The Mortgage Collaborative: Survey Highlights Growth, Technology as Priorities in 2026
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The Mortgage Collaborative, San Diego, released results from its Pulse of the Network survey, finding that business growth and development and technology implementation and cost reduction are key themes for the industry.
When asked to rank themes by importance, respondents put business development and volume at No. 1, technology implementation and cost reduction at No. 2, operational efficiency and people management at No. 3, secondary market revenue at No. 4 and compliance and audits at No. 5.
The most frequently cited growth strategies include expanding product offerings such as non-QM and alternative products, increasing use of down payment assistance programs and strengthening relationships with realtors and builders.
As for technology implementation, respondents pointed to digital closing tools, AI-powered platforms (including Agentic AI and voice-based tools) and API integrations. Generally, lenders are looking for technology that reduces manual effort and improves borrower communication.
Looking at human resources and operations, respondents pointed to focuses including metrics-driven approaches to making sure the right people are in the right roles and investing in leadership development and engagement.
Respondents are looking for revenue diversification, report looking to strengthen post-close processes as a top priority, and want to expand investor relationships and reduce dependence on single-pricing sources.
The focus is also on the long term, the survey found, with 55% of respondents saying they prioritize growth over immediate profitability.
Despite the relatively lower ranking, compliance and audit readiness continue to present significant complexity, the report found, with fraud prevention and cybersecurity the highest areas of concern. Data privacy and secure information handling, increased regulatory complexity at the state level and challenges with managing AI were also noted.
The survey reflects insights from 38 member organizations, including independent mortgage banks and depository institutions.
