MBA Newslink Premier Member Profile: Dark Matter Technologies

(One in a continuing series of profiles of Premier Members of the Mortgage Bankers Association.)

MBA NewsLink: Please provide a brief description of your company.

Dark Matter Technologies, formerly known as Black Knight Origination Technologies, has broken free as a nimble, groundbreaking player in origination technology. Under the leadership of accomplished industry executives, Dark Matter Technologies is on a mission to reshape mortgage origination with a relentless commitment to innovating new and existing products, including its Empower® Loan Origination Platform and AIVA® artificial intelligence solution.

The company draws its name, ‘Dark Matter,’ from the invisible force that holds the universe together. Similarly, Dark Matter Technologies aims to serve as the invisible backbone behind its clients’ mission-critical operations. Dark Matter Technologies’ highly scalable solutions are designed to uncover hidden insights, seamlessly connect to advanced capabilities and introduce advancements that push the boundaries of mortgage origination.

One of the key strengths of Dark Matter Technologies lies in its ability to combine the agility of a startup with the wisdom and experience gained over decades as a leading technology provider in the industry. Dark Matter Technologies’ team of 1,300 employees remains committed to supporting the success of its clients, an impressive roster of banks, credit unions and independent mortgage lenders that represents a significant share of industry transactions.

For more information about Dark Matter Technologies, visit https://www.dmatter.com.

MBA NewsLink: Please provide a list of key senior personnel.

Rich Gagliano, CEO

A visionary leader instrumental in the accelerated formation of Dark Matter Technologies, Rich has been recognized for his commitment to innovation and service. He challenges teams to find new ways to support the mortgage industry, from cutting-edge technology development through exceptional implementation processes and customer support.

Sean Dugan, Chief Revenue Officer

A seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Sean is a hands-on executive who listens to customers and values a variety of opinions. Leading by example, Sean’s team stresses proactive responsiveness, listening first and then proposing solutions that will resolve problems before they arise.

Peggy Milbourn, Chief Operating Officer

Peggy enjoys working with her team and clients to achieve strong partnerships, built on mutual trust and respect. With extensive experience in client satisfaction, she is focused on providing the best implementation for our clients. She has a passion for building collaborative teams with a deep understanding of mortgage processes and driving process improvement to acquire a tangible return on her clients’ investments.

Frank Poiesz, Chief Strategy Officer

Frank’s extensive experience in financial technology gives Dark Matter Technologies a true advantage in business development and strategic planning. He understands the complexities of mortgage lending and inspires teams to build the latest technologies to automate our customers’ businesses and ensure compliance.

Mike Housch, Chief Risk and Information Security Officer

Mike is a C-suite and information security veteran of two and a half decades. His unparalleled credentials and industry experience are perfectly matched to Dark Matter Technologies’ accelerated pace for unleashing the mortgage industry’s untapped potential.

MBA NewsLink: What are some key trends your company is tracking?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) strategies, including the use of conversational chatbots and intelligent digital assistants (IDA)

Cloud computing and API adoption

Profitability trends including loan production costs and cycle times

Robotic process automation (RPA) in the origination workflow

The use of business intelligence (BI) in operational decision-making

Mortgage lenders’ changing strategic priorities, both overall and with respect to tech spend

The proliferation of RON, eClosing and eNote registration

Technology-driven improvements to cycle times and loan quality

MBA NewsLink: Why did your company join the Mortgage Bankers Association?

Dark Matter Technologies is a premium member of the MBA because we see our relationship as a strategic and mutually beneficial investment.

As the largest and most influential industry association representing the housing finance sector, the MBA gives Dark Matter Technologies a seat at the table for important industry discussions and a platform for collaborating with a wide network of potential clients, partners, regulators and industry experts, which facilitates valuable connections and business opportunities. Additionally, the MBA produces a wealth of industry research, data, market insights and educational resources that help members stay updated on the latest trends, regulatory changes and best practices.

In return, Dark Matter Technologies leverages MBA’s resources and support to contribute to the vitality of the housing finance sector by bringing fresh approaches and innovation to an industry that needs it. Dark Matter Technologies is investing in the future and giving mortgage lenders a platform for progress through AI, automation and integrations.

MBA NewsLink: How has being an MBA Premier Member benefited your company?

As a longtime MBA premier member under the Black Knight name, we enjoyed the numerous benefits enumerated above, including advocacy and representation, networking opportunities, market intelligence, educational resources and more. As Dark Matter Technologies, we look forward to enjoying those same benefits that have positively impacted our standing in the mortgage industry.

(MBA Premier Member Profiles are provided by the Mortgage Bankers Association and MBA NewsLink as a service to MBA Premier Members. Publication does not constitute an endorsement of a particular company, product or service. For more information about the MBA Premier Member program, contact Brad Padratzik, MBA Director of Associate Membership, at bpadratzik@mba.org or call 202/557-2779.)