Finance News

Finance News – including banking, insurance, mortgage lenders, risk management, public companies, funding and investment services, and related financial news from the Send2Press Newswire service.


Optimal Blue Fully Automates Best Efforts Locking Directly with Investors

PLANO, Texas, July 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced a new capability in its industry-leading product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine that fully automates the process for a lock desk user to execute best efforts locks directly with participating investors via API. By eliminating the last remaining manual step in the locking life cycle, Optimal Blue is delivering innovations and enhancements that will help significantly increase a lender’s efficiency and profitability.

45 new assistance programs launched during Q2 2025, bringing the total number of nationwide programs to a record-breaking 2,554

ATLANTA, Ga., July 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q2 2025 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. The report finds 45 new programs launched in Q2, traditionally the busiest homebuying season, bringing the total number of available programs to 2,554 – a new record – and the number of program providers to 1,340.

Class Valuation’s Elite Appraiser Panel opens new business opportunities for the nation’s top appraisers

TROY, Mich., July 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today that its Elite Appraiser Panel, a groundbreaking program, has doubled in size during the past 12 months and is setting new standards for professional excellence. Class Valuation’s exclusive, invitation-only Elite Panel now comprises hundreds of high-performing appraisers nationwide.

TMC July 2025 Pulse of the Network survey finds mortgage lenders leaning into automation, leadership development, and product innovation to stay competitive

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Amid one of the mortgage industry’s most prolonged stretches of cost pressure and market uncertainty, the latest Pulse of the Network survey from The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) reports that lenders are responding with creativity and nimble thinking, anchored by a clear commitment to long-term resilience.

Friday Harbor adds Chris Simms, Gregory Buehler to leadership team to accelerate AI-powered mortgage origination

SEATTLE, Wash., July 24, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, announced two strategic hires today: Chris Simms has joined as head of strategic partnerships, and Gregory Buehler has joined as founding product manager. They bring over 35 years of combined experience in mortgage lending, product strategy and technology innovation.

Capital City Founder Arsha Jones Launches $5,000 Micro-Grant to Support Local Consumer Product Entrepreneurs

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Arsha Jones, founder and CEO of Capital City, announced today the launch of the Capital City Micro-Grant, a $5,000 grant aimed at helping local, retail-ready entrepreneurs scale their consumer product businesses. The grant will be awarded during the Shop Made Makers Summit, a multi-day entrepreneurship experience taking place August 19-21 in Washington, D.C.

MMI Unveils ChatMMI: Mortgage Intelligence, One Question Away

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), the original pioneer in mortgage market intelligence, today announced the launch of ChatMMI™ – the industry’s first conversational AI interface built specifically for lenders, recruiters, and mortgage professionals. Founded in 2008, MMI has spent nearly two decades building the industry’s most comprehensive mortgage data solution.

Klingenstein Fields Advisors named to America’s Top RIAs by Financial Advisor Magazine

NEW YORK, N.Y., July 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Klingenstein Fields Advisors (KF Advisors) is proud to announce its recognition as one of the top Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in Financial Advisor Magazine’s 2025 Survey & Ranking, released on July 11, 2025, for firms managing $1.0 billion or more in assets.

Philippe Le Blanc Publishes ‘Advantage Equities’: An Original Take on Stock Market Investing Inspired by the Game of Tennis

MONTREAL, Quebec, July 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Chief Investment Officer of COTE 100 and respected financial columnist Philippe Le Blanc has officially released “Advantage Equities: Invest Between the Lines and Win” (ISBN: 978-0228818939; released June 2025 by Tellwell Publishing), an insightful new book offering investors a fresh, accessible perspective on the world of stock market investing. The book marks a natural successor to the bestselling “La Bourse ou la Vie,” co-written in 1995 by Philippe and his father, Guy Le Blanc.

Informative Research’s Shannon Santos Named MPA Elite Woman Award Honoree

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., July 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research Data Solutions, a division of Informative Research and a leading provider of data-powered borrower intelligence and analytics tools for the financial services industry, announced today that its executive vice president, Shannon Santos, has been named a 2025 Mortgage Professional America (MPA) Elite Woman Award recipient. The award honors women redefining excellence in the mortgage and housing industries through leadership, innovation and impact.

Strategic Benefits Advisors outlines what plan sponsors need to know about the One Big Beautiful Bill

ATLANTA, Ga., July 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today released a practical summary of the employee benefits provisions contained in the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. While the legislation spans a wide range of tax and policy changes, SBA’s summary highlights the bill’s most significant impacts on employer-sponsored retirement plans, health and welfare benefits and payroll operations.

Dovenmuehle’s 2024 SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 Reports Validate Robust Internal Controls and Data Security Standards

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., July 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc., a leading mortgage subservicer, today announced the successful completion of its 2024 Service Organization Control (SOC) 1® Type 2 and SOC 2® Type 2 audits. These independent audits, conducted by the public accounting and business advisory firm Plante Moran, PLLC, affirm Dovenmuehle’s adherence to the highest standards for internal controls, data security, and operational effectiveness. [UPDATED]

CFD Companies’ Support of Social Media Marketing Validated by Adviser Appearance at Jolt! Conference

KOKOMO, Ind., July 15, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — CFD Companies’ efforts to support adviser marketing were validated recently when CFD affiliated financial adviser Rachael Camp was a featured panelist at the 2025 Jolt! Conference. Social media marketing remains prohibited at many financial services firms, but CFD has calculated that the extra regulatory burdens are a part of providing exceptional service to CFD affiliated financial professionals.

Friday Harbor launches open APIs to give mortgage lenders and vendors more integration flexibility

SEATTLE, Wash., July 15, 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 availability of open APIs, giving lenders and vendors a new level of flexibility in how they integrate Friday Harbor into their mortgage tech stack.

Down Payment Resource announces strategic partnership with FirstHome IQ to expand access to homebuyer assistance programs

ATLANTA, Ga., July 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced a strategic partnership with FirstHome IQ, a nonprofit empowering the next generation of homeowners through modern, accessible financial education and tools for industry partners. This collaboration will empower industry professionals to be better equipped as they educate and guide first-time homebuyers through the process.

Informative Research Expands Verification Platform with Halcyon Integration

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., July 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community, today announced the availability of Halcyon’s IRS tax transcript service within the IR Verification Platform. This enhancement expands Informative Research’s suite of verification of income and employment (VOI/E) options, enabling lenders to access secure, permissioned tax transcript data directly from the IRS through Halcyon’s technology.

Free Book Available July 11 – 13 on Amazon/Kindle on How to Get Rid of the Income Tax and Abolish the IRS

SEATTLE, Wash., July 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — How would you like to take home 100% of your paycheck and never pay income tax again? To learn more, get a free copy of the new book by Rich Germaine, “Tax Revolution 2.0, Let’s Get Rid of the Income Tax.” The book explores alternative ways the government can collect income to cover government programs. And there truly is a better way. Eliminate the income tax and abolish the IRS and replace the whole system with a national consumption tax.

MMI Strengthens Unified Mortgage Tech Solution with Major Q2 Enhancements

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), the industry’s sole provider of a unified mortgage technology solution, today announced a series of major platform enhancements and strategic product upgrades delivered in Q2 2025. These developments reinforce MMI’s leadership as the only cohesive system delivering market intelligence, predictive borrower alerts, conversation-driven CRM, and a homeowner engagement platform in one high-impact solution.

Click n’ Close Honored as Top USDA Wholesale Mortgage Lender Award for Second Consecutive Year

ADDISON, Texas, July 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced it has been honored for the second year in a row as a 2025 Top Wholesale Lender Champion by the United States Department of Agriculture. This recognition underscores Click n’ Close’s continued commitment to fostering homeownership and supporting community development through innovative lending programs.

25 Mortgage Executives Bridge Local Advocacy and National Innovation Through Dual Roles with TMC and State MBAs

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Twenty-five executive leaders from The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) have been identified as holding current leadership positions in their respective state Mortgage Bankers Associations (MBAs), showcasing a growing alignment between grassroots industry advocacy and national operational collaboration.

Floify’s head of product Sydney Barber receives 2025 Mortgage Star Award

BOULDER, Colo., July 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that Sydney Barber, head of product, has received a 2025 Mortgage Star Award. The Mortgage Star awards honor exceptional women in the mortgage and housing finance industry who demonstrate leadership, innovation and a commitment to advancing the profession.

Argyle wins 2025 Game Changer award for redefining how lenders verify income and employment

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., July 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a service provider automating income, employment and asset verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, has been honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s inaugural Game Changer award. The recognition celebrates technology providers whose products solve real industry challenges and improve the mortgage lending process.

Arcasa introduces nationwide Energy-Smart DPA Program to Down Payment Resource platform

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah and ATLANTA, Ga., July 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Arcasa, a provider of solar-integrated mortgage solutions, and Down Payment Resource, the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that Arcasa’s Energy-Smart DPA program is now listed nationwide in Down Payment Resource’s DPA Directory. Energy-Smart DPA combines a market-rate home loan with energy-efficient upgrades, giving homebuyers a single, streamlined path to both homeownership and long-term utility savings.

Floify receives inaugural Game Changer award from PROGRESS in Lending

BOULDER, Colo., July 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, announced today that its no-code Dynamic Apps engine has been selected as the first-ever Game Changer Award recipient by PROGRESS in Lending. The technology tailors every loan application to a borrower’s exact purpose while ensuring airtight compliance.

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.

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

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.

New Book Explores Public Support for the Replacement of the Current Income Tax System

SEATTLE, Wash., July 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — It’s been 250 years since the first tax revolution. Media Arts Institute, a Seattle-based media company, has just released a new book, “Tax Revolution 2.0, Let’s Get Rid of the Income Tax” (ISBN: 979-8288643385; paper) by media consultant and researcher Rich Germaine.

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

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.

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.

Class Valuation’s Melinda Lesinski named to HousingWire’s 2025 Women of Influence list

TROY, Mich., July 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today that Executive Vice President, Head of Operations Melinda (Mindy) Lesinski has been named to HousingWire’s 2025 Women of Influence list. HousingWire’s Women of Influence program was launched in 2010 to recognize women making notable contributions to both their businesses and the industry at large, with a specific focus on contributions during the most recent 12 months.

Dark Matter Technologies achieves UCDP integration, driving appraisal innovation

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.

Dark Matter CEO Sean Dugan named to Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance list

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced its CEO, Sean Dugan, has been named to Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance list. Now in its third year, the award is a prestigious industry recognition honoring professionals in the mortgage and financial services sectors who demonstrate exceptional innovation, influence and impact on the residential real estate ecosystem.

Argyle CEO Shmulik Fishman named to Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance list for second consecutive year

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., June 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a service provider automating income, employment and asset verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced that its founder and CEO Shmulik Fishman has been named one of Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance, his second consecutive appearance on the list. Inman’s editorial team hand-selects distinguished professionals for their role in driving the mortgage and financial services industries forward through leadership, exceptional service and commitment to innovation.

Inman honors Cloudvirga CEO Maria Moskver with third consecutive Best of Finance award

IRVINE, Calif., June 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Cloudvirga, a leading provider of digital mortgage point-of-sale platforms, today announced that CEO Maria Moskver has been named to Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance list. Moskver has earned a place on the list every year since its creation in 2023, making this her third consecutive recognition.

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

NEW YORK CITY, Utah, 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.

Floify’s Sofia Rossato named to Inman’s Best of Finance list for 2025

BOULDER, Colo., June 25, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that Sofia Rossato, its president and general manager, has been named a recipient of Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance award. Unlike many awards where leaders are nominated by their companies, this award is managed entirely by the Inman editorial team to recognize leaders driving meaningful change in the lending industry independently.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Strategic Benefits Advisors welcomes Andy Clonts as director and senior benefits consultant

ATLANTA, Ga., June 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today announced the appointment of Andy Clonts as director and senior benefits consultant. In this role, Clonts will be responsible for driving business growth while leveraging his extensive experience in employee benefits strategy, healthcare navigation and client engagement to deliver tailored solutions to SBA’s expanding roster of clients.