AI Revolutionizes Non-Bank Mortgage Lending: Insights from HFS Research and Cognizant

Core Insights - The mortgage industry is at a pivotal moment as technology, particularly AI, is set to redefine operations and value across the mortgage lifecycle, with 2025 identified as a turning point [1][2][3] Industry Challenges - Non-bank mortgage lenders are experiencing operational fatigue, regulatory pressures, and rapid technological disruptions, with many still playing defense rather than innovating [1][4] - Compliance issues are escalating, with one executive reporting over 1,700 regulatory alerts in the previous year, indicating a need for continuous compliance operations [5][7] Technological Innovations - The emergence of Agentic AI, which combines generative AI with automation, is seen as a significant driver of change in the industry, enabling more efficient and intelligent operations [6][7] - Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) is gaining traction among lenders for its quick returns, especially in environments still reliant on paper [7][8] Strategic Recommendations - A majority (74%) of non-bank lenders are focusing on innovation for differentiation, yet only 21% consider themselves true innovators, highlighting a gap in the market [7] - Lenders are encouraged to redefine outsourcing partnerships, moving beyond cost-cutting to leverage technology for platform modernization and AI deployment [14] - Automation is projected to encompass 68% of mortgage operations by 2026, indicating a shift towards integrating technology with human expertise for continuous improvement [7][8]