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.


ACES Q1 2026 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report shows critical defect rate reverses course as compliance defects reach record share

DENVER, Colo., Aug. 18, 2026 (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 Q1 of 2026. The report analyzes post-closing quality control data derived from the ACES Quality Management & Control® software.

Class Valuation expands valuation capabilities with acquisition of Allstate Appraisal

TROY, Mich., Aug. 18, 2026 (SEND2RPESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today that it has acquired Allstate Appraisal, one of the nation’s longest continuously operating valuation firms. Founded in 1959 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Allstate Appraisal brings more than six decades of experience delivering credible, compliant and timely valuation and review services to lending institutions, mortgage insurance companies, government entities, law firms and other organizations nationwide.

The Mortgage Collaborative Names Down Payment Resource’s Brad Cardwell to Partner Advisory Council

ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading affordability intelligence platform, today announced that Brad Cardwell, vice president of sales and business development, has been named to The Mortgage Collaborative’s (TMC) Partner Advisory Council. The council brings together TMC’s preferred partners to promote fair, transparent and efficient practices through open dialogue and coordinated initiatives.

Friday Harbor brings AI pre-underwriting to complex loans as non-QM volume reaches record highs

SEATTLE, Wash., Aug. 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced expanded support for non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) and other non-agency lending programs, enabling lenders to evaluate a broader range of complex borrower scenarios against investor-specific guidelines before underwriting.

Down Payment Resource named to the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America

ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading affordability intelligence platform, today announced it has earned a spot on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing privately owned companies after achieving significant revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. DPR was also honored on the 2023 and 2025 Inc. 5000 lists.

DocMagic named one of LA Business Journal’s Best Places to Work 2026

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — DocMagic®, a leading provider of digital mortgage solutions, has been named one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal. The annual program, now in its 20th year, recognizes companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to employee engagement.

Optimal Blue report: Rising rates cool July mortgage activity, but demand remains above year-ago levels

PLANO, Texas, Aug. 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its July 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage activity softened as rising rates weighed on both purchase and refinance demand. Total rate-lock volume declined 11% month over month (MoM) but remained 5% above July 2025.

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group named a Hampton Roads Top Workplace

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Aug. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group LLC (Atlantic Bay) is proud to announce it has been recognized among Hampton Roads’ Top Workplaces by the Virginian-Pilot. The annual recognition honors employers that create exceptional workplace experiences, with recipients determined through confidential employee survey feedback.

Optimal Blue Continues AI Innovation Leadership with Expanded Access to Virtual Economist and Launch of AI Labs

PLANO, Texas, Aug. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced the general availability of Virtual Economist, the first on-demand forecasting tool for mortgage capital markets leaders powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). Revealed in beta at the annual Optimal Blue Summit in February 2026, Virtual Economist is now available to all Optimal Blue Product, Pricing, and Eligibility (PPE) Engine and CompassEdge clients at no added cost.

Halo Programs Launches Self-Service CRM Registration While Preserving White-Glove Service

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich., Aug. 5, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Halo Programs, formerly Continuity Programs, today announced the launch of self-service online registration across its industry-specific CRM and relationship marketing platforms serving mortgage lenders, real estate brokerages and residential contractors. Professionals can now activate an account in a few clicks, eliminating the wait for a sales call before getting started.

Argyle names John Hardesty chief revenue officer, Daniel Esquibel vice president of mortgage

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., Aug. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, the leading consumer-permissioned verification platform, today announced two executive promotions-longstanding leaders stepping into expanded roles, backed by deep product knowledge built from growing within the company. John Hardesty has been named chief revenue officer and Daniel Esquibel has been promoted to vice president of mortgage.

ACES Quality Management’s Garry Manley named 2026 HousingWire Insider

DENVER, Colo., Aug. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced that Garry Manley, assistant vice president of client success, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Insider. The award recognizes operational leaders across the mortgage, real estate and homebuilding industries whose behind-the-scenes work drives measurable impact within their organizations.

Floify Head of Customer Experience Sol Klein named to HousingWire’s 2026 Insiders list

BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that Sol Klein, head of customer experience and business operations, has been named to HousingWire’s 2026 Insiders list. The annual program recognizes the operational leaders who are vital to their organizations’ success and making a measurable difference in the housing industry.

Informative Research Senior Marketing Specialist Shana Garrie honored as 2026 HousingWire Insider

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., Aug. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced that Shana Garrie, senior marketing specialist, has been name among the 2026 HousingWire Insiders. The award honors the leaders working behind-the-scenes to drive innovation and efficiency in the mortgage and real estate industry.

FirstClose Director of Professional Services Adam Nicholson named 2026 HousingWire Insider

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Adam Nicholson, director of professional services, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Insider. The award recognizes operational leaders across the mortgage, real estate and homebuilding industries whose behind-the-scenes work drives measurable impact within their organizations.

NotaryCam’s Olen Dalton Honored as 2026 HousingWire Insider

HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification / authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced that Quality Assurance (QA) Manager Olen Dalton has been recognized as a HousingWire Insider. The award honors operational leaders working behind the scenes to drive innovation, efficiency and growth in mortgage and real estate.

Head of AI Platform and Products Kunal Patel named to HousingWire’s 2026 Insiders list

LOS ALTOS, Calif., Aug. 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — JazzX AI, an enterprise AI company purpose-built for the mortgage industry, today announced that Kunal Patel, head of AI platform and products, has been named to HousingWire’s Insiders list for 2026. The annual Insiders award recognizes the behind-the-scenes operational leaders who are vital to their organizations’ success and driving innovation across mortgage and real estate.

DocMagic’s David Garrett earns second HousingWire Insider award

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — DocMagic® announced today that David Garrett, director of integration and technical services, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Insider. Garrett first received the honor in 2023, making this his second HousingWire Insider recognition.

Friday Harbor’s Lisa Casner named a 2026 HousingWire Insider

SEATTLE, Wash., Aug. 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced that Lisa Casner, its head of engineering, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Insider. Now in its 11th year, the Insiders Award recognizes operational all-stars working behind the scenes to drive innovation and support growth across the mortgage and real estate industries.

HousingWire honors Atlantic Bay leader helping Mortgage Bankers spend more time with borrowers

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Aug. 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group LLC (Atlantic Bay) is proud to announce that Vice President of Operations Strategy Julie Watson has been named a 2026 HousingWire Insider. Now in its 11th year, the Insiders Award recognizes operational all-stars working behind the scenes in companies across the housing industry to drive innovation and underpin business growth.

Informative Research launches next iteration of AccountChek for enhanced mortgage asset, income and employment verification

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., July 28, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced the launch of the next iteration of AccountChek®, its flagship verification solution. Rebuilt from the ground up and unified with the IR Verification Platform, AccountChek is designed to scale as lenders’ verification needs evolve and is expected to deliver faster performance, improved reliability and a smoother borrower experience.

Velocity Expands Member Benefits with Comprehensive Insurance Solutions

AUSTIN, Texas, July 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Velocity Credit Union is making it easier for members to protect what matters most by offering access to a wide range of insurance solutions through trusted industry partners. From home and vehicle insurance to business protection and specialty coverage, members can now explore insurance options designed to fit their unique needs and budgets.

Down Payment Resource identifies 2,746 homeownership programs nationwide in Q2 2026

ATLANTA, Ga., July 22, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homeownership programs, today released its Q2 2026 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report, identifying 2,746 programs nationwide. The total represents an increase of 67 programs from Q1 2026, reflecting continued expansion of resources designed to improve affordability and access to homeownership, and is a new survey high.

Argyle and The BIG Point of Sale named 2026 Connections Award winners by PROGRESS in Lending

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., July 22, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, the leading consumer-permissioned verification platform, and The BIG Point of Sale today announced they have been named winners of the 2026 Connections Award by PROGRESS in Lending. The award honors the most impactful partnerships, integrations and acquisitions advancing the mortgage industry, recognizing the companies for an integration that embeds verification of income and employment (VOIE) directly into the loan origination process through ICE Mortgage Technology’s Encompass Partner Connect® framework.

Informative Research names Ajay Trilokeshwaran chief technology officer

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., July 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced the promotion of Ajay Trilokeshwaran to chief technology officer (CTO). In his new role, Trilokeshwaran will lead the company’s product and technology execution, overseeing platform development, application engineering, infrastructure and cloud strategy to support business growth.

Friday Harbor adds USDA loans to its AI pre-underwriting platform

SEATTLE, Wash., July 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced support for USDA loans. The new capability enables lenders to identify documentation gaps, eligibility issues and changes that require updated Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS) findings before loan files reach underwriting, helping reduce rework and deliver a more predictable path to closing for both lending teams and borrowers.

Volume growth from existing staff ranks as lenders’ top priority for the second half of 2026, The Mortgage Collaborative’s survey finds

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, today released results from its June 2026 Pulse of the Network survey. The biannual survey gathered input from mortgage lenders, including independent mortgage banks, credit unions and depository institutions, on strategic priorities heading into the second half of 2026.

Click n’ Close named one of USDA’s Top Wholesale Lenders for 2026

ADDISON, Texas, July 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, received a USDA 2026 Top Wholesale Lender award. The award was presented today at USDA Rural Development’s National Lender of the Year Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

NotaryCam President Brian Webster named a 2026 Inman Best in Finance honoree

HOUSTON, Texas, July 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced that President Brian Webster has been recognized as a 2026 Inman Best in Finance award winner.

Vice Capital Markets names Terry Aikin, CMB as executive vice president, strategic growth

NOVI, Mich., July 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vice Capital Markets, a leading mortgage hedge advisory firm for independent lenders, banks and credit unions, today announced the appointment of Terry Aikin as executive vice president, strategic growth. Aikin will focus on expanding Vice Capital’s customer base, strengthening existing client relationships and identifying new market opportunities.

LodeStar Integrates with Dark Matter Technologies’ Empower® LOS Platform

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., July 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LodeStar Software Solutions (LodeStar), the leading provider of mortgage closing cost and fee data, today announced that it is integrated with Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®). LodeStar’s Closing Cost Calculator is now available in Empower® loan origination system (Empower), developed in conjunction with the Dark Matter Developer Platform.

Class Valuation verified by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to support new Uniform Property Data Report specification

TROY, Mich., July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), has been verified by Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac (the government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) to support the Uniform Property Data Report (UPDR) specification under Uniform Property Dataset (UPD) Version 1.0. Use of the UPDR is mandatory for mortgages with applications received on or after June 30, 2026.

Dovenmuehle’s Amber Cowan named a Mortgage Stars honoree by Mortgage Women Magazine

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Amber Cowan, first vice president of Default Operations, has been named a Mortgage Stars honoree by Mortgage Women Magazine. The program recognizes women making significant contributions to the mortgage industry through innovation, leadership and impact on colleagues and clients.

Optimal Blue report: Mortgage demand strengthens as purchase activity and pull-through rebound

PLANO, Texas, July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its June 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage activity strengthened month over month (MoM), with purchase lock volume climbing to its highest level since early spring and pull-through rates rebounding across both purchase and refinance pipelines. Total rate-lock volume rose 10% MoM and 15% year over year (YoY).

The Mortgage Collaborative launches TMC Healthcare Cooperative to give lender members and preferred partners control over rising healthcare costs

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, has launched the TMC Healthcare Cooperative, a self-funded medical program open to all TMC lender members and preferred partners. Developed in partnership with CCIG, a Colorado-based employee benefits firm, the program gives vendors, community banks, credit unions and independent mortgage bankers a way to fund their own health claims as a group.

LodeStar report shows nominal year-over-year decline in national average mortgage closing costs

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., June 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LodeStar Software Solutions (LodeStar), the leading provider of mortgage closing cost and fee data, today announced the release of its Year-Over-Year Mortgage Closing Cost Report covering 2024 versus 2025. The report analyzes distinct mortgage quotes across all 50 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.), drawn from the company’s closing cost calculator platform.

Dovenmuehle names Ann Morey its head of product

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., June 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Ann Morey has been named Head of Product. In this role, Morey will lead DMI’s product management function, which includes establishing strategic product vision, driving outcome-oriented roadmaps that address stakeholder expectations, increasing internal cross-functional alignment and building agile, high-performing teams.

Friday Harbor and NewFed Mortgage honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award

SEATTLE, Wash., June 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, has been named a recipient of PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award alongside NewFed Mortgage Corp. (NewFed), a full-service residential mortgage lender operating in more than 20 states. The recognition honors a partnership that allowed NewFed to grow production without the hiring cycles and overhead that typically accompany scale.

DocMagic and Truliant Federal Credit Union earn PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award for industry-first eHELOC milestone

TORRANCE, Calif., June 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — DocMagic® was honored today with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award alongside Truliant Federal Credit Union, a North Carolina-based credit union serving more than 300,000 members. The recognition honors a yearslong partnership that culminated in the mortgage industry’s first electronic home equity line of credit (eHELOC) registered with the MERS® eRegistry. [UPDATED]

Franklin Madison Welcomes Matt Bishop as Chief Growth and Strategy Officer

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., June 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Madison is excited to announce the addition of Matt Bishop as Chief Growth & Strategy Officer. With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industries, Matt brings a proven ability to scale organizations and deliver impactful results to the executive leadership team.