas, July 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced a new capability in its industry-leading product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine that fully automates the process for a lock desk user to execute best efforts locks directly with participating investors via API. By eliminating the last remaining manual step in the locking life cycle, Optimal Blue is delivering innovations and enhancements that will help significantly increase a lender’s efficiency and profitability. The Optimal Blue PPE is the first pricing engine to fully automate this critical stage of the secondary market workflow for investors with support for all loan types, including both agency and non-agency programs.

Image caption: Optimal Blue logo.

“This is a game-changer for capital markets teams that will save an average of 15 minutes per loan, which is hours saved per day,” said Tiffany McGarry, vice president of product management at Optimal Blue. “Lock desk users can now complete the entire best efforts lock transaction from within the Optimal Blue PPE – no toggling between systems, no rekeying of data and no lost time. It’s a meaningful step forward for day-to-day productivity that helps protect lenders against costly errors and compliance issues, while giving investors a more streamlined path to work with their originator partners.”

The Optimal Blue PPE already automates loan pricing, lock requests and post-lock changes, and the company’s hedging platform already supports automation for mandatory execution. Until the release of this capability, completing a best efforts lock required the lender’s secondary desk to log in to the investor’s portal and re-enter loan details by hand. This enhancement eliminates this final step to execute the lock, fully automating the process.

Best efforts lock requests can now be sent directly to an investor via API, reducing the time required from an average of 15 minutes per loan to just seconds. Loan data flows securely to the investor and back, keeping the loan origination system record up to date and generating a PDF confirmation that provides a clear audit trail and proof of execution. The feature is available at no additional cost to lenders and requires little to no setup or configuration.

The new capability offers a compelling way for the more than 240 investors in Optimal Blue’s network to stand out to over 1,000 originators by delivering a faster, more streamlined means to lock. To participate, investors should contact their Optimal Blue representative to complete a one-time API setup.

“This is the first time investors have been able to complete best efforts locks through real-time, system-to-system connectivity with their lender partners,” said Erin Wester, chief product officer at Optimal Blue. “We’ve already set up this integration with select investor partners, and it’s been exciting to see the positive momentum it is already building for their businesses. It’s a strategic edge that improves execution, strengthens lender-investor relationships and streamlines the path to purchase – and one only Optimal Blue can deliver as the industry’s most connected capital markets platform.”

Future phases of the best efforts lock feature will add support for profile updates, extensions and other post-lock changes as well as integration into the CompassEdge platform – enhancing consistency and reducing downstream data mismatches. For more information, lenders and investors using the Optimal Blue PPE should contact their account representative.

About Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue powers profitability across the mortgage capital markets ecosystem. As the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform, our technology, data, and integrations bridge the primary and secondary markets to help lenders of all sizes maximize performance – from pricing accuracy to margin protection and every step in between. Backed by over 20 years of proven expertise, our modern, cloud-native technology delivers the real-time automation, actionable data and seamless connectivity lenders need to navigate market volatility and scale for growth. To learn more about how Optimal Blue delivers measurable ROI, visit https://OptimalBlue.com/.

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NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Optimal Blue), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-fully-automates-best-efforts-locking-directly-with-investors/

MCT Reports 28% Increase in Mortgage Lock Volume Heading into Spring Season

SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, today announced a 27.91% increase in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Industry professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to download the full report for a detailed analysis.

Image caption: MCT Reports 28% Increase in Mortgage Lock Volume Heading into Spring Season.

The increase in volume follows the typical seasonal pattern, rebounding from the December and January winter lull. As the housing market transitions into the Spring homebuying season, this positive movement suggests improving market activity. However, recent trends indicate that total volume may rise further in March and April before tapering off as early-season buyers finalize their purchases, leading to decreased demand in the deeper summer months.

External economic factors also remain a key area of focus. The potential impact of tariffs and possible retaliatory trade measures could introduce volatility into the broader economy, which may, in turn, affect mortgage rates. Market participants are watching these developments closely as they navigate lending and investment decisions.

Andrew Rhodes, Senior Director and Head of Trading at MCT, shared his perspective on the current financial landscape: “The expectation is that the Federal Reserve will likely hold the line on rates in March and May, with markets anticipating a likely rate cut in June. Economic performance given impending tariffs, Nonfarm Payroll, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will continue to be the biggest factors influencing rate decisions as we move into the summer months.”

As mortgage lenders and capital markets participants prepare for evolving conditions, MCT remains committed to delivering expert guidance and data-driven insights. For a more in-depth look at market dynamics, industry professionals can access the full report on MCT’s website.

Press release: https://mct-trading.com/press-release/mct-reports-28-increase-in-mortgage-lock-volume-heading-into-spring-season/

About MCT:

For over two decades, MCT has been a leading source of innovation for the mortgage secondary market. Melding deep subject matter expertise with a passion for emerging technologies and clients, MCT is the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology. From architecting modern best execution loan sales to launching the most successful and advanced marketplace for mortgage-related assets, lenders, investors, and network partners all benefit from MCT’s stewardship. MCT’s technology and know-how continue to revolutionize how mortgage assets are priced, locked, hedged, traded, and valued – offering clients the tools to perform under any market condition.

For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/contact or call (619) 543-5111.

IMAGE link for media: https://mct-trading.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mct-lock-volume-indices-46.png

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ian Miller
Chief Marketing Officer
Mortgage Capital Trading
619-618-7855
pr@mctrade.net

NEWS SOURCE: Mortgage Capital Trading Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Mortgage Capital Trading Inc.), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mct-reports-28-increase-in-mortgage-lock-volume-heading-into-spring-season/

Mortgage Lock Volume Stays Flat in Latest MCT February Indices

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Feb. 6, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today a 0.12% decrease in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Industry professionals and market enthusiasts are encouraged to download the complete report for a deeper understanding of the latest market trends and dynamics.

Image caption: Mortgage Lock Volume Stays Flat in Latest MCT February Indices.

Despite the drop in refinance volume, purchase volume has remained steady, resulting in relatively no change in overall production volume month-over-month. The stability in purchase volume continues to support market activity while the industry awaits potential shifts in interest rates.

MCT’s data did show an increase in refinance production in the latter half of January. However, this uptick is likely attributable to the seasonal lull of the holiday period when compared to the end of December.

The outlook for the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting remains uncertain, as additional data is required to refine market predictions. “Tariffs, if or when implemented, may have an impact on inflation which will have influence over the next Fed decision,” said Andrew Rhodes, Senior Director and Head of Trading at MCT. “This, along with upcoming Nonfarm payroll and Consumer Price Index (CPI) reports, will help determine the outlook for mortgage rates heading into the Spring season.”

MCT’s latest report offers an in-depth analysis of these factors, providing valuable insights to lenders, investors, and industry stakeholders as they navigate the shifting mortgage landscape. To access the full report and learn more about MCT’s innovative solutions, visit MCT’s website.

MCT’s Lock Volume Indices present a snapshot of rate lock volume activity in the residential mortgage industry broken out by lock type (purchase, rate/term refinance, and cash out refinance) across a broad diversity of lenders (e.g., sizes, products/services offered, business models) from MCT’s national footprint.

Download the report: https://mct-trading.com/press-release/mortgage-lock-volume-flat-latest-february-indices/

About MCT:

For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/ or call (619) 543-5111.

IMAGE link for media: https://mct-trading.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mct-lock-volume-indices-43.png

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ian Miller
Chief Marketing Officer
Mortgage Capital Trading
619-618-7855
pr@mctrade.net

NEWS SOURCE: Mortgage Capital Trading Inc.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mortgage-lock-volume-stays-flat-in-latest-mct-february-indices/

Mortgage Capital Trading (MCT) Unveils MSRlive! 4.0 – Offering Ground-Breaking Enhancements to MSR Reporting and Transparency

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Jan. 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Capital Trading (MCT), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, today announced the release of MSRlive! 4.0, a groundbreaking enhancement to its mortgage servicing rights (MSR) valuation platform. The latest version offers mortgage servicers an unprecedented level of transparency and business intelligence, equipping portfolio managers with powerful new tools to assess and optimize their portfolios.

Image caption: Mortgage Capital Trading (MCT) Unveils MSRlive! 4.0.

With MSRlive! 4.0, portfolio managers gain direct insight into the key drivers behind valuation changes over time. The enhanced reporting offers a clear, intuitive view of risk exposure, allowing managers to identify and address potential vulnerabilities with ease. These advancements are a major leap forward for the industry, which has long sought more precise, accessible, and actionable analytics.

“We have listened to our clients and successfully built the reporting they need to analyze their portfolios with confidence,” said Bill Shirreffs, Head of MSR Services at MCT. “The essential elements are incorporated into the analytical reporting, with the ability to pull back the hood and see exactly what’s driving the valuation results.”

The enhanced reporting delivers a behind-the-scenes perspective of mortgage servicing portfolios, offering in-depth analysis that includes factors such as:

Valuation Assumptions
Breakeven Analysis
Duration and Convexity
Rate of Return on Investment
Cash Flow Summary Analysis

This added transparency enables portfolio managers to better understand portfolio performance and valuation drivers. The advanced summary reporting provides comprehensive, digestible insights, allowing for more confident decision-making and faster response to various market changes.

The launch of MSRlive! 4.0 solidifies MCT’s position as the industry leader in mortgage capital markets technology. Its innovative combination of enhanced data access and user-friendly analytics raises the bar for portfolio transparency, allowing users to quickly assess performance and valuation shifts at both a macro and granular level.

Shirreffs added, “Our clients now have a reporting system that’s not just powerful but also transparent. For the first time, they have the tools to make sense of the drivers behind period over period valuation changes — in a way that no other MSR portfolio management platform in the industry can offer.”

The industry’s growing need for deeper analytical insight and control is met head-on by MSRlive! 4.0. As portfolio managers strive to optimize their strategies in a rapidly shifting market, this release offers a decisive advantage with its enhanced precision, actionable intelligence, and ease of use.

To learn more about MSRlive! 4.0 or schedule a demo, contact MCT.

Read the press release: https://mct-trading.com/press-release/mct-unveils-msrlive-4/

About MCT:

For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/ or call (619) 543-5111.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ian Miller
Chief Marketing Officer
Mortgage Capital Trading
619-618-7855
pr@mctrade.net

IMAGE URL: https://mct-trading.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/msrlive-4.0-pr.png

NEWS SOURCE: Mortgage Capital Trading Inc.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mortgage-capital-trading-mct-unveils-msrlive-4-0-offering-ground-breaking-enhancements-to-msr-reporting-and-transparency/

MCT Reports a 20.9% Increase In Mortgage Lock Volume Amidst Rising Rates

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, has reported a 20.9% increase in mortgage lock volume in February compared to the previous month. To gain comprehensive insights into the market dynamics, industry professionals and enthusiasts are invited to download the complete report.

This month's increase comes against a backdrop of rising interest rates, a robust jobs market, and a stronger-than-predicted CPI report. Despite the prevailing market conditions, the twenty percent increase in mortgage lock volume showcases positive buyer sentiment within the industry. However, it's important to note that this month-over-month uptick represents a relative change, reflective of the traditionally slower winter buying season.

Looking ahead, the Federal Reserve will closely monitor forthcoming non-farm payroll and inflation reports to inform decisions regarding potential rate adjustments. Andrew Rhodes, Senior Director and Head of Trading at MCT, emphasized the significance of these impending reports, stating, "The upcoming non-farm payroll and CPI reports will have a significant impact on the decision for the upcoming Fed meeting in terms of forward guidance. If we continue to see higher than anticipated job and inflation reports, we could see market expectations start to push rate cuts out to Q3 or later which could act to depress mortgage volume."\Bottom of Form

To access the comprehensive insights provided by MCT's Lock Volume Indices, interested parties are encouraged to download the full report - https://mct-trading.com/press-release/20-percent-increase-mortgage-lock-volume-amidst-rising-rates/.

MCT's Lock Volume Indices present a snapshot of rate lock volume activity in the residential mortgage industry broken out by lock type (purchase, rate/term refinance, and cash out refinance) across a broad diversity of lenders (e.g., sizes, products/services offered, business models) from MCT's national footprint.

About MCT:

For over two decades, MCT has been a leading source of innovation for the mortgage secondary market. Melding deep subject matter expertise with a passion for emerging technologies and clients, MCT is the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology. From architecting modern best execution loan sales to launching the most successful and advanced marketplace for mortgage-related assets, lenders, investors, and network partners all benefit from MCT's stewardship. MCT's technology and know-how continue to revolutionize how mortgage assets are priced, locked, hedged, traded, and valued - offering clients the tools to perform under any market condition.

For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/ or call (619) 543-5111.

Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, has reported a 20.9% increase in mortgage lock volume in February compared to the previous month. To gain comprehensive insights into the market dynamics, industry professionals and enthusiasts are invited to download the complete report.

Related link: https://mct-trading.com/

Mortgage Capital Trading Named Best Place To Work 2023 By SDBJ

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced that it has been named one of the Best Places to Work 2023 by the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ) in the medium-sized company category (50 - 249 U.S. employees). This award is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in San Diego that benefit the county's economy, workforce, and local businesses.

MCT has been headquartered in downtown San Diego for nearly two decades, and during that time, the firm has evolved its "team member first" mindset - focusing on wellbeing and intentional work/life balance. Throughout the pandemic and segueing into the volatile mortgage market the entire industry is currently facing, MCT leadership has continued to prioritize team member needs.

"We are honored to be named the Best Place to Work in San Diego year after year," said Chad Campora, Head of Human Resources. "It's humbling to know that MCT team members feel respected, rewarded, and empowered to bring their best selves to work each day. The tenure among many of our key people is definitely a point of pride."

The SDBJ puts companies that applied for the award through an extensive evaluation process that includes a detailed analysis of company workplace policies and practices along with a comprehensive employee survey. The combined scores determine the top companies and the final rankings. The winning companies were honored at an awards ceremony hosted by the SDBJ in August.

More information on the SDBJ's Best Places to Work in San Diego program can be found at https://www.sdbj.com/.

About MCT:

For over two decades, MCT has been a leading source of innovation for the mortgage secondary market. Melding deep subject matter expertise with a passion for emerging technologies and clients, MCT is the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology. From architecting modern best execution loan sales to launching the most successful and advanced marketplace for mortgage-related assets, lenders, investors, and network partners all benefit from MCT's stewardship. MCT's technology and know-how continues to revolutionize how mortgage assets are priced, locked, protected, valued, and exchanged - offering clients the tools to perform under any market condition.

For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/ or call (619) 543-5111.

Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced that it has been named one of the Best Places to Work 2023 by the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ) in the medium-sized company category (50 - 249 U.S. employees).

Related link: https://mct-trading.com/