Fintech PR
Finastra showcases strategies for lending growth and compliance at its User Connect series
Takeaways from the events highlight why an end-to-end technology stack is key to unlocking innovation for mortgage and lending teams at community banks and credit unions
LAKE MARY, Fla., Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Finastra, a global provider of financial software applications and marketplaces, brought together leaders from community banks and credit unions across the United States to discuss innovation in lending technology, operational and strategic initiatives, and trends in mortgage and retail lending. The series, open to current Finastra lending customers, was hosted in Chicago, Orlando, Dallas, and Scottsdale from September through mid-November.
With presentations from Lending business unit product and compliance experts, various financial institutions, and industry partners, User Connect explores how financial institutions can maximize their fintech solutions, offering strategies for achieving increased growth, productivity, and compliance readiness.
“User Connect is a unique opportunity to come together with customers and ecosystem partners to share ideas and best practices,” said Mitch Lucas, head of retail lending at Finastra. “Insights from the event are invaluable, and we look forward to conversations like this throughout the year so that we can enable more seamless customer journeys and more productive time to revenue for lending teams across the US.”
Throughout the series, several significant takeaways were highlighted:
1. Optimization of tech stack is key: To generate leads more quickly and easily, nurture these leads, and increase chances to convert them to being a customer, a modern end-to-end tech stack is crucial. If a borrower encounters any technical obstacles from application through the onboarding process, the risk of losing the lead to a competitor increases significantly.
2. Automation and streamlined processes address operational challenges: To process loans quickly and underwrite more efficiently, leveraging integrated services, embracing workflow automation, and utilizing document management for a paperless loan file eliminates many operational challenges. Systems that migrate borrower information from the point-of-sale to the loan origination system automatically reduce human error, decrease incidences of regulatory compliance issues, and speeds up prequalification, approvals, and processing times. Research from Finastra and East & Partners supports this takeaway, noting that lending process automation remains a major area for improvement, with significant room for growth in approvals, closing, origination, and servicing. 11% of respondents said they utilize automated approvals, while just 10% offer automated loan closing processes. Even fewer respondents have succeeded with origination and servicing automation, at 7% and 6% respectively.
3. Importance of readiness for increased loan applications: According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the mortgage origination market is expected to improve by 19% to $1.95T in 2024, a rebound after the estimated 30% drop from 2022 to 2023 and 50% fall from 2021 to 2022. While volume has significantly slowed, lenders must be ready for an uptick in applications, so they do not lose leads to competitors. Financial institutions can prepare by investing in scalable technologies, setting up parameters for automatic prequalification, focusing on personalized experiences, and building self-service portals for document management.
4. Section 1071 is looming, and financial institutions need to be ready: Although Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act is currently wrapped up in ongoing litigation, borrowers and compliance experts agree preparation is important. Users throughout the series were polled and noted that banks and credit unions are paying close attention in order to train staff and align processes. Attendees agreed that since commercial lending practices are often challenging to implement, preparing early is critical should the litigation fail.
5. Supporting younger generations on their homebuying journey: According to a presentation from David Lykken, chief transformational officer at Transformational Mortgage Solutions, the typical American dream of home ownership has not gone away, but younger buyers are struggling to break into the market, noting that people aged 28-38 have only a 28.87% rate of home ownership. When rates decrease, an increase in this number is expected, but planning is important. Brian Bone, president and CEO at American Partners Federal Credit Union stated during a panel discussion, “My kids are very concerned about their ability to buy a home. We as an industry need to do everything we can to help them, whether that means credit coaching, down payment assistance, or other programs. This also includes ensuring we offer the best of both worlds – the human touch of financial services with a technology stack suitable for their needs.”
Brian Bone added, “The User Connect series in Orlando was a valuable experience for me and my credit union. I learned a lot from Finastra’s experts and partners. I also appreciated the opportunity to network with other financial institutions and share best practices. Finastra’s User Connect series is a great event for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve in the lending industry.”
About Finastra
Finastra is a global provider of financial software applications and marketplaces, and launched the leading open platform for innovation, FusionFabric.cloud, in 2017. It serves institutions of all sizes, providing award-winning software solutions and services across Lending, Payments, Treasury & Capital Markets and Universal Banking (Retail, Digital and Commercial Banking) for banks to support direct banking relationships and grow through indirect channels, such as embedded finance and Banking as a Service. Its pioneering approach and commitment to open finance and collaboration is why it is trusted by more than 8,000 institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finastra-showcases-strategies-for-lending-growth-and-compliance-at-its-user-connect-series-302005720.html
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets has been honored with “Best Range of Markets” award for 2025 by Compare Forex Brokers, a leading authority in evaluating trading platforms. This accolade reflects Vantage’s commitment to offering an unparalleled range of tradable instruments, leverage options and suitability for diverse trading strategies while maintaining transparency, trust, and innovation.
Justin Grossbard, CEO and Head of Research at Compare Forex Brokers, commended Vantage for setting industry benchmarks, “Your commitment to providing a seamless trading experience, supported by innovative technology and a customer-focused approach, is truly commendable. Trust is at the heart of our industry, and Vantage Markets has continually set the benchmark for integrity and professionalism.”
The recognition celebrates Vantage’s dedication to offering a wide array of CFD markets, empowering traders with flexibility and choice. This includes forex, commodities, indices, shares, ETFs, and bonds CFDs, ensuring clients have access to diverse trading opportunities supported by cutting-edge tools and a robust platform.
Marc Despallieres, Chief Strategy & Trading Officer at Vantage, expressed gratitude for the award, “Winning the ‘Best Range of Markets’ award from Compare Forex Brokers is a proud moment for us. It underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional trading experiences through innovation and trust. This achievement reflects the hard work of our team and the trust our clients place in us. We remain committed to pushing boundaries and providing our global community with unparalleled opportunities.”
As Vantage continues to evolve, the company is focused on maintaining its position as a leader in the trading industry by expanding its offerings, advancing technology, and fostering transparency.
For more information about Vantage Markets and its award-winning services, visit Vantage Markets.
About Vantage
Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.
With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.
trade smarter @vantage
RISK WARNING: CFD trading carries significant risks. You could lose more than your initial investment.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2597258/Vantage_Markets_Wins_Best_Range_Markets_Award_Compare_Forex_Brokers.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2506103/Vantage_15_Logo_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vantage-markets-wins-best-range-of-markets-award-from-compare-forex-brokers-2025-302350107.html
New research shows connectivity overtakes pricing and amenities when making leasing decisions for office space.
LONDON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A recent study commissioned by Boldyn Networks (Boldyn) reveals that Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity are among the most important considerations for business leaders when choosing their next premises. The report ‘Location. Location. Connectivity.’ surveyed over 2,000 business leaders across the US and UK and found that connectivity now outranks price and amenities when it comes to leasing decisions. While location still ranks as the top factor, Wi-Fi connectivity is a close second, followed by cellular connectivity. And with a staggering number of business leaders (79% in the US/77% in the UK) looking to move to a new building within the next five years, these findings reflect the growing importance of reliable connectivity for commercial tenants.
The significance of connectivity extends beyond just leasing decisions. The report also reveals that four in five business leaders surveyed believe that seamless connectivity has a direct impact on employee productivity. In fact, connectivity is so important to day-to-day operations that nearly every respondent (96% US/94% UK) said they’re willing to pay more in rent to get more robust and reliable connectivity at their premises.
“To meet tenants’ connectivity expectations, today’s leading property owners are prioritizing network infrastructure. Exceptional connectivity fuels business operations, enhances productivity, and boosts employee satisfaction,” stated Jason Caliento, Chief Commercial Officer, US. “At Boldyn we are proud to collaborate with visionary real estate owners and developers across the country who understand the value of investing in advanced network solutions. Together, we design, build, and operate customized network solutions that cater to their unique connectivity needs for the long term.”
The demand for smart building technologies is also on the rise. Nine out of ten US and UK business leaders agree that smart building systems would be good for their business and would improve the tenant experience.
The global smart building market is expected to reach $568.02 billion by 2032,
driven by the need for sustainable, tech-enabled spaces. With real estate responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions, smart technologies—reliant on robust connectivity—will play a crucial role in creating a greener future.
“With the UK driving towards all new buildings being net-zero by 2030, smarter, connected buildings will become a significant way for business leaders to reduce their carbon footprint, optimize energy use and improve operational efficiency” said Gearoid Collins, Commercial Director, Real Estate, Enterprise, Windfarms, UK & Ireland. “And employee expectations are changing towards smart and sustainable workplaces. We’re placing great emphasis on ensuring that business connectivity can support new services and applications that will change how we work today and tomorrow.”
Read Boldyn’s report here: Location. Location. Connectivity.
Read the full press release here.
Media Contact:
[email protected]
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2141806/Boldyn_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/connectivity-emerges-as-a-top-priority-when-selecting-commercial-real-estate-302349569.html
Fintech PR
Thunes and Hyperwallet, a PayPal Service, Expand Payout Access for Merchants Across Asia-Pacific
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 14 January 2025 – Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today welcomes Hyperwallet, a PayPal service for global payouts, as a Member of Thunes’ Direct Global Network. As part of this network, Hyperwallet customers can quickly and reliably send money in real-time to more than 450 million mobile wallets and bank accounts across Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam[i].
According to a 2024 report by Deloitte on cross-border payments, the Asia Pacific region makes up nearly 70% of global digital wallet spend. With this new alliance, Hyperwallet can help its expansive global merchant base, including some of the world’s best-known ride-hailing super apps, marketplaces and social media platforms, offer customers their preferred method of access to funds.
Floris de Kort, CEO of Thunes, said: “Welcoming PayPal’s Hyperwallet into our Direct Global Network underscores our ability to provide powerful new capabilities to top-tier fintechs. With our extensive network that directly, transparently and dependably connects to over 7 billion bank accounts and mobile wallets worldwide, combined with our SmartX Treasury System and our Fortress Compliance Platform, Thunes is uniquely positioned to support Hyperwallet to increase its reach in fast growing geographies to enhance its cross-border payment services.”
Payout preferences for consumers vary widely across the APAC region depending on banking penetration, the proliferation of real-time payment schemes and the usage of digital wallets in each market. Thunes recently released “From Cash to QR Codes: Unpacking Southeast Asia’s Diverse Payments Culture,” exploring the region’s evolving payment landscape and showcasing digital wallet payment adoption rates of over 30% in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia.
About Thunes:
Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods, such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay and many more. Thunes’ Direct Global Network differentiates itself through its worldwide reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally. Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network include gig economy giants like Uber and Deliveroo, super-apps like Grab and WeChat, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs and banks. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 14 locations, including Abidjan, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/
[i] To date, this is currently live in Korea, with additional markets to light up in 2025.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/thunes-and-hyperwallet-a-paypal-service-expand-payout-access-for-merchants-across-asia-pacific-302349236.html
-
Fintech7 days agoAsian Financial Forum held next week as the region’s first major international financial assembly of 2025
-
Fintech PR7 days agoOWIT Global Provides Alternative Delivery Models that Adapt to the Continuously Evolving Data Security Demands of the Industry
-
Fintech PR4 days agoHTX 2025 Outlook: Five Sectors to Look Forward to, and How Trump’s Policy Will Affect Crypto Industry
-
Fintech PR4 days agoNovo Holdings invests in $200M Series A for Windward Bio launch to advance long-acting treatments for asthma and COPD
-
Fintech PR4 days agoAZZURRI GROUP LAUNCHES ITS 2024 SUSTAINABLE DINING REPORT AND ACHIEVES FURTHER REDCUTIONS IN CARBON EMISSIONS
-
Fintech PR4 days agoFintech nsave launches investment platform, offering people from distressed economies protection from inflation with compliant and safe investments abroad
-
Fintech PR4 days agoAmrop, a Leading Global Executive Search and Leadership Consulting Firm, Announces New Office in Japan
-
Fintech PR4 days ago2024 Marks Breakout Year for China’s ETF Market with Unprecedented Growth