Blockchain, NOO HELOC, RON Tools; Better.com CEO's Thoughts; IMB Conference Observations; CFPB Update

Products, Services, and Software for Brokers and Lenders

Can AI help you spot the lending bias you can’t see? In his CEO Magazine Podcast interview, Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell shares the company’s platform-wide AI strategy to help reduce human bias in lending decisions. Instead of replacing lending teams, AI at Optimal Blue is built as a suite of assistants, including Originator Assistant in the Optimal Blue® PPE, which reviews a wide range of loan programs and surfaces options a human might not typically consider. Grounded in clearly defined use cases, transparent prompts, extensive customer testing, and human oversight, Optimal Blue deploys AI solutions designed to deliver value while helping to mitigate forms of human bias. Curious what a modern, proven AI strategy looks like? Check out the video of Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell on the CEO Magazine Podcast today.

In a fluctuating market, efficient servicing is vital, especially with foreclosure rates up 14 percent since 2024 and serious delinquencies in the FHA sector accounting for more than twice the amount of any other loan type. To effectively manage this critical revenue stream, more servicers are streamlining loss mitigation through remote online notarization (RON). By integrating NotaryCam and RON into its workflow, one servicer cut notarization errors by 50 percent, resulting in fewer document exceptions, faster turnaround, and better borrower experiences. A large subservicer cited significantly reduced turn times and warehouse line carrying costs, thus delivering wins for clients and borrowers, through its partnership with NotaryCam. NotaryCam delivers secure, compliant notarization for loan modifications and loss mitigation packages. Its flexible integrations and experienced in-house notaries support operational efficiency and borrower retention everywhere RON is permitted. Visit Booth 610 or schedule a meeting at MBA Servicing to explore how NotaryCam powers modern servicing workflows.

“Yes, Symmetry offers NOO HELOCs! We offer HELOCs on investment properties in both first and second lien positions, providing a powerful alternative to traditional loans. This solution works especially well for investors because it offers the flexibility needed to manage multiple properties, access available equity when needed, and maintain control through additional repayment options. During the draw period, borrowers can take advantage of interest-only payments plus an annual fee, along with an open-ended line of credit structure that allows them to reuse available funds as needed. The product is ideal for cash-flowing rental portfolios and features simple draw access and competitive rates. Whether your client is expanding their rental portfolio or looking for a smarter way to tap into existing equity, our HELOC gives them control with speed and ease. Let’s talk about how this can fit into your borrowers’ investment strategy. Symmetry Lending.”

“Have you heard about eRESI’s Non-QM Heroes campaign? We’re celebrating the non-QM professionals who are driving change and leading innovation across the industry. Know a non-QM Hero on your team? Nominate them using this form and highlight their impact. You’ll both receive exclusive non-QM Hero swag, plus a chance to win Meta Glasses and be featured in our Non-QM Hall of Fame. eRESI is proud to sponsor the HousingWire Housing Economic Summit (Feb 10, Dallas) and MCT Exchange 2026 (Feb 12–13, San Diego), where Lisa Schreiber will speak on the “Expand Beyond Agency Production” panel. Connect with our team on-site to learn how our best-in-class execution helps lenders drive reliable, scalable growth. Can’t attend in person? Join our February 18 webinar: our credit team will explore key non-QM scenarios that help lenders deliver the best solutions to their borrowers. Contact us to learn more.”

When it comes to mortgage loan registration, accuracy, speed, and compliance remain essential. While blockchain technology continues to generate interest, proven platforms like the MERS® System have built a strong track record for reliable performance. In this recent blog, Harry Gardner, Director of Digital Services at ICE Mortgage Technology, explores the realities of blockchain in mortgage registration and provides insight into balancing innovation with the practical needs of today's mortgage professionals. Click here to read more.

As part of the Foundation Fridays broker education series, join Foundation Mortgage Corp. on February 6 at 2 PM ET for Turning Challenges into Closings: Non-QM Opportunities in Today’s Market. Featuring Sam Bjelac, Alexander Inda, and Joseph Inda, this session is built for brokers navigating tighter underwriting and more complex borrower profiles. The team will walk through real-world case studies, highlight high-demand programs such as DSCR, Bank Statement, and Foreign National loans, and share practical, compliance-friendly talking points you can use immediately. Designed for today’s market, this webinar shows how to turn stalled files into funded deals using a common-sense approach.

The Chrisman Marketplace is a centralized hub for vendors and service providers across the mortgage industry to be viewed by lenders in a very cost-effective manner. We’re adding new providers daily, so check back often to see what’s new. To reserve your place or learn more, contact us at info@chrismancommentary.com.

Thought Leadership From Better.com’s CEO

Thought Leadership: Vishal Garg explores how mortgage systems shape access to homeownership and why technology must be designed to remove friction without removing humanity. From AI native underwriting to rethinking how consumers actually experience the process, he argues that simplicity, trust, and human judgment are the real unlocks. The goal is not a faster mortgage, but a better one that expands access and keeps the American dream within reach.

If You’re Not at the MBA’s IMB…

You should be! How’s your company’s adjustable-rate product lineup? ARMs are back in vogue: why not obtain a .5 percent lower rate if the borrower won’t be in the home for more than five years, or is open to a refinance later? Are you excited about artificial intelligence? AI is all the rage, but it should be implemented in measured steps in certain departments, not companywide. Guardrails! And your company should have an AI task force since it does impact other groups.

Cyber security is on the mind of IT staff at vendors and lenders and trying to stay one step ahead of hackers intent on accessing systems and finances. The merger and acquisition activity is as busy as ever, especially given the upward trend in profitability… some company owners aren’t interested in going through another business cycle and would rather play with their grandkids. Politics and lending are more intertwined than ever, with the Trump Administration interested in headline-grabbing announcements with follow-through sporadic. Fannie and Freddie being released from conservatorship? Don’t hold your breath.

CFPB Update

The industry hopes that someone, anyone, can reign in LO comp regulation violations. Will it be the CFPB? Bloomberg reports that, “Consumer Financial Protection Bureau examiners sidelined by the Trump administration will be back on the job as early as April, but the number of exams they conduct, and the scope of their supervision will be cut back dramatically.

“CFPB supervisors will begin developing the scope of their exams next week, setting the stage to review companies’ books and records starting in the second quarter, top agency officials said at a Thursday virtual meeting with examiners, according to multiple people familiar with the situation who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

“The CFPB is expected to carry out fewer than 70 exams over the course of 2026, a steep drop from the past. The agency oversees banks, financial technology companies, debt collectors, consumer credit reporting companies, and others. “The CFPB averaged more than 600 “supervisory events” a year from fiscal 2020 through 2024, according to its most recent performance report.

“And all exams will be conducted virtually, rather than having examination teams travel to review company records and speak with employees in person, the people said. That’s a stark change from previous agency practice.”

Capital Markets

Overall trading yesterday was quiet, with small price moves across Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities rather than any major shift in market direction. There were some weak overseas signals, including a soft Japanese bond auction and a rate hike from the Reserve Bank of Australia. A brief government shutdown delayed the JOLTS release, while struggling equities later in the day helped Treasuries stabilize and edge slightly higher within a narrow trading range. In the mortgage market, most 30-year mortgage bonds edged slightly lower in price, underperforming Treasuries, which pushed mortgage yields higher relative to government bonds. Attention now turns to Wednesday’s ISM services data and the Treasury’s quarterly refunding announcement, with limited expectations for any surprises.

Today’s economic calendar kicked off with mortgage applications from MBA, which fell 8.9 percent for the week ending January 30, driven by a sharp 14 percent drop in purchase activity, likely reflecting disruptions from Winter Storm Fern. Refinance applications also declined 5 percent on the week despite mortgage rates edging down, though refi volume remains more than double year-ago levels. With the 30-year fixed rate only slightly lower at 6.21 percent, rate relief was insufficient to offset weather impacts or meaningfully boost borrower demand.

ADP employment for January (+22k, service jobs +21k, lower than expected) and the quarterly refunding announcement is ahead, as well as January services PMIs from S&P Global and ISM, remarks from Richmond Fed President Barkin and Fed Governor Cook, and continued quarterly earnings from Wall Street. We begin Wednesday with Agency MBS prices unchanged from Tuesday’s close, the 2-year yielding 3.57, and the 10-year unchanged from Tuesday’s 4.27 yield close.