Navigating the Non-QM Landscape | Market Updates | July 28, 2025

In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team delivers a timely market update and welcomes special guest Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy at Optimal Blue, for a deep dive into the evolving non-QM mortgage space. The discussion covers current economic indicators, Fed policy expectations, and the growing relevance of non-QM products in today’s lending environment. Mike breaks down the nuances of non-QM lending, including borrower profiles, pricing challenges, and hedging strategies, while offering insights into how Optimal Blue is helping lenders navigate this complex market.Key Topics:Market update: Fed meeting, trade developments, and labor dataWhat is a non-QM loan? Definitions and borrower typesDSCR and bank statement loans explainedPricing and hedging challenges in the absence of a TBA marketThe future of non-QM: investor appetite, risk, and opportunity🎧 Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.Optimal Insights Team:Jeff McCarty, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Product, Optimal BlueAlex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal BlueVimi Vasudeva, Managing Director, Optimal BlueSpecial Guest:Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy, Optimal BlueProduction Team:Executive Producer: Sara HoltzProducers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey RøiseCommentary 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: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