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 TAKEAWAYS

Inflation 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.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Market Update: Inflation, Rates & Fed Expectations

15:55 HousingWire AI Summit Recap

28:30 CMBA Western Secondary Insights & Non-QM Growth

39:00 Technology Adoption, AI Strategy & Industry Readiness

51:50 Key Takeaways and Closing Remarks

OPTIMAL INSIGHTS TEAM

Jim Glennon, SVP, Hedging and Trading OperationsAlex Hebner, Hedge Account ManagerJames Cahill, MSF/MSR Account ManagerKevin Foley, Director, AI Labs