Insights from HW AI Summit & CMBA Western Secondary: AI, Growth & Market Strategy | 8.18.26

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. The team begins with a discussion of inflation trends, Federal Reserve policy expectations, housing market conditions, and what lenders should be watching in the current market environment.Then Jim Glennon, Kevin Foley, and Rhiannon Bolen share insights from the HousingWire AI Summit and CMBA Western Secondary Conference. The conversation covers AI adoption, technology strategy, non-QM lending growth, operational scalability, and how lenders can prepare for what comes next.KEY TAKEAWAYSInflation remains relatively stable as markets continue to monitor Federal Reserve policy and employment data.AI adoption is moving from experimentation toward practical implementation focused on efficiency and scalability.Non-QM lending, technology modernization, and lender readiness remain major industry themes.CHAPTERS00:00 Market Update: Inflation, Rates & Fed Expectations15:55 HousingWire AI Summit Recap28:30 CMBA Western Secondary Insights & Non-QM Growth39:00 Technology Adoption, AI Strategy & Industry Readiness51:50 Key Takeaways and Closing RemarksOPTIMAL INSIGHTS TEAMJim Glennon, SVP, Hedging and Trading OperationsAlex Hebner, Hedge Account ManagerJames Cahill, MSF/MSR Account ManagerKevin Foley, Director, AI LabsSPECIAL GUESTRhiannon Bolen, VP, Business DevelopmentPRODUCTION TEAMExecutive Producer: Sara HoltzProducer: Matt GilhoolyCommentary included in this podcast should not be construed as legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice. Optimal Blue does not provide legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.Mentioned in this episode:Is Your PPE Helping – or Holding You Back?Small delays can become everyday obstacles. If your team relies on workarounds, extra verification steps, or manual processes to keep loans moving, it may be time to rethink your pricing engine. Discover what a modern PPE should deliver – from real-time accuracy and intelligent automation to seamless workflow execution. Learn more today. Explore the Optimal Blue PPE - https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimalblueppe