Tag Archives: Mortgage

ACES Quality Management strengthens executive team with key promotions in compliance leadership

DENVER, Colo., July 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced the promotion of two internal compliance leaders: Amanda Phillips to general counsel and executive vice president of compliance, and Savannah Prout to associate vice president of compliance.

Image caption: ACES Quality Management logo.

These strategic promotions underscore ACES’ commitment to maintaining the highest levels of regulatory integrity and internal compliance expertise, reinforcing the company’s role as a trusted partner in financial services quality control.

“With Amanda and Savannah at the helm of our compliance operations, ACES continues to lead with strength, precision and foresight,” said ACES CEO Trevor Gauthier. “These promotions recognize not only their deep expertise but also their vital contributions to our in-house compliance team, helping our clients navigate a complex and sometimes chaotic regulatory environment.”

Phillips brings over two decades of experience in financial services and now serves as general counsel and executive vice president of compliance at ACES. Before joining ACES, she was counsel at Ballard Spahr LLP, advising clients on complex federal and state mortgage lending laws. She was also executive vice president of legal and regulatory compliance at Mortgage Cadence. Before that, she held leadership roles for seven years at WR Starkey Mortgage LLP, now Certainty Home Loans. Her extensive background uniquely positions her to lead ACES’ legal and regulatory strategy as the industry navigates evolving compliance landscapes.

Prout has played a key role in helping ACES clients navigate evolving regulatory requirements and internal compliance issues. As associate vice president of compliance, she will continue to enhance ACES’ ability to anticipate regulatory changes, provide timely updates to users, and expand the available compliance resources through the platform.

ACES’ in-house compliance team plays an essential role in helping clients stay ahead of regulatory developments through a proactive, resource-rich approach. ACES Managed Questionnaires is central to this effort, a dynamic library of standardized, prebuilt loan review checklists developed and maintained by ACES compliance experts. These questionnaires are continuously updated to reflect evolving state and federal regulations and GSE and federal agency guidelines, using responsive logic to simplify the audit process, increase review speed and ensure compliance accuracy.

Supporting this foundation is the ACES Compliance NewsHub, a curated intelligence resource that delivers breaking industry headlines, policy changes and key regulatory deadlines directly to compliance and QC professionals. From ongoing webinars and downloadable tools to hands-on support from in-house experts, ACES offers a full spectrum of practical, accessible resources designed to empower clients with the insight and confidence needed to meet today’s compliance demands.

“Our compliance team does more than interpret regulations. They translate them into actionable tools and support that make a difference every day for our clients,” Gauthier said. “Amanda and Savannah embody that spirit of practical expertise and strategic leadership.”

To explore ACES’ compliance resources and learn more about its leadership, visit https://www.acesquality.com/.

About ACES Quality Management:

Unlike other quality control platforms, ACES Flexible Audit Technology® 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.

LOGO link for media: https://www.acesquality.com/assets/images/aces-logo.svg

NEWS SOURCE: ACES Quality Management

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (ACES Quality Management), 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/aces-quality-management-strengthens-executive-team-with-key-promotions-in-compliance-leadership/

Refis, Product Shifts and Strong Agency Participation Define June Market Advantage Report

Optimal Blue data shows modest lock volume growth as purchase activity levels off and investor demand for shorter-duration assets grows

PLANO, Texas, July 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its June 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report showing total lock volume rose 1.95% month-over-month (MoM), driven by increased refinance activity. Refinance share climbed from 16% to 18% of all locks as rate-and-term refinances jumped 17.4% MoM and 18.4% year-over-year (YoY). Cash-out refinances rose 8.1% from May and nearly 28% YoY. Meanwhile, purchase activity held relatively steady – a better-than-expected result for June, when the spring homebuying season typically tapers off.

Image caption: Image caption: Optimal Blue’s June 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

The report includes 19 mortgage data metrics, including additional borrower profile metrics and secondary market indicators newly introduced last month. One of these new metrics, non-QM lending, accounted for 7.4% of all June rate locks – a share that has gradually increased in recent months as lenders and borrowers explore alternative qualification paths.

“As market conditions evolve and affordability challenges persist, non-QM lending offers a path for qualifying creditworthy borrowers who may not meet qualified mortgage guidelines,” said Mike Vough, head of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. “The steady rise in this category reflects the industry’s growing focus on flexibility and meeting borrowers where they are.”

On the capital markets side, the aggregator share of loan sales dropped 300 basis points (bps) MoM to 35%, suggesting that the agencies improved pricing margins and gained market share, either via the cash window or MBS securitizations.

“Given current news headlines, the decrease in aggregator market share corresponding with the increase in agency market share is noteworthy,” said Vough. “Both loans sold to the cash window and via MBS securitization were up 2% month over month. This highlights the need for lenders to review multiple investors and delivery methods to squeeze the most out of their loan sales.”

Key findings from the Market Advantage report, derived from direct-source mortgage lock and secondary market data, include:

Rates edge lower: The 30-year conforming loan rate dropped 17 bps to 6.67%. Jumbo rates fell 24 bps to 6.78%. FHA rates declined 6 bps to 6.47%, and VA rates decreased 16 bps to 6.29%.
Product mix shifts: Conforming share rose 114 bps to 53% of total volume, while non-conforming dipped 25 bps to 16.2%. FHA share declined 80 bps to 18.9%. VA and USDA shares held steady at or near last month’s levels at 11.3% and 0.7%, respectively.
Credit quality unchanged: The average FICO score edged up 1 point to 733.
Loan characteristics hold steady: The average loan amount declined slightly to $386,084. Across the top 30 MSAs, average loan amounts ranged from a high of $586,997 in metro New York to a low of $311,331 in Indianapolis. Average loan-to-value (LTV) ratio stood at 80.5%. Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio averaged 36.8% for conforming loans, 44.7% for FHA and 43.8% for VA.
ARMs decline: Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share fell to 8.81%, compared to 9.11% in May. This decrease coincided with a slight flattening of the yield curve compared to the previous month.
Market spread trends remain steady: The 10-year Treasury yield dropped 17 bps to 4.24%, while the OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate (the benchmark for CME Group’s Mortgage Rate futures) declined 17 bps to 6.67%, keeping the spread steady at 2.43%.
Loan sales trend in agencies’ favor: Bulk aggregator sales declined 300 bps to 35%, while agency share grew as cash and MBS executions each rose 200 bps, signaling stronger agency appetite.
Loan pricing improves: The share of loans sold at the highest price increased 100 bps to 69%, while sales in the lowest pricing tier declined 100 bps to 12%, suggesting that loan characteristics or eligibility requirements played a smaller role in driving price dispersion.
Servicing valuations edge lower: MSR values for 30-year conforming loans declined slightly to 1.226%, tracking alongside the decrease in mortgage rates.
Pull-through rates increase: Supported by late-month rate improvements and steady new construction activity, purchase pull-through rose 170 bps to 84.8% and refinance pull-through climbed 29 bps to 62.6%.

To view the full June 2025 Market Advantage report, complete the free subscription form: https://engage.optimalblue.com/market-advantage.

Subscribers receive a report PDF each month with the latest data. Members of the press are eligible for special, advance access each month and should contact Olivia DeLancey to be added to the media list.

This month’s Market Advantage podcast features Rob Kessel, founder of Panoramic Capital Advisory and Consulting. Access the podcast: https://market-advantage.captivate.fm/episode/episode-10.

About the Market Advantage Report

Optimal Blue issues the Market Advantage mortgage report each month to provide insight into U.S. mortgage trends and drivers of lending profitability. Data is sourced from the Optimal Blue PPE, which is used to price and lock more than one-third of all mortgages nationwide, and Optimal Blue’s hedging and loan trading system, which supports approximately 40% of loans hedged and sold into the secondary market. As the leader in mortgage capital markets technology, Optimal Blue has a direct view of both origination and secondary market activity, and the interconnectedness of the two. Unlike self-reported survey data, Optimal Blue’s direct-source data accurately reflects the in-process loans in lenders’ pipelines and secondary market executions. Visit Optimal Blue’s website to subscribe to receive the free report each month.

Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

About Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue effectively bridges the primary and secondary mortgage markets to deliver the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform. The company helps lenders of all sizes and scopes maximize profitability and operate efficiently so they can help American borrowers achieve the dream of homeownership. Through innovative technology, a network of interconnectivity, rich data insights, and expertise gathered over more than 20 years, Optimal Blue is an experienced partner that, in any market environment, allows lenders to optimize their advantage from pricing accuracy to margin protection, and every step in between. To learn more, visit https://OptimalBlue.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0708-s2popblujune-300dpi.jpg

Image caption: Optimal Blue’s June 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

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/refis-product-shifts-and-strong-agency-participation-define-june-market-advantage-report/

FirstClose’s SVP of HR Katie Smith named 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence

Smith's leadership has helped FirstClose drive innovation, retention and culture-building while scaling its home equity lending technology platform in a volatile market

AUSTIN, Texas, July 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced its Senior Vice President of Human Resources Katie Smith has been named a 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence. The national award recognizes her exceptional leadership, commitment to company culture and impact on the fintech and mortgage lending industry.

Image caption: FirstClose’s SVP of HR Katie Smith.

Smith has played a key role in guiding FirstClose through a volatile market cycle, emphasizing transparency, support and people-first strategies. Over the past year, she launched a companywide leadership and management training program with 100% participation. Her efforts resulted in a 35% increase in employee satisfaction and a 50% reduction in voluntary turnover. Smith also led efforts to expand FirstClose’s workforce by 20% in 2025 while strongly emphasizing onboarding and culture. She guides executive recruitment, leads companywide meetings and is often the first point of contact for employees seeking support or mentorship.

“Katie is not just our head of HR. She is the cultural cornerstone of FirstClose,” said Tedd Smith, CEO of FirstClose. “Her leadership has carried this organization through challenging market cycles, not only stabilizing our workforce but transforming it. From championing leadership development to personally supporting teams through change, Katie brings a rare combination of strategic vision, empathy and consistency that has elevated every facet of how we work and grow.”

Outside of FirstClose, Smith contributes to HR leadership forums and mentors professionals entering the field. Her advocacy for strong people practices reflects her belief that culture is key to business success.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by HousingWire,” Smith said. “But this recognition is really a reflection of the incredible team I have the privilege to serve every day. At FirstClose, we’ve worked hard to build a culture where people feel supported, empowered and connected to something bigger than themselves. What drives me is helping people thrive and making sure our values are reflected in everything we do.”

Now in its 16th year, the Women of Influence award honors leaders across mortgage, real estate and fintech who are making a measurable impact on their organizations and the broader housing economy. Winners were selected by HousingWire’s editorial team and a panel of industry professionals, based on their professional accomplishments, industry contributions, community involvement, and overall influence. The 2025 list reflects the depth and diversity of talent leading housing into the future.

“This year’s honorees reflect the depth of talent and leadership shaping today’s housing economy,” said Sarah Wheeler, Editor-in-Chief at HousingWire. “With a strategic vision and a deep commitment to their teams and communities, these women are not only driving progress but also paving the way for the next generation of leaders.”

About FirstClose:

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. is a fintech provider delivering digital solutions purpose-built for home equity and mortgage lending. Its platform combines property data intelligence, automated workflows and vendor integrations to streamline home equity originations by reducing costs, accelerating turn times and enhancing the borrower experience. Trusted by lenders nationwide, FirstClose empowers users with configurable technology for instant decisioning and end-to-end order management. Learn more at https://www.firstclose.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), 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/firstcloses-svp-of-hr-katie-smith-named-2025-housingwire-woman-of-influence/

The Big Picture July conversations engage experts in mortgage market analytics, housing finance public policy, home ownership growth strategies and capital markets

CLEVELAND, Ohio, July 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, has unveiled its July guest lineup featuring five impressive leaders who will explore the power of analytics, interpret public policy signals, unpack the barriers to home ownership and deliver pragmatic capital markets perspective. Co-hosted by mortgage business consultant and executive coach Rich Swerbinsky and capital markets authority Rob Chrisman, author of the widely read Chrisman Commentary newsletter, the webcast delivers timely, thought-provoking conversations with mortgage professionals, innovators and thought leaders.

Image caption: Bill Bodnar and Sue Woodard, Bob Broeksmit, Nikki Bialka, Chris Bennett.

July’s lineup continues the show’s tradition of spotlighting industry changemakers at the forefront of lending, homeownership and financial intelligence:

Thursday, July 10:
Bill Bodnar, Chief Revenue Officer at Tabrasa and the catalyst behind Mortgage Market Guide, an industry leading market intelligence solution, will join Sue Woodard, formerly a top-producing originator herself, now Chief Customer Officer at InGenius and a Senior Advisor at STRATMOR Group, in an energetic discussion spotlighting the application of market analytics with frontline mortgage expertise to create a competitive edge for lenders of every stripe.
Thursday, July 17:
Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the industry’s most powerful voice in Washington and beyond, will deliver his well-honed perspective on critical issues related to smart regulation, market liquidity, and sustainable homeownership with his trademark candor, clarity, and just maybe, some pointed words about what’s really going on behind the scenes in D.C.
Thursday, July 24:
Nikki Bialka is Vice President and National Community Lending Strategy Manager at Fifth Third Bank, where she leads sustainable homeownership initiatives for underserved communities. A returning guest, Nikki specializes in developing and implementing innovative and equitable lending strategies addressing systemic barriers and financial empowerment, so expect her to elevate paths to ensuring more individuals have the homeownership opportunity.
Thursday, July 31:
Chris Bennett, Chairman and founder of Vice Capital Markets, a leading hedge advisory firm specializing in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) trading and risk management, returns by popular demand. Expect Chris’s pragmatic insights and edgy analysis on current policy debates around what to do with the GSEs, how rates might behave in the second half of 2025, and a capital markets perspective on solving housing supply challenges.

Mortgage professionals and industry media can register for the webcast and view past episodes at https://www.chrismancommentary.com/the-big-picture.

About The Big Picture:

Co-hosted by renowned mortgage industry leader Rich Swerbinsky and capital markets expert Rob Chrisman, author of the widely acclaimed Chrisman Commentary industry newsletter, The Big Picture webcast offers a weekly deep dive into the forces shaping the mortgage world. Drawing on their extensive expertise and featuring compelling guests, the webcast delivers valuable perspectives and actionable insights for anyone seeking to better understand the dynamics of the mortgage industry.

Visit https://www.chrismancommentary.com/the-big-picture to subscribe.

Tags: @dwnpmtresource @NextHomeRes #homeownershipaccess #mortgageleadership #realestatestrategy #economicinsight

NEWS SOURCE: The Big Picture Mortgage Webcast

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Big Picture Mortgage Webcast), 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/the-big-picture-july-conversations-engage-experts-in-mortgage-market-analytics-housing-finance-public-policy-home-ownership-growth-strategies-and-capital-markets/

Dark Matter Technologies achieves UCDP integration, driving appraisal innovation

New integration enables appraisal report submission to the GSEs with enhanced data fields, ZIP file support and modernized infrastructure

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced it has established an integration with Uniform Collateral Data Portal® (UCDP®), a single portal jointly maintained by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs). This expansion positions Dark Matter as an early adopter of the technology needed to support the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 and Forms Redesign initiative.

Image caption: Dark Matter Technologies logo.

The new integration enables submission of appraisal report data to the GSEs via UCDP, supporting lenders in the mandate to adopt new appraisal standards and signaling Dark Matter’s readiness to meet the new initiative well in advance of lenders’ required adoption.

Innovations to work with this effort include both the Empower® and the ExchangeSM Network support for a brand-new appraisal report data file, ZIP file submissions, integrating six new data fields to enhance property detail and a streamlined process for extracting PDF and XML files. These capabilities allow Dark Matter to assist lenders in transitioning to new UAD 3.6, simplifying reporting across any residential property type.

The new UAD 3.6 is available for GSE-approved lenders during the limited production period, which begins September 8, 2025, and is required for all appraisal reports submitted to UCDP on or after November 2, 2026.

“By proactively adapting to these industry-driven updates, Dark Matter is demonstrating its technological leadership and commitment to driving efficiency in the mortgage ecosystem,” said Stephanie Durflinger, chief product officer at Dark Matter. “This achievement helps us better serve our lending partners and opens the door to broader capabilities in digital appraisal delivery.”

About Dark Matter Technologies:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry’s leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers powerful technology with unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders, servicers and companies nationwide. For more information, visit www.dmatter.com.

Tags: @dmattertech #fintech #mortgage

Logo link for media: https://dmatter.com/wp-content/uploads/dark-matter-tech-logo.svg

NEWS SOURCE: Dark Matter Technologies

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Dark Matter Technologies), 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/dark-matter-technologies-achieves-ucdp-integration-driving-appraisal-innovation/

Argyle expands verification platform to include verification of assets powered by Mastercard open finance technology

Single-platform access to GSE-approved verifications gives service providers comprehensive insights and centralized support

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., June 25, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a service provider automating income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders and tenant screening platforms in the United States, today announced the availability of verification of assets powered by Mastercard’s open finance technology. The expanded offering enables lenders to confirm borrowers’ balances, cash-to-close and cash-flow history alongside income and employment.

Image caption: Argyle expands verification platform to include verification of assets powered by Mastercard open finance technology.

By pairing direct-source banking data from Mastercard’s U.S. open finance arm Finicity with Argyle’s payroll connections, service providers can consolidate their verification of assets, income and employment under a single provider, reducing manual document collection and accelerating verifications. The new solution offers Argyle’s customers unique advantages:

Frictionless delivery: Asset, income and employment verifications can be embedded directly in the loan application process at the point of sale (POS), helping lenders evaluate borrowers quickly and efficiently. Reports are generated in seconds and arrive in a GSE‑accepted format.

Rent payment history: Service providers can access up to 24 months of transaction history, enabling the use of rent payment history and cash flow trends in underwriting or applicant decisions. This expanded view of consumer financial behavior supports credit access for first-time homebuyers and borrowers who may lack traditional credit histories.

Centralized support: Argyle’s support team ensures service providers benefit from a streamlined service across all verification types, including payroll, banking and document-based workflows.

“This expansion of Argyle’s platform enables customers to satisfy every major verification requirement—income, employment and assets—through one streamlined relationship,” said John Hardesty, vice president of mortgage at Argyle. “Lenders gain comprehensive insights into their consumers, maximize their verification waterfall conversion and receive world-class service from a centralized team—getting the support they need from a single, trusted partner.”

“Borrowers and lenders alike expect seamless, efficient digital experiences—including their verification services,” said Bart Willaert, executive vice president of open banking, Americas at Mastercard. “Our open finance solutions simplify the process for everyone involved while expanding access to credit for those traditionally underserved. We’re thrilled to broaden these opportunities through our collaboration with Argyle.”

VOA is available immediately to new and existing Argyle customers across mortgage, tenant screening and personal lending. To learn more or request a demo, visit https://argyle.com/contact-sales/.

About Argyle:

Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source, consumer-permissioned verifications, making it fast and easy to gain secure and reliable access to the most complete real-time datasets stored in consumers’ payroll and financial accounts. With Argyle, lenders automate verification workflows to save time, reduce fraud and compliance risks, lower costs, and build better borrower experiences. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® validation service and an approved service provider supporting Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor® asset and income modeler (AIM), Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers’ ability to pay and improve loan quality—all at 80% less cost. Argyle’s commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr and Rockefeller Asset Management. For more information on Argyle’s industry-leading verification platform, visit https://argyle.com/.

Tags: @withArgyle @mastercard #openbanking #mortgagetech #fintechinnovation

NEWS SOURCE: Argyle

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Argyle), 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/argyle-expands-verification-platform-to-include-verification-of-assets-powered-by-mastercard-open-finance-technology/

MMI’s Kortney Lane-Schafers Named a 2025 Most Powerful Woman in Fintech by PROGRESS in Lending

MMI's VP of Growth & Client Advocacy is recognized for her transformative leadership, customer-first approach and role in shaping the future of mortgage technology

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 24, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — MMI (Mobility Market Intelligence), the sole provider of a unified mortgage technology solution for the lending and real estate finance industry, proudly announces that Kortney Lane-Schafers, Vice President of Growth & Client Advocacy, has been recognized as a 2025 Most Powerful Woman in Fintech by PROGRESS in Lending.

Image caption: Kortney Lane-Schafers, Vice President of Growth & Client Advocacy at MMI, named a 2025 Most Powerful Woman in Fintech by PROGRESS in Lending.

Each year, PROGRESS in Lending honors standout leaders who are transforming the financial services landscape through innovation, collaboration, and influence. The 2025 list celebrates women who are not only driving results but also helping shape a smarter, more connected fintech ecosystem.

“Kortney brings a rare combination of strategic clarity, deep empathy, and real-world execution to everything she touches,” said Ben Teerlink, CEO and Founder of MMI. “She understands exactly what lenders need to succeed—across platforms, partnerships, and people—and she delivers with care and consistency. This recognition reflects the standard she sets for all of us.”

With 15 years of experience at the intersection of fintech and mortgage lending, Lane-Schafers has helped define what true client advocacy looks like in an industry undergoing rapid digital transformation. In her role at MMI, she leads customer growth initiatives and enterprise enablement across the company’s integrated ecosystem—which includes MMI’s Data Center for market intelligence and recruiting, Bonzo for personalized engagement and automation, and MonitorBase for predictive borrower insights.

She works closely with lenders of all sizes—from national brands to local leaders—to help teams fully adopt and scale these tools, driving smarter outreach, stronger relationships, and measurable business growth. Whether rolling out enterprise strategies or delivering branch-level support, her commitment to real results has made her a trusted advisor and a force for progress.

Kortney is also a sought-after speaker and advocate for thoughtful, human-centered technology. Her voice continues to help shift industry dialogue away from siloed systems toward more unified, customer-first platforms that empower loan officers, marketers, and leadership teams alike.

About MMI

MMI delivers the industry’s only unified mortgage technology solution through its Lead-to-Loan-to-Lifetime Loyalty Growth System, powered by MMI’s Data Center, MonitorBase, and Bonzo. By combining market intelligence, borrower alerts, and personalized outreach at scale, MMI helps lenders uncover hidden opportunities and trigger campaigns with precision timing, targeting, and messaging. Launching soon, Pathways Home extends this ecosystem by reconnecting homeowners to their equity, goals, and local experts—long after closing. Learn more at https://mmi.io/ or contact sales@mmi.io.

NEWS SOURCE: Mobility Market Intelligence

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Mobility Market Intelligence), 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/mmis-kortney-lane-schafers-named-a-2025-most-powerful-woman-in-fintech-by-progress-in-lending/

Class Valuation launches next-generation appraisal review solution designed to enhance compliance and reduce repurchase risk

TROY, Mich., June 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today the launch of Class Valuation Analysis (CVA), a next-generation appraisal review solution engineered to bring greater transparency, compliance and confidence to residential property valuations.

Image caption: Class Valuation.

CVA delivers a comprehensive review of original appraisal reports that complies with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Each review is conducted by a licensed appraiser who analyzes the original report, leverages analyst-assisted automated valuation model (AVM) tools, and provides supplemental comparables or revised valuations as needed.

As the largest valuation provider in the nation, Class Valuation is committed to delivering best-in-class, customized solutions that meet the evolving needs of its partners. CVA was developed to provide capital market and lender clients with a direct, trusted source for appraisal reviews, eliminating the need to rely on third-party vendors.

“In today’s market, uncertainty is expensive, and lenders can’t afford to second-guess their valuation data,” said John Fraas, CEO of Class Valuation. “Class Valuation Analysis delivers what our partners need most—clarity, confidence and compliance—especially when making high-stakes trading decisions tied to mortgage servicing rights. By combining licensed expertise, AVM-backed analysis and actionable reporting, CVA helps our clients validate collateral quality and mitigate risk across the loan lifecycle.”

Lenders can use CVA at multiple stages of the loan lifecycle, including forensic appraisal reviews, internal control audits, construction validation and even for GSE post-board evaluations. With rapid turnaround times, detailed compliance checks and supplemental comparables where needed, CVA ensures that each report not only holds up under scrutiny but actively strengthens decision-making processes.

Each CVA review includes:

A risk-based appraisal assessment by a licensed appraiser
Validation of comparables, adjustments and disclosures
Optional revised valuation or supplemental comparables
A clear, actionable report to support the next steps in lending

CVA is Rating Agency Accepted, which meets the due diligence and appraisal review standards expected by leading credit rating agencies. This designation gives lenders confidence that each review aligns with the requirements of secondary market participants and institutional investors.

CVA offers a streamlined alternative to a full review, delivering timely, USPAP-compliant reviews that help lenders manage risk and maintain loan quality. To learn more about CVA and how it can support the lending process, visit classvaluation.com/cva.

About Class Valuation:

Class Valuation is a leading nationwide appraisal management company (AMC) renowned for its commitment to fast turn times, exceptional quality and unparalleled client service. The company leverages a powerful combination of skilled professionals, innovative products, streamlined processes and advanced technology to empower lenders in fulfilling homeownership dreams. Consistently recognized by top mortgage lenders for its outstanding performance, Class Valuation has also earned accolades as a top workplace and received numerous industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information please visit https://www.classvaluation.com/.

Tags: @ClassValuation #CVA #appraisal #valuation #lending #duediligence

NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Class Valuation), 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/class-valuation-launches-next-generation-appraisal-review-solution-designed-to-enhance-compliance-and-reduce-repurchase-risk/

MMI’s Melissa Sike named a 2025 Mortgage Star by Mortgage Women Magazine

Award recognizes her standout leadership, client-first approach, and industry impact during a year of transformation for mortgage fintech

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — MMI (Mobility Market Intelligence), the sole provider of a unified mortgage technology solution for the lending and real estate finance industry, is proud to share that Melissa Sike, Vice President of Enterprise Sales, has been named a 2025 Mortgage Star by Mortgage Women Magazine.

Image caption: Melissa Sike, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at MMI, was named a 2025 Mortgage Star by Mortgage Women Magazine for her leadership and client-first approach. (Photo courtesy of MMI).

The annual Mortgage Stars program highlights women who are making a meaningful difference across mortgage and fintech. This year’s honorees were nominated by peers and colleagues for their leadership, innovation and commitment to moving the industry forward.

Melissa was recognized for her customer-first approach to sales leadership—and her ability to help lenders not only navigate a shifting market but grow through it. Over the past year, she’s helped some of the country’s largest lenders adopt MMI, roll out unified solutions like Bonzo and MonitorBase, and turn data into ROI across the board.

“Melissa has a rare ability to connect strategy to execution—and customers to success,” said Ben Teerlink, CEO of MMI. “She listens, she leads, and she consistently delivers. More than anything, she cares deeply about the customers we serve, and it shows in everything she does. We’re incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.”

Melissa’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding MMI’s enterprise presence, streamlining the client experience and helping teams get the most out of the platform—whether that means surfacing opportunities, helping to launch new products, or tackling challenges with clarity and heart.

She’s also a strong voice for representation in mortgage tech, often speaking publicly about her journey as a two-time cancer survivor and the importance of leading with resilience, empathy and authenticity.

The Mortgage Star award comes at a time of rapid innovation for MMI, as the company evolves from a data intelligence platform into a full ecosystem of connected tools for recruiting, production and borrower engagement.

About MMI:

MMI is the sole provider of a unified mortgage technology solution, offering the industry’s most powerful Lead-to-Loan Growth System™ through its unified suite of MMI’s Data Center, MonitorBase, and Bonzo. By combining market intelligence, predictive analytics, and marketing automation, MMI empowers lenders and real estate professionals to identify high-intent borrowers and top-performing agents, trigger proactive outreach campaigns, and drive growth with precision and scale. Launching soon, Pathways Home extends this ecosystem by connecting homeowners to their equity, goals, and local experts—bridging the lender-consumer gap long after closing.

NEWS SOURCE: Mobility Market Intelligence

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mmis-melissa-sike-named-a-2025-mortgage-star-by-mortgage-women-magazine/

The Mortgage Collaborative’s ‘The Sip’ Podcast Delivers Industry Insights and Peer Collaboration

SAN DIEGO, Calif., June 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced the launch of its new weekly podcast, “The Sip,” designed to give mortgage professionals direct access to peers solving the same challenges they face every day. From tech adoption and compliance pressure to margin management, the 30-minute series delivers real-world strategies shared by lenders, for lenders—streamed live every Tuesday on LinkedIn.

Image caption: The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC).

Each episode features candid conversations between TMC lender members and partner sponsors, focusing on actionable ideas and proven strategies. Mortgage lenders and vendors gain insight into how cross-functional collaboration is helping institutions navigate today’s rapidly evolving mortgage landscape.

Recent episodes have explored income verification automation and modern risk management practices. John Hardesty, vice president at Argyle, joined the program to discuss how payroll connectivity reshapes borrower verification.

“The mortgage industry is in a transformation moment,” Hardesty said. “Partnerships like the ones featured on ‘The Sip’ help lenders work smarter and deliver a better borrower experience.”

Scott Weintraub, vice president of compliance at MQMR, also shared insights on strengthening vendor oversight and adapting compliance efforts to a shifting regulatory environment.

“TMC created a space for lenders, servicers and vendor partners to collaborate on solutions for the operational and compliance challenges our industry faces,” Weintraub said. “‘The Sip’ gives listeners a look into those collaborations and the value partners can bring to the table.”

“The Sip” reinforces TMC’s mission to foster community and shared success among its members. By spotlighting the impact of strategic partnerships, the podcast supports TMC’s belief that collaboration leads to industry-wide improvement.

Episodes stream live every Tuesday on LinkedIn, with replays and additional resources available on TMC’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@TheMortgageCollaborative

About The Mortgage Collaborative:

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) is a membership-driven organization that empowers mortgage lenders across the United States through collaboration, education and advocacy. TMC provides a platform for professionals to connect, solve problems and grow—regardless of market conditions. For more information, visit https://mortgagecollaborative.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Mortgage Collaborative), 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/the-mortgage-collaboratives-the-sip-podcast-delivers-industry-insights-and-peer-collaboration/

Argyle-nCino integration garners industry accolades for reshaping VOIE workflows

PROGRESS in Lending's 2025 Connections award recognizes Argyle's enhanced integration with nCino

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., June 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a service provider automating income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced that its integration with nCino, a leading provider of intelligent, best-in-class banking and mortgage solutions, has been honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award. The award celebrates transformative partnerships and integrations reshaping the mortgage industry through greater efficiency, innovation and collaboration.

Image caption: Argyle.

Initially launched in 2022, the Argyle–nCino partnership brought a fully digital verification of income and employment (VOIE) experience to more than 370 mortgage companies and 52,000 loan officers. Earlier in 2025, the integration expanded to embed Argyle’s VOIE solution directly into nCino’s Form 1003 workflow, enabling end-to-end connectivity from borrower authorization to automated underwriting.

“This award recognizes what happens when two technology leaders align and modernize mortgage workflows from the ground up,” said Shmulik Fishman, CEO at Argyle. “Together with nCino, we’re proving that it’s possible to connect borrower data from the source to the secondary market with less manual work, fewer delays and a much better experience for everyone involved.”

The integration allows lenders to verify income and employment within nCino’s point-of-sale system in real-time, removing the need for third-party portals or borrower document uploads. Verified data flows seamlessly into loan origination systems (LOS) like Encompass and onward to automated underwriting systems such as Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® and Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor®.

With this streamlined, embedded approach, lenders using Argyle have reduced processing time by 5–7 days and lowered verification costs by up to 80%. Borrowers benefit from a faster, easier application process, while lenders gain access to complete VOIE data that improves underwriting confidence and eligibility for rep and warrant relief.

Learn more about the PROGRESS in Lending Connections Award at https://mymortgagemindset.com/the-2025-connections-award-winners-are/.

About Argyle:

Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source, consumer-permissioned income and employment verifications, making it fast and easy to gain secure and reliable access to the most complete real-time datasets stored in consumers’ payroll accounts. With Argyle, lenders automate verification workflows to save time, reduce fraud and compliance risks, lower costs, and build better product experiences. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® validation service and an approved service provider supporting Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor® asset and income modeler (AIM), Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers’ ability to pay and improve loan quality—all at 80% less cost. Argyle’s commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr and Rockefeller Asset Management.

For more information on Argyle’s industry-leading verification platform, visit https://argyle.com/.

Tags: @withArgyle @engageprogress #mortgageinnovation #digitalmortgage

NEWS SOURCE: Argyle

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/argyle-ncino-integration-garners-industry-accolades-for-reshaping-voie-workflows/

Floify’s Sofia Rossato named to Progress in Lending’s 2025 most powerful women in fintech list

Now in its seventh year, the Most Powerful Women in FinTech award recognizes women who are reshaping the financial services industry

BOULDER, Colo., June 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that its president and general manager, Sofia Rossato, has received the 2025 Most Powerful Women in FinTech award from Progress in Lending (PIL). The PIL award is a prestigious, annual recognition celebrating professionals who are innovating, optimizing processes and shaping the future of mortgage finance and broader financial services.

Image caption: Floify President Sofia Rossato.

Rossato brought over 25 years of experience growing companies in start-up and large corporate environments in property technology, fintech and messaging when she joined Floify in 2022. Her unique background enabled her to strengthen Floify’s market footprint and champion features that give lenders more flexibility and improve homeownership accessibility. Under Rossato’s leadership, Floify introduced a Lender Edition and Broker Edition of its popular POS in 2023; launched Floify Verify, a native electronic verification of income and employment (VOIE) service in 2024; and, in 2025, added Dynamic Apps, a no-code feature that lets lenders tailor loan applications based on loan type. Well-known for its customer service and continual product improvement, Floify received an exceedingly high customer satisfaction rating of 98.2% for 2024.

Prior to Floify, Rossato was CEO of SnapEngage, a leading B2B Messaging and Live Chat solution. Sofia managed SnapEngage’s operations across sales, marketing, product, engineering, client success, support, finance and talent and implemented a new operating framework, incentive plan and investment strategy. Before SnapEngage, Rossato was COO of a $5 billion division of fintech company IHS Markit, where she led cross-functional growth, cost, innovation and expansion initiatives.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized among such trailblazing women in fintech. This award is a testament to the passion and commitment of the entire Floify team, who work daily to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mortgage technology,” Rossato said. “Together, we’re redefining the borrower experience and building a more innovative, inclusive future for financial services.”

About Floify:

Floify is a digital mortgage automation solution that streamlines the loan process by providing a secure application, communication, and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners, and other mortgage stakeholders. Loan originators use the platform to create product-specific applications (no coding required!), collect and verify borrower documentation, track loan progress, communicate with borrowers and real estate agents, and close loans faster. The company is based in Boulder, Colorado and is a subsidiary of Porch Group, Inc. (“Porch Group”) (NASDAQ: PRCH). For more information, visit the company’s website at https://floify.com/ or on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter / X.

Twitter: @Floify #mortgage #fintech #housingfinance @EngageProgress

NEWS SOURCE: Floify

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Floify), 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/floifys-sofia-rossato-named-to-progress-in-lendings-2025-most-powerful-women-in-fintech-list/

Dark Matter Technologies adds side-by-side results comparison and automated, rules-based reviews to dual AUS feature in the Empower LOS

New functionality helps originators quickly compare findings and see more options for borrowers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced enhancements to the dual automated underwriting system (AUS) submission feature within the Empower® loan origination system (LOS). When users submit loan data simultaneously to the AUS for both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae (the government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs), the Empower LOS will now display the GSEs’ respective AUS findings side by side along with rules-based loan recommendations powered by the AIVA® Rules engine.

Image caption: Dark Matter Technologies.

The side-by-side display of AUS findings helps loan originators quickly compare results from the GSEs to identify the most favorable option for each borrower. This can surface opportunities to save money or shorten the loan process. For example, if one GSE’s findings indicate the property qualifies for an appraisal waiver while the other does not, the borrower could potentially save hundreds of dollars in appraisal costs and close several days sooner.

Dual AUS functionality in the Empower LOS is further enhanced by the AIVA Rules engine, which analyzes AUS results and recommends the loan path that best fits the lender’s business rules. The engine comes pre-configured with default logic and can be tailored to align with company-specific policies, helping drive consistency and efficiency in loan production.

“Dark Matter’s approach to innovation is tightly focused on helping lenders curb the runaway time and expense of loan origination while delivering outstanding borrower experiences,” said Sean Dugan, CEO at Dark Matter. “Our enhanced dual AUS functionality within the Empower LOS gives originators timely, actionable insights to help borrowers secure the best loan — all while supporting faster, more efficient production.”

Freddie Mac collaborated with Dark Matter on this initiative. “By supporting dual AUS submission, Dark Matter is helping lenders recommend the best-fit loan for each borrower early in the process,” said Christina Randolph, vice president of distribution at Freddie Mac. This capability helps streamline decision-making and reduce costs while ultimately delivering a smoother, faster experience for borrowers — key outcomes we’re committed to supporting.”

About Dark Matter Technologies:

Tags: @dmattertech @freddiemac @fanniemae #fintech #financialservices #marketing #mortgage

Logo link for media: https://dmatter.com/wp-content/uploads/dark-matter-tech-logo.svg

NEWS SOURCE: Dark Matter Technologies

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dark-matter-technologies-adds-side-by-side-results-comparison-and-automated-rules-based-reviews-to-dual-aus-feature-in-the-empower-los/

Optimal Blue Releases May Data Findings, Announces Expansion of Monthly Report for More Comprehensive Lender Profitability Insights

Company adds nine new data metrics to its Market Advantage mortgage data report for deeper view into drivers of lending profitability, including DTI, loan sale execution and borrower profiles

PLANO, Texas, June 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released the May 2025 edition of its now-expanded Market Advantage mortgage data report, which features newly added borrower profile and capital market datasets for a more comprehensive picture of early-stage mortgage activity and loan profitability. The enhancements come at a critical time for mortgage lenders navigating heightened interest rates, tighter margins, increased volatility and deepening affordability challenges.

Image caption: Optimal Blue’s May 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

NEW DATA REVEALS DEEPER INSIGHTS INTO BORROWER BEHAVIOR AND CAPITAL MARKETS DYNAMICS

This month’s report includes five new borrower profile metrics, including first-time homebuyer status, debt-to-income ratio and citizenship, as well as four new secondary market indicators, including data on loan sale execution and servicing valuations. These insights help lenders understand not just who is borrowing, but how loan performance and profitability are being shaped in capital markets.

“The Market Advantage has long been a trusted source for early mortgage market insights, and we’ve used Optimal Blue’s position as the leader in capital markets technology to take the report to the next level,” said Mike Vough, head of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. “These new metrics provide deeper insight into the interconnectedness of front-end borrower affordability and back-end loan sale execution, allowing housing finance professionals and market observers alike to better understand how primary market activity and secondary market dynamics intersect to drive lending profitability.”

SPRING HOMEBUYING SEASON UNDERPERFORMS AS AFFORDABILITY TIGHTENS

While May typically brings a seasonal lift in purchase activity, this year’s data tells a different story. Total lock volume fell 5.87% month-over-month (MoM), and purchase activity was flat – a clear underperformance for what is typically one of the strongest homebuying months of the year. Rising interest rates further suppressed refinance incentives, dragging refinance share down from 21% to 16%.

“Rising mortgage rates are squeezing borrower affordability, while tighter spreads are putting pressure on lenders in the secondary market,” said Brennan O’Connell, director of data solutions at Optimal Blue. “With the brief window of affordability relief now closed, the new data shows first-time buyers are feeling the strain, with modest declines in their share of conforming and FHA loan locks.”

Key findings from the Market Advantage report, derived from direct-source mortgage lock and secondary market data, include:

Overall lock activity declines: Total mortgage rate lock volume fell 5.87% MoM, reflecting a more difficult rate environment.
Refinance activity drops sharply: Refinance share declined from 21% to 16% as rising rates further eroded borrower incentive. Rate-and-term refinances were down 44.4% MoM, while cash-out refis fell 10%.
Spring purchase demand underwhelms: Purchase activity was flat MoM, and purchase lock counts (which control for home price appreciation) were down 10% year-over-year (YoY).
Rates rise and spreads tighten: The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate (the benchmark for the CME Mortgage Rate futures) rose 16 basis points to 6.84%. The 10-year Treasury yield increased 26 bps to 4.41%, narrowing the OBMMI-Treasury spread to 2.44%, a 10 bps MoM contraction. This signal of rising secondary market pressure was reinforced by slight declines in two of the newly added metrics in this month’s report: servicing valuations and the share of loans executed at the highest price.
Product mix shifts modestly: Conforming loan share rose to 51.9% (up 92 bps), and nonconforming share edged up to 16.4% (up 4 bps). Government-backed lending declined as FHA share fell to 19.7% (down 52 bps), VA dropped to 11.4% (down 48 bps) and USDA lending held steady at 0.7%.
Credit quality holds steady: The average FICO score and average debt-to-income (DTI) ratio held steady across various loan programs.
Loan amounts trend lower: The average loan amount dipped slightly to $386,460 from April’s $387,523. Average loan-to-value (LTV) ratio stood at 80.87%. Across the top 30 metropolitan statistical areas, average loan amounts ranged from a high of $602,888 in metro New York to a low of $385,597 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
ARM usage declines: Adjustable-rate mortgages accounted for 9.11% of lock volume, down from 10.3% in April.
FTHB share softens: First-time homebuyer share was 42% for conforming loans (down 1%), 68% for FHA (down 2%) and 48% for VA (up 1%). The decline in conforming and FHA FTHB share suggests affordability headwinds may be weighing more heavily on entry-level borrowers.
Non-QM lending edges up: Loans locked under expanded guidelines (i.e., non-QM) represented 7.36% of May’s volume, continuing a gradual upward trend as lenders and borrowers explore alternative qualification paths.

To view the full May 2025 Market Advantage report, complete the free subscription form: https://engage.optimalblue.com/market-advantage. Subscribers receive a report PDF each month with the latest data. Members of the press are eligible for special, advance access each month and should contact Olivia DeLancey to be added to the media list.

This month’s Market Advantage podcast features Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell. Access the podcast: https://market-advantage.captivate.fm/episode/episode-9/

ABOUT THE MARKET ADVANTAGE REPORT

Optimal Blue issues the Market Advantage mortgage data report each month to provide insight into U.S. mortgage trends and drivers of lending profitability. Data is sourced from the Optimal Blue PPE, which is used to price and lock more than one-third of all mortgages nationwide, and Optimal Blue’s hedging and loan trading system, which supports approximately 40% of loans hedged and sold into the secondary market. As the leader in mortgage capital markets technology, Optimal Blue has a direct view of both origination and secondary market activity, and the interconnectedness of the two. Unlike self-reported survey data, Optimal Blue’s direct-source data accurately reflect the in-process loans in lenders’ pipelines and secondary market executions. Visit Optimal Blue’s website to subscribe to receive the free report each month.

Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

About Optimal Blue

IMAGE LINK for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0619-s2p-opbluemay25-300dpi.jpg

Image caption: Optimal Blue’s May 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report

NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-releases-may-data-findings-announces-expansion-of-monthly-report-for-more-comprehensive-lender-profitability-insights/

iEmergent honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award

The award celebrates iEmergent's role in CONVERGENCE Columbus initiative to expand minority homeownership through strategic collaboration and data-driven innovation

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, today announced its selection as a recipient of PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award. The recognition honors iEmergent’s instrumental role in CONVERGENCE Columbus, a cross-sector initiative led by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) to close the racial homeownership gap in Central Ohio.

Image caption: iEmergent.

The Connections Award celebrates groundbreaking partnerships and integrations that advance mortgage lending. As a founding member and active steering committee participant in CONVERGENCE Columbus, iEmergent has helped shape the coalition’s data strategy, community engagement framework and performance measurement tools. Through its proprietary Mortgage MarketSmart platform, iEmergent empowers lenders and housing stakeholders with localized market insights to identify opportunity gaps, design inclusive lending programs and measure impact.

“CONVERGENCE Columbus exemplifies how data, community partnership and shared purpose can drive scalable and sustainable progress,” said iEmergent CEO Laird Nossuli. “We are honored to be recognized by PROGRESS in Lending for our role in building a more equitable housing ecosystem, starting at the local level and grounded in collaboration.”

In collaboration with public agencies, nonprofit organizations and financial institutions such as Huntington National Bank and Fifth Third Bank, CONVERGENCE Columbus has launched innovative programs like the Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund and FHLBank Cincinnati’s Rise Up Program, which together have supported more than 230 households to date. The initiative also developed Bloom614.org, a resource hub and homebuying guide for prospective homeowners in Central Ohio.

By co-leading the Evaluation & Outcomes workstream, contributing loan officer data and donating tens of thousands of dollars in services, iEmergent has helped ensure that CONVERGENCE Columbus’ lending outcomes are measurable and replicable. The firm’s commitment to the initiative reflects a broader industry shift toward proactive, equity-centered growth strategies.

Learn more about PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award at https://mymortgagemindset.com/the-2025-connections-award-winners-are/.

About iEmergent

Founded in 2000, iEmergent provides mortgage lending forecasts and analytics to the lending, housing and real estate industries. The company offers an extensive variety of forecast and market intelligence products, including Mortgage MarketSmart, a visualization tool that helps lenders quantify how mortgage markets will change. For more information, visit https://www.iemergent.com.

NEWS SOURCE: iEmergent

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (iEmergent), 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/iemergent-honored-with-progress-in-lendings-2025-connections-award/

Cloudvirga honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award

The award recognizes Cloudvirga's integration with Informative Research for transforming income and employment verification in mortgage lending

IRVINE, Calif., June 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Cloudvirga, a leading provider of digital mortgage point-of-sale platforms, today announced it has been named a recipient of PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award. The award honors strategic partnerships and integrations that are reshaping the mortgage industry by advancing efficiency, innovation, and collaboration.

Image caption: Cloudvirga.

Cloudvirga received recognition for its integration with Informative Research, a trusted verification and data solutions provider for mortgage lenders. The partnership enables seamless access to Informative Research’s verification of income (VOI) and verification of employment (VOE) tools directly within Cloudvirga’s feature-rich digital mortgage solutions. These include Horizon, a retail and consumer-direct point-of-sale (POS) platform designed to empower both borrowers and loan officers; Horizon Wholesale, a purpose-built POS for third-party origination that puts brokers in control; and Tropos, a customer-first loan portal that unifies the borrower experience across loan types and channels. By embedding a configurable, multi-provider verification waterfall at the point of sale, the integration delivers verified results in seconds—reducing delays, costs and friction across the loan lifecycle.

“In today’s lending environment, operational speed and borrower experience are everything,” said Maria Moskver, CEO of Cloudvirga. “Our collaboration with Informative Research helps lenders accelerate loan origination while simplifying one of the most painful parts of the mortgage process. We’re honored to be recognized by PROGRESS in Lending for a partnership that’s truly moving the industry forward.”

Using dynamic rules, the joint solution allows lenders to automate VOI/VOE workflows. If one provider cannot fulfill a verification, the system automatically advances to the next, returning a complete report and populating verified data directly into the loan file. This eliminates the need for borrowers to submit W-2s, pay stubs or employer letters manually and ensures clean data is available for underwriting.

By combining Cloudvirga’s front-end efficiency with Informative Research’s flexible verification engine, the partnership helps lenders reduce costs by up to 80%, cut processing timelines by 5–7 days and significantly improve borrower satisfaction. It’s a model for how integrations can transform key moments in the lending process—and help lenders build stronger, more scalable operations.

Learn more about the PROGRESS in Lending Connections Award at https://mymortgagemindset.com/the-2025-connections-award-winners-are/.

‍About Cloudvirga

Cloudvirga is a leading provider of digital mortgage point-of-sale platforms, designed from the perspective of increasing consumer engagement. With a focus on streamlining the loan origination process, Cloudvirga solutions enhance efficiency and accuracy in the mortgage industry. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation has positioned it as a trusted partner for mortgage lenders and brokers across the nation. Cloudvirga is a subsidiary of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), a customer-focused, global title insurance and real estate services company. For more information, visit https://www.cloudvirga.com/.

Tags: @Cloudvirga @engageprogress #mortgageinnovation #digitalmortgage #mortgagetechnology #Tropos

NEWS SOURCE: Cloudvirga Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Cloudvirga 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/cloudvirga-honored-with-progress-in-lendings-2025-connections-award/

Optimal Blue Launches New Lead Generation Tool for Originators

Capture for Originators helps lenders approach borrowers at the right time with 'makes sense' refinance scenarios

PLANO, Texas, June 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced a new product that helps originators efficiently track and identify refinance opportunities so they can reengage borrowers with eligible refinance options at the right time. Available to Optimal Blue PPE users, Capture for Originators dramatically reduces the manual effort loan officers currently spend evaluating refinance potential by automatically analyzing entire portfolios each month and putting recapture opportunities directly into originators’ hands.

Image caption: Optimal Blue.

“Instead of expecting originators to review all of their past clients to find refinance opportunities, we have given them a solution that automatically identifies an opportunity, provides pricing options and generates a presentation to the borrower,” said Mike Vough, head of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. “Capture gives originators an efficient, data-driven way to identify borrower savings and turn that opportunity into reality.”

Capture for Originators goes far beyond basic rate alerts. It provides a user-friendly dashboard that surfaces closed loans with refinance potential, complete with break-even calculations for multiple scenarios, closing cost estimates and borrower savings analysis. By automatically factoring in lender fees and current pricing from the Optimal Blue PPE, Capture helps loan officers act quickly and accurately without spreadsheets or manual data pulls.

Once an opportunity is identified, Capture for Originators generates pre-filled borrower outreach emails that include an easy-to-read summary of available refinance options backed by the industry-leading accuracy of the Optimal Blue PPE along with a link to the lender’s point-of-sale experience or borrower intake form. The tool also streamlines an originator’s ability to evaluate new refinance prospects. Loan officers can input referral details directly within the Capture for Originators interface, as well as send an intake form directly to new prospects, making it easy to start the conversation with referred borrowers and instantly analyze their existing loan. An activity log tracks all borrower outreach history.

Developed in partnership with Uplist, a leading SaaS platform for the real estate industry, Capture for Originators includes all the data sources loan officers need to assess refinance potential. That includes automated valuation models (AVMs), county records and live pricing elements, including branch and originator margins and concessions – all integrated out of the box. With this data in place, lenders can deliver personalized refinance offers without the complexity and cost of managing external integrations or market-tracking tools.

“Our approach at Uplist is all about giving originators more efficiency and accuracy, and we are thrilled to partner with Optimal Blue to make these benefits accessible to more originators,” said Jeff Bell, president of Uplist. “Rather than spending up to 30 minutes manually evaluating each loan and creating presentations, originators can now rely on Capture for Originators to identify refinance opportunities they might otherwise miss – and deliver them to clients with minimal effort.”

To begin taking advantage of Capture for Originators, Optimal Blue PPE users should contact their Client Services representative or Sales@OptimalBlue.com.

About Optimal Blue:

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/14-0625-s2p-optimal-blue-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-launches-new-lead-generation-tool-for-originators/

ACES Quality Management Champions Commitment to Lending Excellence at ACES ENGAGE 2025

Annual event spotlights industry leadership, launches 'I Stand for Quality' movement and previews next-gen system enhancements

DENVER, Colo., June 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, announced official launch of its “I Stand for Quality” movement during its annual ACES ENGAGE conference, held May 18–20, 2025 at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.

Image caption: ACES Quality Management.

Bringing together mortgage quality control (QC), risk management and compliance professionals from across the country, ACES ENGAGE 2025 showcased the company’s ongoing leadership in driving operational excellence and regulatory integrity across the financial services industry. The introduction of the “I Stand for Quality” movement served as the event’s centerpiece, mobilizing attendees around a shared commitment to quality-driven lending and servicing practices.

“This movement isn’t just a message. It’s a mission,” said ACES CEO Trevor Gauthier. “By launching ‘I Stand for Quality,’ we’re calling on individuals and institutions to elevate their standards, own their role in delivering excellence and contribute to a culture where quality is embedded in everything we do.”

Throughout the three-day event, attendees participated in expert-led sessions on pressing industry topics such as QC modernization, audit best practices, evolving compliance standards and borrower experience optimization. Peer networking opportunities and hands-on product workshops offered real-time insights into maximizing the impact of the ACES Flexible Audit Technology®.

In addition to the campaign launch, ACES provided attendees with a preview of upcoming enhancements to its platform, highlighting transformative technologies designed to improve how organizations interpret and act on quality-related data. Among these was an exclusive first look at an embedded suite of advanced tools that promise to further strengthen the proactive, data-informed approach ACES champions.

“ACES ENGAGE has always been about more than product. It’s about partnership,” added Gauthier. “This year’s event proved that our community is ready to lead the charge when it comes to raising the bar for quality. With the launch of this movement, we’ve taken a bold step forward together.”

To learn more about the “I Stand for Quality” movement, visit https://www.acesquality.com/istandforquality or follow the I Stand for Quality page on LinkedIn.

About ACES Quality Management:

ACES Quality Management 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:

Over 70% of the top 20 independent mortgage lenders;
7 of the top 10 loan servicers;
11 of the top 30 banks; and
3 of the top 5 credit unions in the United States.

NEWS SOURCE: ACES Quality Management

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/aces-quality-management-champions-commitment-to-lending-excellence-at-aces-engage-2025/

Dark Matter Technologies announces comprehensive eClosing integration for its NOVA LOS platform

Powered by Wolters Kluwer, eClose solution streamlines mortgage closings, supports cost savings and facilitates the compliant transfer and sale of digital loans

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, announced today that the NOVA loan origination system (LOS) platform now features a comprehensive integration to the eClosing capabilities powered by the Wolters Kluwer eOriginal ® ClosingCenter. Designed to improve the mortgage closing process, eClose will help lenders reduce time-to-close, realize cost savings and provide a better borrower experience while also enabling secondary market activities.

Image caption: Dark Matter Technologies.

The eClose functionality enables users to seamlessly execute the full spectrum of eClosing options: hybrid eClosings, In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) closings and digital “Remote Online Notarization” (RON) closings. This allows lenders to evolve their eClosing strategy over time and provide borrowers with flexible closing options.

The eOriginal® ClosingCenter solution allows NOVA clients to securely eSign and create eNotes, then deposit loan documents into the eOriginal eAsset® Management system for secondary market activities. This allows for compliant transfer and sale of digital lending assets. eSigned documents in the eVault are legally compliant and maintain the highest level of legal enforceability throughout a digital loan’s lifecycle. This solution simplifies digital lending, reducing paperwork, ensuring compliance and speeding up loan cycles.

“With this capability, lenders can deliver an entirely new level of convenience and efficiency,” said Sean Dugan, the chief executive officer of Dark Matter Technologies. “This saves time and money for lenders while allowing them to engage in secondary market activities and gives homebuyers the convenience of faster closings at the time and place of their choosing.”

Dark Matter Technologies added the NOVA LOS to its product line-up in 2024 as part of a dual-product strategy alongside the Empower® LOS to provide innovative solutions and consultative services for credit unions, IMBs and small to midsize banks. The NOVA LOS provides a reliable, cost-effective solution with minimal administrative and supports retail, wholesale and correspondent lending as well as a wide range of mortgage products.

“By integrating flexible, modern eClosing options to NOVA LOS, Dark Matter is putting lenders on a fast track to a fully digital future,” said Shreya Shankar, the vice president of partnerships at Wolters Kluwer Financial & Corporate Compliance. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Dark Matter to help NOVA LOS users enhance borrower satisfaction, increase revenue, streamline operational efficiency and unlock the potential of the secondary market through seamless eClosings.”

About Dark Matter Technologies:

X: @dmattertech @NOVALOS @Wolters_Kluwer #fintech #mortgage

Logo link for media: https://dmatter.com/wp-content/uploads/dark-matter-tech-logo.svg

NEWS SOURCE: Dark Matter Technologies

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dark-matter-technologies-announces-comprehensive-eclosing-integration-for-its-nova-los-platform/

HousingWire selects Depth EVP Lindsey Neal as 2025 Marketing Leader

ATLANTA, Ga., June 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies serving the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech) and regulatory technology (regtech) industries, today announced that Executive Vice President Lindsey Neal has been named a recipient of HousingWire’s 2025 Marketing Leaders Award.

Photo caption: Lindsey Neal, Depth executive vice president.

HousingWire today honored 55 of the most dynamic and influential marketing professionals in the housing industry, describing how “These standout leaders are reshaping the way mortgage and real estate companies connect with their audiences, tell their stories, and drive growth.”

A trusted advisor to mortgage lenders, fintechs and mortgage/financial service providers since 2006, Lindsey joined Depth as an original DepthSquad member in 2010. During the ensuing 15 years, she has been responsible both for developing full-service marketing and PR strategies, ensuring their effective execution and cultivating productive relationships for Depth clients, and for leadership related to agency growth initiatives. She is a 2006 graduate of Berry College in Rome, Georgia, and earned her M.B.A. from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia in 2011.

“Lindsey Neal is a well-known force in our industry,” said Depth founder and president, Kerri Milam. “Dozens of successful firms and respected individuals can and do attest to the role her guidance and marketing leadership has played in their market position. That includes our firm Depth and me.”

According to the HousingWire announcement, “’The 2025 Marketing Leaders are charting new territory and redefining what’s possible in mortgage and real estate marketing,” said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. Their bold strategies, inventive campaigns, and data-informed decisions are accelerating business performance and reshaping industry standards. We’re incredibly proud to recognize these trailblazing leaders who showcase the true impact and potential of modern marketing.

‘HousingWire’s Marketing Leaders represent the top talent in marketing — professionals who are building brands and influencing business outcomes,’ said HW Media CEO Clayton Collins. ‘These marketers are driving mortgage origination volume, connecting with homebuyers at critical moments, and supporting real estate brokerages to engage buyers and sellers. By combining data, technology, and creative strategy, they’re transforming how the industry communicates, competes and grows.’”

About Depth:

Depth is a leading independent provider of consultative B2B 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, mortgage servicers, real estate professionals and appraisers. Depth is committed to serving the cause of digital innovation and to practicing the pay-it-forward principle alongside The Golden Rule. A woman-owned business, Depth is a member and supporter of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Housing Finance Strategies and The Mortgage Collaborative.

Learn more: https://depthpr.com/

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is an information services company that provides unique data and research, respected business journalism and must-attend events for housing leaders to use to advance their understanding and business outcomes. Our vision is a world in which housing leaders have a complete view of the housing market, and a broad community of peers with whom they can connect. We are committed to delivering the data, analytics, media, and events that advance this vision.

Because housing is too important for narrow perspectives and missed connections. Informed housing leaders are better housing leaders. A connected housing industry is a better housing industry. And the full picture always reveals new opportunities.

Explore more at https://www.housingwire.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/23-1012-s2p-lindsey-neal-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Lindsey Neal, Depth executive vice president.

NEWS SOURCE: Depth

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Depth), 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/housingwire-selects-depth-evp-lindsey-neal-as-2025-marketing-leader/

Courtney Dodd of Floify named to HousingWire’s 2025 Marketing Leaders list for a second year in a row

HousingWire's Marketing Leaders award celebrates the most innovative and influential marketing executives in the housing finance industry

BOULDER, Colo., June 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that Courtney Dodd, head of marketing, has been named to HousingWire’s prestigious Marketing Leaders list for 2025. She was also a 2024 Marketing Leaders recipient. The Marketing Leaders award honors the outstanding accomplishments of mortgage and real estate marketing executives who are the visionaries behind the strategies, campaigns and branding efforts that push the industry forward.

Image caption: Courtney Dodd of Floify.

Dodd joined Floify in 2023 with 12 years of experience in the mortgage and fintech industries and quickly set to work executing a comprehensive full-funnel marketing strategy that rebranded Floify — a highly intuitive POS platform — and solidified its standing as a fintech leader. Courtney has played a key role in the successful launches of Floify Broker Edition and Floify Lender Edition, and in 2025 spearheaded the release of Dynamic Apps, a no-code feature that empowers users to customize borrower applications for new products.

Many of the fast-track achievements Dodd is implementing at Floify draw from her prior 12 years of experience leading large-scale fintech marketing initiatives. The industry veteran was formerly the director of integrated marketing at SimpleNexus (now an nCino company), where she oversaw all of SimpleNexus’s events and conferences, association relationships, demand gen marketing, digital marketing and account-based marketing.

Prior to SimpleNexus, Dodd was product marketing manager at Ellie Mae (now ICE Mortgage Technology), where she led strategic product marketing initiatives including branding, positioning, client communications and go-to-market planning. She also served as marketing manager at Calyx Software and was the regional marketing consultancy team lead at PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company.

“Courtney’s extensive expertise in mortgage marketing has helped us adeptly respond to the industry’s fluctuations, ensuring we remain responsive and relevant for our customers,” said Sofia Rossato, Floify’s president and general manager. “We are extremely proud of Courtney’s achievements, especially in earning this recognition two years running.”

For a complete list of HousingWire 2025 Marketing Leaders winners, please visit the HousingWire website.

About Floify

Twitter: @Floify #mortgage #fintech #housingfinance

NEWS SOURCE: Floify

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/courtney-dodd-of-floify-named-to-housingwires-2025-marketing-leaders-list-for-a-second-year-in-a-row/

Click n’ Close Appoints Mortgage Wholesale Veteran Tony Catanese as Regional Sales Manager to Lead East Coast Expansion

ADDISON, Texas, May 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender and innovator in third-party origination (TPO), announced Thursday that Tony Catanese has joined the company as regional sales manager. In this role, Catanese will lead the company’s wholesale and non-delegated expansion across the East Coast, focusing on building and developing a high-performing sales team.

Image caption: Click n’ Close Appoints Tony Catanese as Regional Sales Manager.

“Tony is a consummate professional whose leadership and depth of experience will be pivotal as we accelerate our expansion efforts across the East Coast,” said Adam W. Rieke, executive director of TPO lending at Click n’ Close. “His proven ability to cultivate strong sales teams and execute strategy aligns perfectly with Click n’ Close’s growth vision and commitment to delivering high-level support to our broker and non-delegated partners.”

Catanese has more than 34 years of experience in wholesale mortgage lending and a long history of managing top-performing sales organizations. Most recently, he served as vice president and eastern regional sales manager for several nationally recognized mortgage lenders, including Kind Lending and Sierra Pacific Mortgage Co.

“I am looking forward to helping Click n’ Close grow its wholesale and non-delegated footprint and market share,” Catanese said. “It’s a privilege to join an organization that combines leadership with the agility to deliver real value to partners and borrowers.”

Catanese’s appointment reflects Click n’ Close’s broader strategic focus on enhancing its presence in key regional markets and providing access to innovative lending programs for third-party originators. As the industry evolves, the company remains dedicated to offering liquidity, agility and strong service across all channels.

About Click n’ Close:

Click n’ Close Inc., formerly known as Mid America Mortgage, is a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels. It is the nation’s leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. In operation since 1940, Click n’ Close has established a legacy of innovation and financial strength. The company pioneered the adoption of eClosings and eNotes and has introduced a range of market-responsive loan products, including USDA one-time close construction loans, a proprietary down payment assistance (DPA) program and a reverse mortgage division. By servicing its loan programs in-house and maintaining direct access to capital markets through relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and private investors, Click n’ Close ensures dependable execution and long-term value for its partners. Learn more at clicknclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Click n' Close Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Click n' Close 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/click-n-close-appoints-mortgage-wholesale-veteran-tony-catanese-as-regional-sales-manager-to-lead-east-coast-expansion/

Friday Harbor unveils AI-powered condition engine to deliver faster, cleaner, audit-ready mortgage files

New functionality generates plain-language, color-coded conditions with full audit trail, enabling originators to resolve issues in real time and cut days off the loan process

SEATTLE, Wash., May 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced the launch of a retooled condition engine that automatically generates actionable underwriting conditions based on borrower source documents and loan guidelines.

Image caption: Friday Harbor.

Unlike traditional “stare and compare” tools that flag generic issues, Friday Harbor’s condition engine reads the full context of the loan file—including borrower documents, AUS findings and lender overlays—and outputs conditions that are immediately usable by loan officers, processors and borrowers. Each condition is written in plain English, color-coded by urgency and supported by documentation that gives underwriters a ready-made audit trail.

“In most mortgage workflows today, identifying conditions is a game of hot potato between departments. Friday Harbor solves that by delivering conditions in real time that are actionable at the beginning of the borrower journey, not just in the underwriting queue,” said Theo Ellis, co-founder and CEO of Friday Harbor. “We’re empowering originators to spot and solve issues earlier, which leads to cleaner files, faster closings and dramatically lower costs to originate.”

The new engine doesn’t just catch obvious clerical gaps. It’s also trained to spot nuanced issues such as:

Red flags for occupancy and other types of fraud
Unexplained large deposits
Missing documentation
Undisclosed liabilities

For each flagged issue, Friday Harbor provides a proposed resolution path and direct links to applicable guidelines. For junior loan officers, the engine pairs with the platform’s AI-powered Scenario Desk to explain next steps or script borrower communications. For underwriters, it offers full traceability, with source documents and reasoning behind every condition.

Friday Harbor’s AI underwriter is already used by some of the nation’s most forward-thinking lenders, including Partners Bank, NewFed Mortgage, Developer’s Mortgage Company and Paramount Residential Mortgage Group. The company is backed by the AI2 Incubator, a technical incubator born from the Allen Institute for AI in Seattle, and was recently funded by leading Silicon Valley venture firms including Abstract Ventures, Mischief and Wischoff Ventures.

To learn more about how Friday Harbor is helping level the playing field for the more than 4,500 mortgage lenders competing with the tech arms of Rocket and UWM, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.

About Friday Harbor:

Friday Harbor is an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time. The company combines deep fintech expertise with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to remove complexity, slash origination costs and deliver a better borrower experience. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.

Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech

NEWS SOURCE: Friday Harbor

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Friday Harbor), 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/friday-harbor-unveils-ai-powered-condition-engine-to-deliver-faster-cleaner-audit-ready-mortgage-files/

The Big Picture’s June conversations go deep on homeownership access, growth and market risk

CLEVELAND, Ohio, May 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, has unveiled its June guest lineup featuring four standout leaders whose insights are redefining housing access, real estate strategy and economic understanding. Co-hosted by mortgage business consultant and executive coach Rich Swerbinsky and capital markets authority Rob Chrisman, author of the widely read Chrisman Commentary newsletter, the webcast delivers timely, thought-provoking conversations with mortgage professionals, innovators and thought leaders.

Image caption: The Big Picture’s June conversations go deep on homeownership access, growth and market risk.

June’s lineup continues the show’s tradition of spotlighting industry changemakers at the forefront of lending, homeownership and financial intelligence:

Thursday, June 5:
Rob Chrane, founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource, will explore how cutting-edge tools are bridging the gap between homebuyers and down payment assistance programs. With more than three decades in housing finance and a career-long passion for expanding homeownership opportunities, Chrane will share how strategic partnerships and smarter technology can make the American Dream more attainable.
Thursday, June 12:
Dustin Owen, mortgage executive and creator of The Loan Officer Podcast, will discuss the keys to his coaching success, from funding $70 million monthly in production to building a coaching platform with over one million annual downloads. Owen will also reflect on his journey from rookie loan officer to Certified Mortgage Banker, sharing practical advice for sales professionals and originators ready to scale their impact.
Thursday, June 19:
James Dwiggins, co-founder and CEO of NextHome, will highlight his “Humans Over Houses” philosophy and how he grew NextHome into a 600-office real estate franchise. He’ll also discuss the launch of Rayse, a platform that elevates agent contributions, and share insights on agent compensation, culture-building and what’s next in real estate brokerage.
Thursday, June 26:
Meredith Whitney, CEO of MWW Advisory and the analyst famously known as “The Oracle of Wall Street,” will deliver sharp commentary on today’s economic forces. Known for her 2007 financial crisis prediction, Whitney will examine the intersections of consumer behavior, fiscal policy and market risk, breaking down what it all means for lenders, investors and borrowers navigating today’s climate.

Mortgage professionals and industry media can register for the webcast and view past episodes at https://www.chrismancommentary.com/the-big-picture.

About The Big Picture:

Tags: @dwnpmtresource @NextHomeRes #homeownershipaccess #mortgageleadership #realestatestrategy #economicinsight

NEWS SOURCE: The Big Picture Mortgage Webcast

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-big-pictures-june-conversations-go-deep-on-homeownership-access-growth-and-market-risk/

SESLOC Credit Union Partners with Dovenmuehle to Enhance Mortgage Servicing for Members

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., May 27, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, today announced a partnership with SESLOC Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving central and coastal California communities. Under the agreement, DMI will subservice SESLOC’s mortgage loan portfolio, supporting the credit union’s expansion into government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) lending and servicing, allowing it to scale mortgage operations efficiently while preserving superior member service.

Image caption: Dovenmuehle Mortgage.

SESLOC has traditionally operated as a portfolio lender and servicer, retaining all its loans. As its GSE loan portfolio grew and regulatory demands tightened, the credit union sought a partner that could meet compliance requirements and elevate the member experience. After an extensive search, SESLOC chose DMI for its best-in-class technology, robust reporting capabilities, and member-focused service. SESLOC members now have convenient access to detailed mortgage information, streamlined online account management, and tools that enrich their experience.

“Partnering with a subservicer was the most efficient way for us to become a GSE seller/servicer while continuing to prioritize the member experience,” said Barbara Hugie, Vice President of Mortgage Operations at SESLOC Credit Union. “Dovenmuehle’s agility and deep expertise made the technical transition seamless and helped our members navigate a new servicing environment from day one.”

“By leveraging our integrated servicing platform, SESLOC can deliver a seamless digital experience to its members while meeting the rigorous oversight standards of the GSEs,” said Matt Budy, Senior Vice President at Dovenmuehle Mortgage. “Our team acts as an extension of the credit union, managing the operational heavy lifting so SESLOC can stay focused on building relationships and supporting its community.”

About SESLOC Credit Union

Founded in 1942, SESLOC is a not-for-profit financial institution providing personal and business banking, commercial lending and investment services in central and coastal California. With assets of $1.14 billion, their 180 employees serve 55,000 members at six full-service branch locations and via upgraded digital and remote banking platforms. Committed to improving the financial well-being of its members and community, SESLOC offers affordable and inclusive products, services and education programs to help build financial stability. They accept ITINs. For more information, please visit www.sesloc.org.

About Dovenmuehle

Founded in 1844, Dovenmuehle (Lake Zurich, Ill.) is a mortgage subservicer for commercial banks, credit unions, independent mortgage lenders, MSR investors and state housing finance agencies nationwide. The company subservices portfolio loans, as well as loans sold to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and the Federal Home Loan Bank with servicing retained. Using a combination of best-in-class and proprietary technology, Dovenmuehle helps lenders reduce servicing costs and deliver consistently high levels of service to homeowners while maintaining compliance with investor and regulatory requirements. Learn more at https://dovenmuehle.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: Dovenmuehle

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Dovenmuehle), 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/sesloc-credit-union-partners-with-dovenmuehle-to-enhance-mortgage-servicing-for-members/

Argyle launches new integration, bringing real-time income and employment verification to Byte LOS customers

New integration accelerates loan processing, enhances loan quality and embeds verification in the loan origination workflow

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., May 20, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a platform providing automated income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced a new integration with Byte Software’s loan origination system (LOS). The integration enables lenders to access Argyle’s real-time verification of income and employment (VOIE) services directly within the Byte platform, ensuring verification happens when and where it’s needed to improve loan quality and keep loans moving forward.

Image caption: Argyle launches new integration, bringing real-time income and employment verification to Byte LOS customers.

Accelerated loan processing: Argyle retrieves income and employment data, including supporting documents such as pay stubs and W-2s, directly from payroll providers and employers, automatically importing VOIE data into the loan file and reducing cycle times by 5–7 days per loan.
Improved loan quality: As an approved service provider for Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor® (LPA℠) asset and income modeler and an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® (DU®) validation service, Argyle gives Byte customers access to immediate GSE assessment of eligibility for representation and warranty relief.
Cost savings: Lenders using Argyle’s integration with Byte can realize up to 80% in verification cost savings over legacy providers, including the ability to re-verify income and employment at no additional cost.
Better borrower experience: Argyle improves borrower satisfaction by eliminating the need for manual document collection, removing friction from the user experience.

Argyle verifies income and employment through secure connections with the borrower’s employer or payroll provider. With real-time access to payroll data, Byte users can generate verification reports that reflect the most current income and employment data available throughout the loan process.

“Our integration with Byte gives lenders access to GSE-approved, consumer-permissioned income and employment data and documents at a significantly lower price point than legacy solutions,” said John Hardesty, vice president of Argyle’s mortgage division. “Income and employment verifications in the Byte loan origination system gives lenders an edge in a competitive market, ensuring loans move forward efficiently with accurate, up-to-date income and employment data.”

Mark Todd, Byte’s EVP of sales and client services, shared similar sentiments: “We are thrilled to partner with Argyle to bring real-time income and employment verification to our platform. This integration aligns with our commitment to providing our clients with innovative technology solutions that enhance the borrower experience and streamline the loan origination process.”

For more information about Argyle’s LOS integrations, visit https://argyle.com/use-cases/loan-origination-systems.

About Argyle:

Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source, consumer-permissioned income and employment verifications, making it fast and easy to gain secure and reliable access to the most complete real-time datasets stored in consumers’ payroll accounts. With Argyle, lenders automate verification workflows to save time, reduce fraud and compliance risks, lower costs, and build better product experiences. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® validation service and an approved service provider supporting Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor® asset and income modeler (AIM), Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers’ ability to pay and improve loan quality – all at 80% less cost. Argyle’s commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr and Rockefeller Asset Management. For more information on Argyle’s industry-leading VOIE platform, visit https://argyle.com/

Tags: @withArgyle #mortgage #lending

NEWS SOURCE: Argyle

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/argyle-launches-new-integration-bringing-real-time-income-and-employment-verification-to-byte-los-customers/

Cloudvirga enhances lending efficiency with Encompass Docs Solution integration

New integration enhances lender efficiency by seamlessly connecting Cloudvirga's POS with Encompass Docs Solution, supporting compliance and a unified borrower experience

IRVINE, Calif., May 20, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Cloudvirga, a Stewart-owned provider of digital point-of-sale platforms for lenders, today announced a new integration using the latest API framework for mortgage technology from Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure. Available via the Marketplace in the ICE digital lending platform, the integration expands the document provider options available to Cloudvirga customers and enhances lender efficiency and compliance by streamlining the generation, delivery and management of initial and revised disclosures.

Image caption: Cloudvirga enhances lending efficiency with Encompass Docs Solution integration.

“Cloudvirga’s integration with the Encompass Docs Solution streamlines the document generation and signing process, helping lenders reduce operational friction and improve borrower experiences,” said Maria Moskver, CEO of Cloudvirga. “By leveraging ICE’s latest API framework, this integration helps lenders to maintain compliance and efficiency while eliminating the need to change their document provider.”

The integration allows borrowers who apply for a mortgage through Cloudvirga’s POS platform to seamlessly receive, review and electronically sign their disclosures through the borrower portal. The integration also provides a print-and-upload workflow for disclosures requiring wet signatures due to state regulations or borrower preferences, allowing borrowers to complete the process conveniently. This integration lays the groundwork for future enhancements, including closing disclosure support and further automation of the loan origination workflow.

The Encompass® Docs Solution helps lenders automate the creation of compliant, accurate loan documents within ICE’s digital lending platform. Cloudvirga’s Encompass Docs Solution integration leverages ICE Mortgage Technology’s API-based framework rather than the legacy SDK layer, aligning with ICE’s long-term strategy to modernize and streamline third-party integrations. This new, modern framework enables industry participants to integrate with ICE solutions and provide services to loan originators and servicers through secure API-enabled technology.

For more information, visit Cloudvirga on the ICE Marketplace.

About Cloudvirga

Cloudvirga is a leading provider of digital point-of-sale platforms designed to engage borrowers and increase lending efficiency. Its modular solutions help lenders streamline the loan process, improve accuracy and scale operations without sacrificing the human touch. Cloudvirga is a subsidiary of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), a customer-focused, global title insurance and real estate services company. For more information, visit https://www.cloudvirga.com/.

Tags: @Cloudvirga @ICEMortgageTech #lendingtechnology #mortgageautomation

NEWS SOURCE: Cloudvirga Inc.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/cloudvirga-enhances-lending-efficiency-with-encompass-docs-solution-integration/

Optimal Blue Releases Executive-Level AI Insights Tool, Ask Obi, to Clients

The no-cost, AI-powered assistant is built for executive decision-makers seeking fast answers to complex business profitability questions

PLANO, Texas, May 19, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced that Ask Obi, an AI-powered assistant designed to help mortgage lending executives extract real-time insights from across Optimal Blue’s capital markets platform, is now generally available to all PPE clients. Introduced at the company’s inaugural user conference in February and refined through beta testing with select clients, Ask Obi provides executives with fast answers to complex profitability questions at no additional cost.

Image caption: Optimal Blue logo.

Ask Obi is built for executive decision-makers who need reliable, data-driven answers to complex business questions. By aggregating data across Optimal Blue’s solutions, it enables users to ask conversational questions – such as ‘where did margins shift the most last quarter?’ or ‘which branches issued the highest concessions last month?’ – and receive clear, visual responses that support confident, strategic decisions. An interface sidebar retains previous queries, making it easy to revisit past prompts or rerun commonly used questions with a single click.

“Ask Obi fills a critical need for lending leaders: making capital markets performance data not just accessible, but actionable,” said Erin Wester, chief product officer at Optimal Blue. “What makes Ask Obi stand apart is its ability to synthesize information across systems. Most AI tools in our space are focused narrowly on origination workflows, but Ask Obi helps executive teams view their operations holistically and at a level that’s often difficult to achieve without a dedicated analyst.”

Although available as a standalone product, Ask Obi is powered by and seamlessly connected to other Optimal Blue offerings. The more products a client uses, the deeper and more contextual Ask Obi’s insights become. As part of a broader rollout of AI-powered capabilities, Ask Obi complements tools like Optimal Blue’s recently launched Originator Assistant, which helps front-line originators compare and present optimal loan scenarios.

Ask Obi’s general availability comes just ahead of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Secondary and Capital Markets Conference and marks another milestone in a series of planned enhancements for Optimal Blue clients this year.

About Optimal Blue

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/14-0625-s2p-optimal-blue-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-releases-executive-level-ai-insights-tool-ask-obi-to-clients/

Informative Research Integrates AccountChek® with Halcyon to Automate Income Validation

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., May 15, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research, a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community, today announced a strategic integration with Halcyon, a fintech innovator revolutionizing income verification through real-time access to IRS tax transcript data. This integration delivers verification of employment and income (VOE/I) reports—including payroll and paystub data—directly into Halcyon’s income calculator, enabling faster, more automated income assessments.

Image caption: Informative Research.

The data is obtained through Informative Research’s AccountChek® consumer-permissioned connectivity to major payroll providers. By directing this information into Halcyon’s income calculator, the integration facilitates real-time, automated income validation that complies with investor guidelines and rep and warrant relief strategies.

“This is a solution designed for scalability,” said Kirk Donaldson, CEO of Halcyon. “Whether validating pay stubs, W-2s or tax transcripts, lenders receive verified data and completed income calculations. It’s faster, more cost-effective and automated.”

The integration supports modern mortgage operations without compromising compliance or control by emphasizing automation, auditability and borrower transparency. Lenders gain access to secure, permissioned income data while enhancing efficiency and delivering a smoother borrower experience.

“This is an exciting advancement of our partnership, bringing together IR’s payroll-direct income and employment verifications with Halcyon’s rich tax data and proprietary income calculation capability,” said Steve Schulz, executive vice president at Informative Research. “Together, we’re equipping lenders with a streamlined way to analyze and validate income in a fast, compliant and cost-effective way, and this is just the beginning—we’re already working on additional innovations with Halcyon that will bring even more value to our clients.”

About Informative Research

Informative Research, a Stewart company, is a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community. The solutions provider currently serves mortgage companies, banks, and lenders throughout the United States. The company is recognized for streamlining the loan process with its straightforward service model, progressive solutions, and cutting-edge technology. To learn more, visit https://www.informativeresearch.com/.

About Halcyon

Halcyon assists in deepening lenders’ overall relationship with their borrowers to offer products and services specific to everyone, creating additional revenue streams beyond the initial loan closing. They have multiple products that ensure you will know more about your borrower every step of the way – IRS income & tax transcripts, digitally prepared tax returns, and a Registered Investment Advisory platform to offer full financial services to your borrowers. Visit https://www.halcyonsw.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: Informative Research

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Informative Research), 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/informative-research-integrates-accountchek-with-halcyon-to-automate-income-validation/

ACES Q4/CY 2024 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report finds quarterly defect rate falls to 1.16% as annual loan quality improves

Q4 2024 marks second-lowest defect rate on record while full-year results reflect a 9.5% year-over-year improvement despite lingering compliance and eligibility risks

DENVER, Colo., May 15, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — 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 Industry Trends Report covering the fourth quarter (Q4) and calendar year (CY) of 2024. The latest report analyzes post-closing quality control data derived from ACES Quality Management & Control® software.

Image caption: Figure 2 from the Q4/CY 2024 ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends report displays the percentage of loans with critical defects by quarter for each quarter in CY 2023 and CY 2024.

Key findings from the Q4/CY 2024 report include:

The overall Q4 2024 critical defect rate was 1.16%, reflecting a 23.18% decrease from Q3 2024.
CY 2024’s average critical defect rate was 1.52%, down 9.52% from CY 2023.
Of the four major underwriting categories, Assets, Income/Employment and Credit improved in Q4 2024, while Legal/Regulatory/Compliance and Product Eligibility saw increases. On a year-over-year basis, only Income/Employment and Assets saw declines.
In Q4 2024, Legal/Regulatory/Compliance emerged as the leading defect category, followed by a tie between Assets and Income/Employment.
For CY 2024, Income/Employment and Assets were again the most cited defect categories, followed by Credit and Legal/Regulatory/Compliance.
Sub-category analysis for Q4 2024 showed declines in Documentation and Calculation/Analysis defects within the Income/Employment category. Meanwhile, Eligibility-related defects increased in the Income/Employment, Assets, and Credit categories, and Documentation-related defects also rose in the Assets category.
Refinance review share increased in Q4 2024, while purchase review share declined. Refinance defect share increased modestly, while purchase defect share fell.
For CY 2024, FHA review share increased, with defect share decreasing from Q3 to Q4. Conventional review share remained steady, while USDA and VA volume remained low overall.
In Q4, FHA defect share improved, while conventional defect share increased modestly. VA defect share was largely unchanged.
For CY 2024, defect share declined for FHA and USDA loans, increased slightly for conventional loans, and remained flat for VA.

“Lenders made meaningful progress in loan quality in 2024, closing the year with one of the lowest quarterly critical defect rates we’ve ever observed,” said ACES Executive Vice President Nick Volpe. “However, continued volatility across the Legal / Regulatory / Compliance and Insurance categories, as well as within the Income/Employment Eligibility subcategory, highlights the importance of ongoing diligence in quality control efforts.”

Findings for the Q4/CY 2024 ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends are based on post-closing quality control data derived from the ACES Quality Management and Control® benchmarking system and incorporate 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.

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

About ACES Quality Management

Over 70% of the top 20 independent mortgage lenders;

7 of the top 10 loan servicers;
11 of the top 30 banks; and
3 of the top 5 credit unions in the United States.

NEWS SOURCE: ACES Quality Management

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/aces-q4-cy-2024-mortgage-qc-industry-trends-report-finds-quarterly-defect-rate-falls-to-1-16-as-annual-loan-quality-improves/

ACES Quality Management Named One of 2025 Best Places to Work in Financial Technology for Third Consecutive Year

DENVER, Colo., May 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced that it has been named one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Financial Technology. The annual awards program recognizes the leading companies in the financial technology sector that foster exceptional workplace experiences and support employee engagement satisfaction.

Image caption: ACES Quality Management.

The program, sponsored by Arizent and conducted in collaboration with Best Companies Group, recognizes organizations that excel in employee engagement, benefits, and workplace culture. This year’s list features 29 companies from the banking, mortgage, insurance, payments and financial advisory sectors.

“Being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Fintech for the third consecutive year is a true testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our team,” said ACES CEO Trevor Gauthier. “Their unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit make ACES such an inspiring and fulfilling workplace. We’ve worked hard to foster a culture where individuals feel supported, empowered, and connected to a greater purpose. Our focus on integrating advanced technology into our platform not only drives innovation but also enables our employees to continuously push their limits, fostering deeper engagement and a shared sense of accomplishment. This recognition affirms that we’re heading in the right direction.”

To be considered for participation, companies must provide technology products, services or solutions that enable the delivery of financial services. Companies must also have been in business for at least one full year and employ at least 15 people in the U.S.

Companies from across the United States entered a two-part survey process to determine Arizent’s Best Places to Work in Fintech. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and determined the final ranking.

For more information on Arizent’s Best Places to Work in Financial Technology program, including full eligibility criteria, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkFinTech.com or contact Penny Crosman at penny.crosman@arizent.com.

About ACES Quality Management

Over 70% of the top 20 independent mortgage lenders;
7 of the top 10 loan servicers;
11 of the top 30 banks; and
3 of the top 5 credit unions in the United States.

NEWS SOURCE: ACES Quality Management

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/aces-quality-management-named-one-of-2025-best-places-to-work-in-financial-technology-for-third-consecutive-year/

Argyle debuts integration with Encompass Consumer Connect, upgrades existing integration with Encompass from ICE Mortgage Technology

Integrations work together to pre-populate the URLA while reducing lender costs, accelerating closings and removing borrower friction

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., May 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a service provider automating income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced the debut of its integration with Encompass® Consumer Connect™, a digital mortgage point-of-sale solution from ICE Mortgage Technology®, part of Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE). In addition, Argyle announced the release of significant upgrades to its existing integration with ICE Mortgage Technology’s flagship Encompass® loan origination system. Both integrations are built on the Encompass Partner Connect™ platform, ICE’s latest API framework for third-party mortgage technology service connections.

Image caption: Argyle debuts integration with Encompass Consumer Connect.

NEW: Consumer Connect POS integration

With Consumer Connect, borrowers can complete mortgage applications on any device, accelerating the loan verification and approval process with an engaging and simple digital mortgage experience. By enabling lenders to embed award-winning verification of income and employment (VOIE) in the application when borrowers are most engaged, Argyle’s Consumer Connect integration streamlines the loan process from the very start. Key benefits include:

Higher borrower conversion and faster processing times
Embedding verification helps remove obstacles for lenders and borrowers, leading to higher application completion rates. By capturing income and employment data earlier in the loan process, lenders reduce bottlenecks that typically delay approvals, increasing the likelihood of moving the loan into processing.
Interoperability with Encompass LOS
Borrower income and employment data collected by Argyle in Consumer Connect automatically transfers to Encompass. This enables the origination team to access and refresh additional paystubs, W-2s and 1099s directly in Encompass whenever needed—thus streamlining the loan process from application submitted to funding.
Faster, More Accurate AUS Submission
In addition to W-2s, pay stubs and VOIE reports, Argyle’s raw income data elements automatically populate in the Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) to accelerate GSE rep and warrant (R&W) determination.

IMPROVED: Encompass LOS Integration
In addition to the new Consumer Connect integration, Argyle has rolled out major enhancements to its Encompass integration, including:

Streamlined order flow
A redesigned, single-page experience that clearly outlines the status of borrower accounts. Easily order, track and reverify—all from one convenient view.
Transparent order tracking for reports
Argyle clearly outlines the status of your verification requests, ensuring you have the necessary data to move the loan forward.
Simplified, automated re-verifications
If the verification is outside of your closing window, Argyle will issue a status update with instructions for re-engaging the borrower and will automatically generate and send the closing verification of employment (VOE) to the Encompass eFolder.
Better support for loan teams
Improved email notifications make it easier for team members assigned to the loan file to follow along the status of a verification.

“Embedding Argyle into Consumer Connect and enhancing our Encompass integration brings a new level of automation and borrower ease to customers of ICE Mortgage Technology,” said John Hardesty, Vice President of Mortgage at Argyle. “By placing verification at the start of the borrower journey and optimizing workflows throughout the loan process, lenders can improve efficiency, reduce processing times and deliver a better experience for both borrowers and origination teams.”

For more information, visit Argyle on the ICE Marketplace.

Encompass Partner Connect enables the integration of key third-party products and services with ICE mortgage technology solutions. ICE does not own, control, nor endorse any specific industry participant or the product/service provided. Loan originators and servicers are responsible for vetting, selecting, and contracting with the providers of their choosing.

About Argyle:

Founded in 2018, Argyle is the leading provider of real-time income and employment verifications. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter^® validation service and an approved service provider supporting Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor^® asset and income modeler (AIM), Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers’ ability to pay and improve loan quality—all with 80% lower verification costs. Argyle’s commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr and Rockefeller Asset Management.

For more information on Argyle’s industry-leading platform, please visit https://argyle.com/.

To stay up to date on all Argyle news, sign up for our newsletter here: https://argyle.com/blog/.

Tags: @withArgyle @ICEMortgageTech #mortgage #lending #fintech

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0513-s2p-argyle-ecc-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Argyle

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/argyle-debuts-integration-with-encompass-consumer-connect-upgrades-existing-integration-with-encompass-from-ice-mortgage-technology/

Lock Volume Rises 3.2% in April, Driven by Uptick in FHA Loans, Despite Economic Volatility

Optimal Blue's April 2025 Market Advantage data report shows stronger purchase activity, a shifting loan mix, and signs of investor caution

PLANO, Texas, May 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its April 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report showing total loan lock volume rose 3.2% month-over-month (MoM) as the spring homebuying season progressed, with purchase locks up 7.5% despite ongoing economic pressures.

Image caption: Optimal Blue’s April 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

April kicked off with significant volatility in the bond market as investors responded to tariff announcements. Over the first 10 days of the month, interest rates fluctuated between 6.48% and 6.98%, a 50-basis-point (bps) range. The benchmark OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate briefly fell below 6.5% for the first time since October 2024 before climbing to end the month at 6.7%, about 10 bps above where it started.

“Last month’s report showed early signs of spring homebuyer activity, and April confirms the season is underway with a solid increase in purchase locks,” said Brennan O’Connell, director of data solutions at Optimal Blue. “We also saw a shift toward FHA loans, often used by first-time or credit-challenged buyers, and away from non-conforming products, possibly reflecting investor caution in response to broader economic uncertainty.”

Key findings from the Market Advantage report, derived from direct-source mortgage lock data, include:

Interest rate turbulence: Rates whipsawed at the start of the month amid market reactions to new tariff developments, dropping by one-eighth essentially overnight. The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate – the benchmark for the CME Mortgage Rate futures contract – finished April at roughly 6.7%, up from 6.6% in March. FHA rates rose 17 bps to 6.44%, VA rates rose 9 bps to 6.28%, and jumbo rates climbed 11 bps to 6.84%.
YoY purchase volume down, again: While MoM purchase locks were up 7.5%, they were down 5% YoY. Isolating purchase loan counts reveals a deeper 7% YoY decline, continuing a trend seen each month so far this year.
FHA loans gain ground as other categories slip: FHA share rose to 20.2% in April, gaining 50 bps, while non-agency lending fell 46 bps to 16.4%. The shift suggests reduced investor risk tolerance amid economic uncertainty. Conforming loan share dipped slightly to 51%, and VA share also declined modestly to 11.8%. USDA volume remained steady at 0.6%.
Adjustable-rate mortgages rise: ARMs accounted for 10.34% of total lock volume in April, up from just under 9% in March, as buyers looked for ways to improve affordability.
Refinance activity stalls: After a couple of very strong days early in the month, refinance volume fell off in response to rising interest rates. Rate-and-term refis dropped 15% MoM, and cash-out refis dipped 3%. Refinance share fell from 25% in March to 21% in April.
Loan amounts, home prices edge down: The average loan amount declined to $387.5K from $391.7K, while the average purchase price slipped to $483.5K from $486.9K. Regional differences remain stark; average loan amounts ranged from $601,660 in the New York City metro area to $374,945 in greater Minneapolis.

The full Market Advantage report, which provides more detailed findings and additional insights into U.S. mortgage market trends, can be viewed at (PDF): https://www2.optimalblue.com/OB_MarketAdvantage_MortgageDataReport_Apr2025.pdf

This month’s Market Advantage podcast features Optimal Blue Chief Product Officer Erin Wester, discussing the impact of technological innovations in the mortgage industry. Watch or listen to the episode: https://market-advantage.captivate.fm/episode/episode-8/.

About the Market Advantage Report

Optimal Blue issues the Market Advantage mortgage data report each month to provide early insight into U.S. mortgage trends. Leveraging lender rate lock data from the Optimal Blue PPE – the mortgage industry’s most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine – the Market Advantage provides a view of early-stage origination activity. Unlike self-reported survey data, mortgage lock data is direct-source data that accurately reflects the in-process loans in lenders’ pipelines.

Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

About Optimal Blue

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0513-s2p-opbluapril-300dpi.jpg

Image caption: Optimal Blue’s April 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/lock-volume-rises-3-2-in-april-driven-by-uptick-in-fha-loans-despite-economic-volatility/

Argyle integrates with Tidalwave to deliver embedded, real-time verification of income and employment

New integration gives lenders faster, more efficient VOIE while improving the borrower experience

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., May 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a service provider automating income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced its integration with Tidalwave, an agentic AI mortgage point-of-sale (POS) platform. The integration embeds Argyle’s verification of income and employment (VOIE) solution directly into Tidalwave’s borrower workflow, eliminating manual steps and accelerating loan origination as lenders prepare for a more active housing market.

Image caption: Argyle integrates with Tidalwave.

Through this integration, borrowers can connect their payroll provider and verify income and employment data within Tidalwave’s Form 1003 application process, removing the need for separate emails or external verification steps. Loan officers can view verification status in real time and request VOIE at any stage of the loan lifecycle, whether at application or later in the process based on lender preferences.

KEY INTEGRATION BENEFITS:

Frictionless borrower experience: Borrowers link their payroll accounts in seconds during the application process, reducing drop-off and improving conversion rates.
Customizable lender workflows: Lenders can configure verification timing to prioritize speed or cost-efficiency as needed based on a borrower’s self-identified credit score range.
Real-time data flow to LOS: Verified income and employment data, including GSE Reference IDs, is automatically transferred from Tidalwave to loan origination systems (LOS), supporting faster and more accurate submission to automated underwriting systems (AUS).

“Lenders no longer have to choose between borrower convenience and quality verification data; the integration between Tidalwave and Argyle delivers both,” said John Hardesty, vice president of mortgage at Argyle. “By embedding verification at the point of sale, we help lenders move loans through the process faster while ensuring income and employment data remains accurate and complete.”

“Tidalwave leverages agentic AI to keep borrowers engaged while streamlining workflows for lenders,” said Tidalwave Co-founder and CEO Diane Yu. “By integrating Argyle’s verification solution, we reinforce our dedication to delivering an AI-driven mortgage experience that is smarter, faster and more intuitive.”

“At GNB Mortgage, we’re always looking for ways to streamline our processes and better serve our customers. This integration is a testament to what’s possible when technology providers work together—it gives us timely, reliable data that supports faster, more informed lending decisions,” said Paige Hagerhorst, SVP of operations and technology at GNB Mortgage.

Tidalwave supports a range of loan origination systems, including Encompass® from ICE Mortgage Technology®, MeridianLink and Calyx, ensuring seamless data interoperability. The Argyle integration is available now to mutual customers, including Great Northern Bank, with expanded availability expected in the coming months.

About Argyle:

Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source, consumer-permissioned income and employment verifications, making it fast and easy to gain secure and reliable access to the most complete real-time datasets stored in consumers’ payroll accounts. With Argyle, lenders automate verification workflows to save time, reduce fraud and compliance risks, lower costs, and build better product experiences. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® validation service and an approved service provider supporting Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor® asset and income modeler (AIM), Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers’ ability to pay and improve loan quality—all at 60–80% less cost. Argyle’s commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr and Rockefeller Asset Management. For more information on Argyle’s industry-leading VOIE platform, visit https://argyle.com/.

About TidalWave:

TidalWave is an agentic AI mortgage POS+ startup that streamlines loan origination through automation and generative AI. TidalWave’s platform integrates directly with Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter and Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor systems, enabling real-time underwriting decisions and reducing manual processes for lenders and borrowers.

Tags: @withArgyle @tidalwave_ai #mortgage #lending

NEWS SOURCE: Argyle

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/argyle-integrates-with-tidalwave-to-deliver-embedded-real-time-verification-of-income-and-employment/

LenderLogix Q1 2025 Homebuyer Intelligence Report Shows Early 2025 Mortgage Market Momentum, Stronger Loan Engagement

BUFFALO, N.Y., May 6, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage point-of-sale and automation software for banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks, and brokers, today announced the release of the Homebuyer Intelligence Report, a quarterly summary of insights into borrower behavior during the home-buying process based on data collected by the LenderLogix suite of tools. The latest report covers data collected during the pre-approval and borrower application process in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.

Image caption: Q1 2025 Homebuyer Intelligence Report Infographic.

Pre-Approvals

In Q1 2025, borrowers generated 37.8% more pre-approval letters through LenderLogix’s QuickQual pre-approval platform over Q4 2024. The average number of pre-approved borrowers per loan officer increased from 23 in Q4 2024 to 26.5 in Q1 2025.

The average pre-approval letter loan amount slightly increased from $322,532 in Q4 to $326,714 in Q1. The average sales price also increased from $376,436 to $381,820. The average down payment size shows a marginal increase from 14.3% in Q4 to 14.4%.

Conventional loans remained the most popular loan type for pre-approved borrowers in Q1, though decreased marginally from 74.3% to 74.2% below the prior quarter. FHA pre-approvals decreased marginally from 19.1% to 19%. VA (4.5%) and USDA (1%) maintained their share from Q4 to Q1 2025.

“We’re seeing strong early-season activity from homebuyers, which suggests renewed optimism despite ongoing affordability concerns,” said LenderLogix Co-Founder and CEO Patrick O’Brien. “Borrowers are entering the market with intent, and their use of digital pre-approval tools reflects a growing emphasis on speed and preparation in today’s competitive environment.”

Borrower Conversion

Of the borrowers using QuickQual in Q4 2024, the average number of days between pre-approval and loan submission decreased from 91 to 79.6 days in Q1. The most prolonged duration between pre-approval and application increased by fifty-nine days from 650 in Q4 to 709 in Q1. The conversion rate among borrowers from pre-approval to loan application increased slightly from 54% to 55% in Q1. Borrowers maintained an average of eight pre-approval letters before converting. In total, new applications through the LiteSpeed point-of-sale (POS) platform increased 54% from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025.

“Borrowers are clearly staying engaged throughout the early stages of the homebuying journey,” said O’Brien. “We’re seeing signs of increased urgency and lender responsiveness, both of which point to a more active purchase market and continued adaptation to borrower expectations.”

Post-Application Engagement

In Q1 2025, the number of documents uploaded through LiteSpeed grew 48% quarter-over-quarter. The number of newly created needs lists, including both online applications and those entered by loan officers, rose 37% in Q1.

Successful verification of income and employment (VOIE) through POS improved significantly, increasing from 6.5% in Q4 to 15.5% in Q1. Verification of assets (VOA) also rose, climbing from 33.1% to 36.7% over the same period.

“This quarter’s data points to meaningful improvements in post-application engagement,” O’Brien added. “Increases in document uploads, Needs List creation, and verification success rates all contribute to stronger loan files, faster underwriting decisions, and deeper borrower engagement. These trends reflect how the right tools can streamline workflows while also improving loan quality and borrower experience.”

Data from LenderLogix Homebuyer Intelligence Report is available to the industry free of charge. To learn more about LenderLogix, visit www.lenderlogix.com.

About LenderLogix

LenderLogix leverages the four decades of firsthand mortgage origination and real estate experience of its executive team to design customized software to meet the needs of today’s mortgage lenders. The company’s suite of products addresses the speed at which today’s real estate market moves by delivering technology solutions that create agile and informed borrowers, build strong referral partners and ultimately save lenders time and money. For more information, visit

NEWS SOURCE: LenderLogix

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (LenderLogix), 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/lenderlogix-q1-2025-homebuyer-intelligence-report-shows-early-2025-mortgage-market-momentum-stronger-loan-engagement/

ScoopCloud

The affordable PR newswire service

Tag Archives: Mortgage

ACES Quality Management strengthens executive team with key promotions in compliance leadership

Refis, Product Shifts and Strong Agency Participation Define June Market Advantage Report

FirstClose’s SVP of HR Katie Smith named 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence

The Big Picture July conversations engage experts in mortgage market analytics, housing finance public policy, home ownership growth strategies and capital markets

Dark Matter Technologies achieves UCDP integration, driving appraisal innovation

Argyle expands verification platform to include verification of assets powered by Mastercard open finance technology

MMI’s Kortney Lane-Schafers Named a 2025 Most Powerful Woman in Fintech by PROGRESS in Lending

Class Valuation launches next-generation appraisal review solution designed to enhance compliance and reduce repurchase risk

MMI’s Melissa Sike named a 2025 Mortgage Star by Mortgage Women Magazine

The Mortgage Collaborative’s ‘The Sip’ Podcast Delivers Industry Insights and Peer Collaboration

Argyle-nCino integration garners industry accolades for reshaping VOIE workflows

Floify’s Sofia Rossato named to Progress in Lending’s 2025 most powerful women in fintech list

Dark Matter Technologies adds side-by-side results comparison and automated, rules-based reviews to dual AUS feature in the Empower LOS

Optimal Blue Releases May Data Findings, Announces Expansion of Monthly Report for More Comprehensive Lender Profitability Insights

iEmergent honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award

Cloudvirga honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award

Optimal Blue Launches New Lead Generation Tool for Originators

ACES Quality Management Champions Commitment to Lending Excellence at ACES ENGAGE 2025

Dark Matter Technologies announces comprehensive eClosing integration for its NOVA LOS platform

HousingWire selects Depth EVP Lindsey Neal as 2025 Marketing Leader

Courtney Dodd of Floify named to HousingWire’s 2025 Marketing Leaders list for a second year in a row

Click n’ Close Appoints Mortgage Wholesale Veteran Tony Catanese as Regional Sales Manager to Lead East Coast Expansion

Friday Harbor unveils AI-powered condition engine to deliver faster, cleaner, audit-ready mortgage files

The Big Picture’s June conversations go deep on homeownership access, growth and market risk

SESLOC Credit Union Partners with Dovenmuehle to Enhance Mortgage Servicing for Members

Argyle launches new integration, bringing real-time income and employment verification to Byte LOS customers

Cloudvirga enhances lending efficiency with Encompass Docs Solution integration

Optimal Blue Releases Executive-Level AI Insights Tool, Ask Obi, to Clients

Informative Research Integrates AccountChek® with Halcyon to Automate Income Validation

ACES Q4/CY 2024 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report finds quarterly defect rate falls to 1.16% as annual loan quality improves

ACES Quality Management Named One of 2025 Best Places to Work in Financial Technology for Third Consecutive Year

Argyle debuts integration with Encompass Consumer Connect, upgrades existing integration with Encompass from ICE Mortgage Technology

Lock Volume Rises 3.2% in April, Driven by Uptick in FHA Loans, Despite Economic Volatility

Argyle integrates with Tidalwave to deliver embedded, real-time verification of income and employment

LenderLogix Q1 2025 Homebuyer Intelligence Report Shows Early 2025 Mortgage Market Momentum, Stronger Loan Engagement