AI Unpacked: Leveraging AI to Transform Mortgage Operations | Optimal Insights | May 19, 2025

In the May 19 episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by James Cahill, Kevin Foley, and Shawn Chandwani for a discussion on the current economic landscape and the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the mortgage industry.Key Insights:Market Update & Economic TrendsInflation Metrics: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) registered at 2.3%, slightly below expectations, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) posted a surprising -0.5% reading – signals that inflationary pressures are beginning to ease across both consumer and wholesale levels.Tariff Impacts: Despite new tariffs, consumer prices remain relatively stable due to large inventories and strategic pricing by wholesalers and retailers. Electronics and imported goods are seeing inflationary effects, while energy prices have dropped significantly.Retailer Perspective: Walmart’s CFO warned of upcoming price increases and potential shortages, highlighting the broader economic implications of ongoing tariff policies.Market Resilience: Despite some media narratives, mortgage volumes are strong – 110–115% of 2019 levels – with healthy refinance activity.AI in the Mortgage IndustryAI Overview: Kevin Foley and Shawn Chandwani explore the evolution of AI, particularly the rise of large language models (LLMs), and how they’ve revolutionized user interaction and business applications.AI-Powered Tools at Optimal BlueOriginator Assistant: Helps loan originators identify optimal loan terms by analyzing small scenario changes. It leverages AI to evaluate pricing rules and generate borrower-friendly recommendations in seconds.Ask Obi: An AI-powered executive 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 across all areas of loan origination.Advice for Lenders Starting Their AI JourneyStart Small: Begin with basic AI implementations like document summarization or internal policy Q&A tools.Focus on Data: Clean, structured data is essential for effective AI use.Embrace Education: Encourage learning and experimentation to build internal AI fluency.Leverage Partnerships: Collaborate with technology providers to accelerate development and adoption.Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape. #OptimizeYourAdvantage #MaximizeProfitabilityHosts & Guests:Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services, Optimal BlueJames Cahill, MSR Account Manager, Optimal BlueKevin Foley, Director of Product Management, Optimal BlueShawn Chandwani, Senior Software Engineering Manager, Optimal BlueProduction Team:Executive Producer: Sara HoltzProducers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey BoyerCommentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.Mentioned in this episode:Optimal Blue Study - MarketWise AdvisorsMortgage capital markets decisions have a direct impact on lender profitability, efficiency, and risk management. To better understand that impact, Optimal Blue commissioned an independent ROI study with MarketWise Advisors, analyzing data from hundreds of mortgage lenders, including banks, credit unions, and independent mortgage banks. The Optimal Blue ROI Study highlights consistent gains in operational efficiency, pricing accuracy, and financial performance for lenders using Optimal Blue technology. Key findings include an average $1,006 net financial benefit per loan, nearly 45% greater operational capacity, and strong return on investment reported by PPE clients, with results consistent across lender types. The full 2026 Optimal Blue ROI Study will be released in May and provides a data‑driven look at how mortgage capital markets technology can support better execution and decision‑making. 👉 Sign up to be notified when the full report is released: OptimalBlue.com/2026-study ROI StudyLock Loans on the Go – Mobile Locking in the Optimal Blue Mobile AppTraditional loan locking slows decisions and ties you to a desk, but borrowers expect instant answers. Optimal Blue’s Mobile Locking changes the game. With our native iOS and Android app, loan officers can access their pipeline, run pricing, and lock loans anytime, anywhere – fast, secure, and accurate. No delays. No extra cost. Just seamless mobility that enhances the borrower experience. Download the Optimal Blue Mobile App today and start locking loans on the go.Mobile Locking