Lenders and servicers don’t see much use in blockchain technology for now; Mat Ishbia abruptly terminated a stock offering involving United Wholesale Mortgage; federal banking regulators set computer-security disclosure requirements; nCino to acquire SimpleNexus.

With margins expected to decline, mortgage companies are looking to cut costs. Options include outsourcing and automation.

A recent study found a vast majority of borrowers prefer to close in-person. Possible lesson: The benefits of new technology should be carefully weighed against its costs, Stratmor says.

Fitch revised its outlook for Provident Funding Associates to negative due to competition in the wholesale channel but upgraded its rating of UMM’s unsecured debt. MISMO is seeking comments on tech that would help obtain MI quotes.

UWM accepted six mortgage payments with cryptocurrency before ending the pilot program; closing costs increased in the first half of 2021; Fannie strengthened underwriting standards for condos and co-ops.

To help produce the record volume of mortgages originated in 2020, lenders embraced technology. Changes that could have taken five years to implement were completed in 18 months.

The mortgage industry has welcomed the National Defense Authorization Act recently passed by the House for including provisions for minimum federal standards on the use of remote online notarization in mortgage closings.

LoanLogics analysts discuss the human/machine interface.

Incenter Appraisal Management launched a remote appraisal service, United Wholesale Mortgage is allowing brokers to bypass appraisal management companies and Fannie Mae is looking to reduce appraisal bias.

Nearly half of the executives surveyed by Fannie Mae expect profit margins to contract in the fourth quarter.