Essential Economic Insights | Sasha Hewlett Discusses the MBA's 2025 Focus | Feb. 10, 2025

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, Jim Glennon and Alex Hebner discuss the current state of the market, focusing on the recent dip in mortgage rates and its implications for all of us.Special Guest: Sasha Hewlett, associate vice president of secondary & capital markets at the Mortgage Bankers Association, joins us to break down MBA's priorities for the year. In conversation with Jim Glennon, Sasha shares insights on the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the secondary market, especially considering the new administration's impact on policies and regulations.Tune in to hear Sasha’s thoughts on the importance of a smooth exit from conservatorship for GSEs and how that could shape the future landscape of mortgage lending.Key Takeaways:Economic Landscape: A gradual rise in unemployment rates, but they remain within healthy boundaries, indicating stability in the job market despite minor fluctuations.MBA's Proactive Stance: Sasha Hewlett discusses the MBA's proactive approach to secondary and capital markets, emphasizing the importance of feedback from industry professionals to navigate policy changes effectively.Inflation Metrics: Inflation metrics are trending upwards, with CPI expected to hit around 3.1%, prompting cautious monitoring from economists and policymakers alike.GSE Reforms: The MBA's agenda for this year includes a focus on GSE reforms, particularly the push for an orderly exit from conservatorship, which is crucial for maintaining market stability.Modernizing Credit Scoring: There is a concerted effort to modernize credit scoring processes, with ongoing discussions around implementing FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0, aimed at fostering competition and improving affordability.Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape. #OptimizeYourAdvantage #MaximizeProfitabilityOptimal Blue Experts:Jim Glennon, VP of Hedging & Trading Client Services, Optimal BlueAlexander HebnerGuest:Sasha Hewlett, AVP, Secondary & Capital Markets at Mortgage Bankers AssociationProduction Team:Executive Producer: Sara HoltzProducer: Matt GilhoolyCommentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.--Keywords: Real-time data insights, Capital markets commentary, Mortgage industry, Profitability, Lenders, Investors, Rate fluctuations, Mortgage landscape, Expert advice, Optimal Blue, Secondary marketing automation, Pricing accuracy, Margin protection, Risk management, Originators, OriginationsMentioned in this episode:Lock 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 LockingOptimal 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 Study