Fuad Nasir on AI, Risk Management & the Future of Mortgage Capital Markets Optimal Insights | 9.1.26

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, and James Cahill break down the latest market developments heading into September, including Federal Reserve expectations, inflation trends, labor force participation concerns, employment data, energy market dynamics, and what those factors could mean for mortgage capital markets professionals. Special guest Fuad Nasir also shares insights from the MISMO Fall Summit and discusses responsible AI, capital markets innovation, mortgage technology modernization, risk management, and the future of connected pricing, hedging, execution, and analytics workflows.

Key PointsJackson Hole takeaways, inflation data, and the market’s growing expectation of a potential Fed rate hike.Why labor force participation may be one of the most important indicators shaping the employment outlook and broader economy.Fuad Nasir discusses responsible AI, the MISMO FRAME initiative, and how technology can better support mortgage capital markets decision-making.

Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Mortgage Market Snapshot02:44 – Jackson Hole, Inflation & Fed Expectations07:10 – Employment Data and Labor Force Participation12:42 – CPI, PPI & Inflation Outlook14:27 – Oil Markets, Geopolitics & Energy Prices16:01 – Labor Day Hedge Positioning Reminder16:32 – Interview: Fuad Nasir Joins Optimal Insights21:14 – MISMO Fall Summit & Responsible AI Governance23:45 – How AI Creates Value in Mortgage Capital Markets25:52 – The Future of Capital Markets Technology28:38 – Connecting Pricing, Hedging, Execution & Analytics31:03 – Product Innovation, Fallout Risk & Risk Management35:44 – Closing Remarks

Optimal Insights TeamJim Glennon, SVP, Hedging and Trading OperationsAlex Hebner, Hedge Account ManagerJames Cahill, MSF/MSR Account Manager

Special GuestFuad Nasir, VP, Product Management, Hedging & Trading

Production TeamExecutive Producer: Sara HoltzProducers: Matt Gilhooly & Alex Kreuter

Commentary 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:

Get Ahead of What’s Next at Optimal Blue Summit 2027

The 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.