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: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.