One-On-One With New Snapdocs CEO Michael Sachdev

Michael Sachdev was recently promoted from president to chief executive officer at Snapdocs and he says his secret to success is being a lifelong learner. The California-based company powers millions of digital closings each year by combining an open platform, patented AI technology, a settlement network, and a team of industry professionals to enable lenders and title companies to automate the process, according to a press release. In his new role, Sachdev succeeds the company’s founder, Aaron King, who is taking on the role of executive chairman. As CEO, Sachdev will oversee all company operations and business strategy, with input and oversight from the company’s board. Sachdev recently sat down with editor Kimberley Haas to talk about the promotion and…

Ross McWilliams To Lead Ameris Homebuilder Division

Ross McWilliams has been promoted to EVP and managing director of Ameris Bank’s Homebuilder Division, according to a press release. Ameris provides loans and banking services for new home construction, including construction financing, builder lines of credit, and residential builder financing. “Like all sectors, the homebuilder industry is facing unique challenges,” McWilliams said. “As I take on this role, I am laser-focused on working with our team to tailor solutions to each customer’s particular needs.” Prior to his promotion, Ross served as SVP and Regional Production Manager for Ameris. His other experience includes leadership positions at Fidelity Bank, Park Avenue Bank, and Bank of America. “Ross McWilliams has more than 15 years of experience with Ameris Bank and 30 years…

NewDay USA Named In 2023 Citizens Awards

Fintech NewDay USA has been named a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2023 Citizens Awards, honoring businesses devoted to positively impacting lives across the globe. NewDay, a VA mortgage lender, was nominated in the Best Corporate Steward: Small and Middle Market Business category for its commitment to veterans and their families in the homebuying process. The company helps veterans navigate their VA home loan benefits in order to make informed financial decisions as they search for a home. At the same time, its nonprofit arm, the NewDay USA Foundation, provides educational scholarships to children of vets across the country. They also support organizations such as the Medal of Honor Foundation, Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, the…

Lendesk Launches Lender Spotlight AI Assistant

Leaders at Lendesk Technologies have announced a new product for Canadian brokers which finds mortgage options from lenders that fit the specific needs of clients. The Lender Spotlight AI Assistant can sift through a database containing thousands of mortgage policies from lenders across Canada. According to a press release, the new technology will enable brokers to focus on building relationships with clients while offering them expert guidance. “Lender Spotlight AI Assistant is set to propel the mortgage industry into the age of artificial intelligence, with an initial focus on simplifying the complexities of mortgage policies. The tool offers unmatched insights, enabling mortgage brokers to swiftly identify policies ideally suited to their clients’ specific needs. Instead of spending hours sifting through…

Kara Lamphere Returns To Click n’ Close As COO

Wholesale and correspondent lender Click n’ Close has hired Kara Lamphere as Chief Operating Officer, the company announced in a press release. “Kara is a powerhouse, and we are thrilled to have her back as part of our executive team to help guide our continued growth and success,” said Click n’ Close Owner and CEO Jeff Bode. “There is a lot on the horizon for us as an organization, and adding Kara to our team of experts is imperative to accelerating Click n’ Close’s growth, especially for our SmartBuy down payment assistance product suite.” Lamphere brings more than two decades of experience to the role, holding leadership positions at companies such as Guaranteed Rate, InterLinc Mortgage, CMG Financial, and Prime…

Peach To Add AI Tech To Lending Platform

Loan management and servicing platform Peach Finance has joined forces with Google Cloud to produce new AI-driven technology, the company announced in a press release. “Peach has leveraged Google Cloud from day one, benefiting from Google Cloud’s experience running safe, performant, and secure cloud infrastructure. With AI, Google Cloud has applied the same security and safety principles, allowing Peach to securely and safely use AI to enhance our lenders’ capabilities. Lender data will never be used to train Google Cloud AI models, and cannot be accessed by Google Cloud,” said Peach CTO Eran Sandler. Peach offers loan management, payment processing, CRM, reporting, and compliance monitoring, as well as borrower and agent portals. Its Self-Service Portfolio Migration capability is a stand…

Cari Gordon Named Fay Financial CAO

Cari Gordon has been named Chief Audit Officer of Fay Financial, the company announced in a press release. In her new position, Gordon will oversee the strategy and operations of Fay’s Internal Audit team and its risk-based audit plan, ensuring the company is on top of its game in the rapidly changing market. “I’m immensely excited about joining Fay. Everyone from my team up through the senior executive level has extensive experience within the mortgage industry, and I look forward to working with such a talented team with so much depth,” Gordon said. She brings more than a decade of auditing experience and nearly thirty years of financial industry experience to the role. Most recently, Gordon served as Internal Audit…

New Blend Offering Targets IMBs

Banking platform Blend is betting on IMBs with its latest offering, a bare-bones, low-cost product for small lenders. Blend IMB Essentials, a stripped-down version of Blend’s mortgage suite, provides the features necessary for retail independent mortgage banks to succeed in today’s market. Small lenders can pay for just the features most critical to their banking needs, reducing the cost burden of cloud banking technology. IMB Essentials includes Blend’s famous application process, soft credit pulls for cost savings, hard credit pulls, automated conditions management, and real-time loan pricing and scenarios. Customers whose businesses grow can also easily scale up to Blend’s full offering later. “This is a historic time for our industry. The mortgage market is grappling with the effects of…

Stephen Thomas Launches Minority-Owned Correspondent Lender

Industry powerhouse Stephen Thomas is spearheading a new minority-owned national correspondent lender, FutureWave Finance. FuturWave partners with investors to offer lenders a future-focused product suite aimed at expanding homeownership across the U.S. It offers government, conventional, and low-balance loans, plus jumbo, non-QM residential, and non-QM business purpose loans. Its industry partners include Ginnie Mae​, Freddie Mac, Optimal Blue​, ICE Mortgage Technology, The Fay Group, Loan Central, and SitusAMC. “I’ve known Steve Thomas a long time and if anyone can deliver the leadership and drive to change the mortgage industry and provide homeownership opportunities, it’s Steve. He knows this business inside and out and is deeply involved in the housing industry,” Julie Joseforsky, President of Financial Services at Fay Financial, said.…

Schuyler Vaughan Joins First Federal KC As VP, Mortgage Banking

Schuyler Vaughan is joining First Federal Bank of Kansas City as its Senior VP of Mortgage Banking, the bank announced in a press release. In his new role, Vaughan will spearhead First Federal’s mortgage division with an eye toward innovative strategies for strengthening and expanding lending. He is tasked with sculpting a strong lending team and leading mortgage customer acquisition programs. “The path to homeownership is a possibility for most, whether today or in the near future. I aim to help mortgage professionals educate and assist more customers in making that dream a reality,” said Vaughan.  “I am very excited to join an organization like First Federal Bank of Kansas City, which has always prioritized the value of homeownership.” Vaughan…