FICO’s Julie May on Credit Scores, Lenders’ Choice & the Future of Risk Modeling | Jan. 26, 2026

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, the show opens with a market update from Alex Hebner and James Cahill, highlighting current rate conditions, inflation trends, labor data, and the broader market tone shaping rate volatility and expectations. They also touch on industry conversations influencing affordability and overall mortgage activity.In the special guest segment, Jim Glennon and Mike Vough welcome Julie May, Vice President & General Manager of B2B Scores at FICO. Julie breaks down how FICO Scores are constructed, explains the differences between FICO and VantageScore, and discusses why “lenders’ choice” can introduce risk by shifting how borrowers fall into scoring tiers. She also outlines how FICO 10T, UltraFICO, and emerging data sources – trended, rental, and cash‑flow – are shaping the next generation of credit risk modeling.About Julie MayJulie May, vice president and general manager of B2B Scores at FICO. In this role, she is responsible for global product and business development, delivery, and support for the FICO Score. Julie joined FICO in 2004. Over the course of her career, she has held senior roles in customer relationship management, business consulting, and strategic product management, development, and delivery. Her expertise spans enterprise software, advanced analytics, fraud management, cybersecurity, go-to-market strategy and strategic partnership development. Julie earned her B.S. in Economics from Emporia State University in Kansas.Julie’s FICO Blog: https://www.fico.com/blogs/author/julie-mayJulie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-may-559b4b/----Optimal Insights Team:Jim Glennon, Senior Vice President of Hedging and Trading OperationsAlex Hebner, Hedge Account ManagerJames Cahill, MSF/MSR Account ManagerMike Vough, Senior Vice President of Corporate StrategySpecial Guest: Julie May, Vice President & General Manager, B2B Scores, FICOProduction 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.Mentioned in this episode:Get Ahead of What’s Next at Optimal Blue Summit 2027The mortgage market keeps moving. Optimal Blue Summit 2027 brings together industry leaders, innovators, economists, and technology experts for three days of market intelligence, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections. Join us February 1–3 in Scottsdale, Arizona, to hear from Troy Aikman, Bob Broeksmit, Michael Fratantoni, Joe Tyrrell, and other influential voices shaping the future of mortgage. Optional training sessions and a championship golf experience are also available. Early-bird registration is just $199 through October 31. Register today at Summit.OptimalBlue.com.