Latest news with #OptimalBluePPE
Associated Press
30-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Optimal Blue Fully Automates Best Efforts Locking Directly with Investors
- Launch of new capability in the Optimal Blue PPE allows lenders to eliminate all manual steps when executing best efforts locks - PLANO, Texas, July 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced a new capability in its industry-leading product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine that fully automates the process for a lock desk user to execute best efforts locks directly with participating investors via API. By eliminating the last remaining manual step in the locking life cycle, Optimal Blue is delivering innovations and enhancements that will help significantly increase a lender's efficiency and profitability. The Optimal Blue PPE is the first pricing engine to fully automate this critical stage of the secondary market workflow for investors with support for all loan types, including both agency and non-agency programs. 'This is a game-changer for capital markets teams that will save an average of 15 minutes per loan, which is hours saved per day,' said Tiffany McGarry, vice president of product management at Optimal Blue. 'Lock desk users can now complete the entire best efforts lock transaction from within the Optimal Blue PPE – no toggling between systems, no rekeying of data and no lost time. It's a meaningful step forward for day-to-day productivity that helps protect lenders against costly errors and compliance issues, while giving investors a more streamlined path to work with their originator partners.' The Optimal Blue PPE already automates loan pricing, lock requests and post-lock changes, and the company's hedging platform already supports automation for mandatory execution. Until the release of this capability, completing a best efforts lock required the lender's secondary desk to log in to the investor's portal and re-enter loan details by hand. This enhancement eliminates this final step to execute the lock, fully automating the process. Best efforts lock requests can now be sent directly to an investor via API, reducing the time required from an average of 15 minutes per loan to just seconds. Loan data flows securely to the investor and back, keeping the loan origination system record up to date and generating a PDF confirmation that provides a clear audit trail and proof of execution. The feature is available at no additional cost to lenders and requires little to no setup or configuration. The new capability offers a compelling way for the more than 240 investors in Optimal Blue's network to stand out to over 1,000 originators by delivering a faster, more streamlined means to lock. To participate, investors should contact their Optimal Blue representative to complete a one-time API setup. 'This is the first time investors have been able to complete best efforts locks through real-time, system-to-system connectivity with their lender partners,' said Erin Wester, chief product officer at Optimal Blue. 'We've already set up this integration with select investor partners, and it's been exciting to see the positive momentum it is already building for their businesses. It's a strategic edge that improves execution, strengthens lender-investor relationships and streamlines the path to purchase – and one only Optimal Blue can deliver as the industry's most connected capital markets platform.' Future phases of the best efforts lock feature will add support for profile updates, extensions and other post-lock changes as well as integration into the CompassEdge platform – enhancing consistency and reducing downstream data mismatches. For more information, lenders and investors using the Optimal Blue PPE should contact their account representative. About Optimal Blue Optimal Blue powers profitability across the mortgage capital markets ecosystem. As the industry's only end-to-end capital markets platform, our technology, data, and integrations bridge the primary and secondary markets to help lenders of all sizes maximize performance – from pricing accuracy to margin protection and every step in between. Backed by over 20 years of proven expertise, our modern, cloud-native technology delivers the real-time automation, actionable data and seamless connectivity lenders need to navigate market volatility and scale for growth. To learn more about how Optimal Blue delivers measurable ROI, visit LOGO link for media: NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue ### MEDIA ONLY CONTACT: (not for publication online or in print) Leslie W. Colley Depth for Optimal Blue [email protected] ### Keywords: Mortgage, mortgage capital markets ecosystem, product, pricing and eligibility engine, execute best efforts locks, fintech, Optimal Blue, PLANO, Texas This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Optimal Blue) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P128097 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Associated Press
09-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
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. '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 [email protected]. 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 LOGO link for media: NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue ### MEDIA ONLY CONTACT: (not for publication online or in print) Leslie W. Colley Depth for Optimal Blue [email protected] ### Keywords: Mortgage, Optimal Blue, Lead Generation Tool, Mortgage Loan Originators, PLANO, Texas This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Optimal Blue) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126784 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Associated Press
02-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Optimal Blue Brings AI-Powered Originator Assistant to Market, Helping Originators Present Best Possible Loan Options to Borrowers
- Leader in mortgage capital markets technology delivers on innovations unveiled at Summit user conference - PLANO, Texas, May 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced the general availability of Originator Assistant, a powerful addition to the Optimal Blue PPE. Leveraging generative AI, Originator Assistant eliminates human bias in the loan structuring process and helps originators identify all options for a borrower, providing more ways to help consumers realize the American dream of homeownership. Unveiled at the inaugural Optimal Blue Summit in February and now available to all Optimal Blue PPE clients using the enhanced originator interface, Originator Assistant is an AI-powered recommendation engine that simplifies loan structuring by identifying alternate scenarios with more competitive pricing. The tool automatically detects pricing breakpoints and suggests opportunities for more strategic loan discussions, saving loan officers time and eliminating manual guesswork. The tool evaluates loan options based on various parameters while searching for pricing incentives on the peripheral or opportunities for adjustment to achieve different terms. Combined with Scenario Optimizer, which enables side-by-side comparisons, Originator Assistant gives lenders a distinct advantage in presenting the best options to borrowers. Further building on its delivery of innovation, Optimal Blue also announced the beta release of enhanced Lock Extensions workflows, a feature reimagined in close collaboration with the company's clients. The feature gives lenders greater control, automation and flexibility over lock extension policy management. The new Lock Extensions experience allows Optimal Blue PPE users to configure policies across multiple investors using global product groups, significantly reducing manual work and complexity. It also introduces a step-by-step configuration workflow, advanced toggles to support compliance considerations, and automation tools for processing and tracking extension requests. Together, Originator Assistant and Lock Extensions help lenders respond faster to market conditions, reduce manual error and apply lock policies with greater consistency and precision. 'Originator Assistant and our enhanced Lock Extensions feature are great examples of how we listen closely to our customers and build solutions that solve real problems,' said Erin Wester, chief product officer at Optimal Blue. 'These latest enhancements demonstrate that innovation is not just a promise at Optimal Blue, it's a practice. Our clients can continue to expect exciting product updates as Optimal Blue heads toward the MBA Secondary and Capital Markets conference later this month.' Both enhancements are accessible by Optimal Blue PPE clients with no setup required. Originator Assistant runs automatically, and existing lock extension policies will be migrated to the new Lock Extensions experience, allowing clients to begin making updates right away. Additional innovations introduced at the Optimal Blue Summit, including Rules Optimizer, Ask Obi and the Solution Center, are expected to reach general availability later this spring. 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 LOGO link for media: NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue ### MEDIA ONLY CONTACT: (not for publication online or in print) Leslie W. Colley Depth for Optimal Blue [email protected] (678) 622-6229 ### Keywords: Mortgage, Optimal Blue, fintech, Originator Assistant, Optimal Blue PPE, finance AI, mortgage AI, PLANO, Texas This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Optimal Blue) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P125900 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Associated Press
04-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Optimal Blue Introduces Seven Major Innovations at Its Inaugural User Summit in San Diego
- Company continues its streak of aggressive product innovation and no-cost feature additions - SAN DIEGO, Calif., Feb. 4, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today unveiled a series of new products and features, alongside its major Ask Obi AI assistant announcement, at its Summit user conference in San Diego. These innovation announcements underscore the company's commitment to delivering high-impact solutions, at no additional cost, that tackle real-world challenges and help lenders maximize profitability. 'Today more than ever, lenders need software and data solutions that empower them to make smarter business decisions and operate with efficiency, and Optimal Blue is demonstrating our commitment to helping them navigate and thrive in this complex and highly regulated environment,' said Erin Wester, chief product officer at Optimal Blue. 'The products and features announced at our Optimal Blue Summit are not simply software – they are solutions designed specifically to help lenders maximize their profitability, built based on real feedback gathered from our hundreds of clients. These innovations are a testament to Optimal Blue's state-of-the-art product, research and development, and engineering teams that go to work for the benefit of our clients every day.' Major product enhancements announced during the Summit include: ORIGINATOR ASSISTANT Originator Assistant is an AI-powered tool in the Optimal Blue PPE that identifies alternate loan scenarios that can produce more competitive pricing, helping loan officers have more strategic discussions with borrowers to win more business. Originator Assistant further amplifies Optimal Blue's Scenario Optimizer tool, which was introduced last fall to allow clients to run up to three pricing scenarios side-by-side. Originator Assistant examines applicable adjustments, margins, and other price components, and identifies where small loan setup/parameter changes could positively impact pricing. Fully embedded within a loan officer's workflow, Originator Assistant runs behind-the-scenes as part of every scenario search. RULES OPTIMIZER Rules Optimizer is a feature in the Optimal Blue PPE that allows lenders to streamline the rule creation process by creating a single rule and applying it to multiple investor relationships. This gives lenders flexibility to take advantage of both one-to-one and one-to-many investor relationships or custom rule writing. Rules Optimizer also offers change history tracking so users can easily see updated rules and investors/products at a granular level, as well as the ability to schedule run periods in advance to support specials and limited-time promotions. Rules Optimizer is built on top of the Optimal Blue PPE's system-maintained ratesheet content, which is regarded for its industry-leading accuracy. RATESHEET TOOL The Ratesheet Tool is a feature that connects front-end pricing (i.e., origination) with back-end pricing (i.e., secondary) to allow lenders to generate ratesheet pricing with a known margin, accurately. Linking to both the Optimal Blue PPE and the CompassEdge hedging and loan trading platform, the Ratesheet Tool allows secondary users to access a back-end price and deliver a more accurate execution price to originators. The Ratesheet Tool offers a new way for lenders to generate ratesheets with their own proprietary pricing, with precision and accuracy from secondary to origination. This solution showcases a distinct benefit lenders can only realize from working with Optimal Blue, given the company's end-to-end capital markets platform encompassing both product and pricing and hedging and trading. CONFIRM ASSISTANT Confirm Assistant is a feature in the CompassEdge hedging and loan trading platform that reduces both the time and potential for manual errors associated with reading TBA trade confirmation files. The tool uses AI to read files from broker-dealers, parsing the documents into usable formats. With Confirm Assistant, users simply drag and drop confirmation files and approve them without having to manually key in data. This benefits users by reducing manual, time-consuming steps and freeing up staff to focus on more complex trades. MORTGAGE RATE FUTURES First announced in November 2024, Optimal Blue has partnered with CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, to provide the Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Index (OBMMI) as the foundation for CME Group's new Mortgage Rate futures. Launched on Jan. 13, 2025, Mortgage Rate futures are cash-settled contracts that provide direct exposure to the latest primary mortgage rate available to borrowers, giving mortgage originators an additional instrument to hedge pipeline and servicing risk. The contracts are the first-ever to be based on the 30-Year Fixed Rate Conforming OBMMI, which is designed for IOSCO compliance and tracks real-time rate lock data from more than one-third of U.S. residential mortgage originations. SOLUTION CENTER The Solution Center is a partner marketplace within Optimal Blue's Comergence platform that expands revenue opportunities for mortgage lenders and investors and third-party partners and vendors. The Solution Center provides a platform where users can sell products and services through a two-sided marketplace of vetted integration partners. It supports more streamlined vendor communication, and the Solution Center Academy provides a resource for asynchronous training, helping investors promote strategic relationships, as well as required trainings, for their third-party originators. ASK OBI Finally, as announced earlier today, Ask Obi is Optimal Blue's new standalone AI assistant that gives executives instant, interactive access to granular data insights and trends to improve business decisions. Ask Obi gives lenders the power to view their operations holistically with data aggregation across Optimal Blue's comprehensive capital markets platform, reaching from loan origination data through hedging and trading. Optimal Blue's Summit user conference features multi-track sessions exploring AI and automation trends, profitability strategies, market insights, and more, led by leading economists, policymakers, and lenders, as well as the company's own subject matter experts. 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 NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue Keywords: Mortgage, Optimal Blue Summit user conference, fintech, Originator Assistant, AI-powered tool in the Optimal Blue PPE , SAN DIEGO, Calif.
