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Market Pulse, Global Headlines & Behind the Scenes of the Optimal Blue Hackathon | Optimal Insights | June 23, 2025
Description
The Fed, Iran, and... wait, what's a hackathon?
In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and Kevin Foley discuss the Fed’s cautious stance on interest rates, labor market signals, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Later in the episode, Jim Glennon and Kevin Foley explore the outcomes of Optimal Blue’s recent hackathon with special guest, Optimal Blue CTO Seever Sulaiman, highlighting how innovation and AI are shaping the company’s future.
Notable Insights:
- The Fed remains in “wait and see” mode, with cautious language around tariffs and inflation.
- Despite high rates, mortgage volume remains strong, even for refis.
- The hackathon showcased Optimal Blue’s top-tier AI adoption, tech innovation, and deep partnership with Microsoft.
- Ideas ranged from internal process automation to revolutionary product concepts.
Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.
Optimal Insights Team:
- Jim Glennon, VP of Hedging & Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
- Jeff McCarty, VP of Hedging & Trading Product, Optimal Blue
- Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
- Kevin Foley, Director of Product Management, Optimal Blue
Special Guest:
- Seever Sulaiman, CTO, Optimal Blue
Production Team:
- Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
- Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Boyer
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:
Lock Loans on the Go – Mobile Locking in the Optimal Blue Mobile App
Traditional loan locking slows decisions and ties you to a desk, but borrowers expect instant answers. Optimal Blue’s Mobile Locking changes the game. With our native iOS and Android app, loan officers can access their pipeline, run pricing, and lock loans anytime, anywhere – fast, secure, and accurate. No delays. No extra cost. Just seamless mobility that enhances the borrower experience. Download the Optimal Blue Mobile App today and start locking loans on the go.
Optimal Blue Study - MarketWise Advisors
Mortgage capital markets decisions have a direct impact on lender profitability, efficiency, and risk management. To better understand that impact, Optimal Blue commissioned an independent ROI study with MarketWise Advisors, analyzing data from hundreds of mortgage lenders, including banks, credit unions, and independent mortgage banks. The Optimal Blue ROI Study highlights consistent gains in operational efficiency, pricing accuracy, and financial performance for lenders using Optimal Blue technology. Key findings include an average $1,006 net financial benefit per loan, nearly 45% greater operational capacity, and strong return on investment reported by PPE clients, with results consistent across lender types. The full 2026 Optimal Blue ROI Study will be released in May and provides a data‑driven look at how mortgage capital markets technology can support better execution and decision‑making. 👉 Sign up to be notified when the full report is released: OptimalBlue.com/2026-study