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We would like to inform LoansPQ clients and those who are interested in LoansPQ of an upcoming webinar: 

Finding the right loan origination system for your bank or credit union is vital to a successful lending strategy. The implementation of that system is just as important; the setup of your system sets the course for your team and the success or failure of your financial institution’s lending goals.

When it comes to mobile devices most of us are divided into two categories, Apple or Android. And those who have an iPhone are not going to go and purchase a Galaxy watch, and in most cases probably own at least one or two other Apple products. As consumers we prefer the easier route, a streamlined and consistent user experience and less login credentials to remember.    The same concept can and should be applied to banks and credit unions, specifically to their loan and new account origination systems. The goal should be to create a consistent, sustainable, streamlined, and efficient member and customer experience. Providing a consistent user experience regardless of the product and channel, is vital to staying competitive in the industry.

Merchant lending is a simple way to increase loan volumes, create great working relationships with local businesses and help your community. We are all faced with unexpected and unavoidable expenses and financing options can be a life saver. According to Forbes, your average annual home maintenance is about 1%-4% of the purchase price, depending on the age of your home, plus unexpected expenses (Forbes). This is the perfect area to implement merchant lending at your bank or credit union, help your community live better lives when they need it the most. Today, I’d like to discuss just that, an unexpected home maintenance emergency that was saved by merchant lending through a local credit union.

There is a big difference between wearing a suit off-the rack or having one tailored to your specific shape and body type. Do the shoulders fit perfectly?  Are the sleeves the right length?  Do the lapels lay perfectly flat when the jacket is buttoned? Do the pants or skirt fit in the waist, and if so, are they too long or too short?  If your priority is only to have a wearable outfit in your closet regardless of its fit, the answers to those questions may not mean a lot to you. However, if your goal is to look ‘damn good’, impress your friends and colleagues, and really stand out from the crowd in all that gray flannel or pin-striped worsted wool, having those alterations done to perfection is probably very high on your list.   The question of fit can also be applied to the scorecards that your financial institution uses in your loan decision process. Just like suits, not one scorecard fits all.  Generic or bureau models may get the job done but a custom scorecard allows for a higher level of auto-decisioning, more analytics-based underwriting rules and more profitable loans all while keeping your institution within its risk appetites.

Several months ago, I started receiving appointment reminders for various spa services that I did not schedule. I have been at this spa previously but was certain I hadn’t booked anything in the near or distant future. The first two reminders I politely called to notify them of their mistake. I felt the messages I left were clear and concise with enough information provided to correct the error. However, when the third reminder came two days later, I became more than slightly annoyed. This time I made sure my conversation was now with a live receptionist and was much more direct and to the point. I requested that all my contact information be removed from their database. I didn’t hang up until she confirmed that it complete.  And, to be quite honest, I could have used a good neck and head massage afterward to relieve the tension the ordeal had caused me.   Automations are great and create a lot of efficiencies, but they need to be managed. Your automated processes require consistent review and auditing to regulate and keep them current. Loan origination systems are excellent examples of just this fact. They are mission critical to successful loan programs with a plethora of automated features, functionality, options, and third-party integrations and data mappings, and testing that need to be regularly maintained. Welcome to the world of the System Administrator.

LOS stands for Loan Origination System and sometimes is referred as Loan Origination Software and in a nutshell, it is a software system that enables retail Banks, Credit Unions and Credit Vendors to simplify lending. Within the loan origination system (LOS), there are features and functionality that will make or break the product. Let’s review those important features and functionalities.  

As a millennial, I’ve spent a big portion of adult life with technology that allows me to do, surprisingly, a lot from the comfort of my couch, with my iPhone in hand. It’s fascinating to see how many staple processes in our culture have been completely flipped upside down as a result of technological advances.

Several years ago, I was unexpectedly faced with the decision of buying a car. Not at all ready, I aimlessly read articles and bombarded everyone I knew with questions about their cars. And just like an internet review, the feedback was either overwhelmingly positive or negative. Through this process, I did receive one piece of great advice. Simply put, there is no perfect machine out there and not all features and factors are of equal value to everyone. It is important to identify your key needs and important features before you start the shopping and test-driving phase.

Did you catch our digital lending webinar last week with special guest Jim Marous from the Digital Banking Report? Don’t worry if you missed the webinar, you can request a link to the recording by clicking the button below. Even though Jim also spoke at our recent User Forum this spring, this webinar’s focus took things a step further as Jim outlined results of his 2019 Digital Lending Survey and content from his recently published 2019 Digital Lending Review. Following his presentation, Jim fielded a few questions from attendees, so we thought we’d share them here since his responses tie so closely to the evolving digitalization discussion so many financial institutions are having today. Here are some of the questions and Jim’s thoughts: