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Mortgage Tech Partnership Aims to Streamline Broker Workflow

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. tnership-aims-to-streamline-broker-workflow.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 10:52 GMT by HousingWire
      Locales: North Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, UNITED STATES

Friday, February 20th, 2026 - A significant partnership has emerged in the mortgage technology space, with Saluda Grade, industry veteran Patrick Lo, and ABF (a leading network of mortgage brokers) joining forces to build a comprehensive, tech-enabled platform aimed at dramatically improving efficiency for mortgage brokers nationwide. The collaboration signifies a growing trend towards automation and streamlined workflows within the traditionally complex mortgage lending process.

Patrick Lo, previously a key figure at Blend, a cloud banking platform, will spearhead the technological development of the new solution. This appointment is seen as a major coup, given Lo's established expertise in building and deploying innovative fintech solutions. He brings a proven track record of simplifying complex financial processes through technology, and his leadership is expected to be crucial in navigating the challenges of integrating the new platform with existing broker systems.

Saluda Grade, recognized for its deep understanding of the mortgage industry and associated regulatory landscape, will contribute its domain expertise. This knowledge base is vital for ensuring the platform not only functions efficiently but also remains compliant with evolving lending regulations. The company has established itself as a thought leader in mortgage technology, and its contribution will be pivotal in shaping the platform's core functionality.

ABF, with its extensive network of over 2,500 mortgage brokers, provides the crucial distribution channel and real-world testing ground for the new technology. The partnership allows for rapid iteration and refinement of the platform based on direct feedback from the brokers who will ultimately be using it. This focus on user experience and practical application is expected to be a key differentiator.

Addressing the Pain Points of Mortgage Brokers

The current mortgage process is notorious for its complexity and reliance on manual data entry. Brokers often spend a significant amount of time gathering and verifying borrower information from multiple sources - a time-consuming and error-prone process. The new platform directly addresses these pain points by automating data aggregation, pulling information from various financial institutions and public records with greater speed and accuracy.

"We're building a platform to transform how mortgage brokers operate and grow their businesses," Lo stated. "Our partnership leverages ABF's extensive broker network and Saluda Grade's deep mortgage industry knowledge to deliver a truly comprehensive solution." This 'comprehensive solution' aims to be far more than just a data aggregation tool; it's envisioned as an end-to-end workflow solution that manages the entire mortgage process, from initial application to loan closing.

Real-Time Insights and Enhanced Decision-Making

Beyond automation, the platform promises to provide brokers with real-time insights derived from the aggregated data. This will enable more informed decision-making, allowing brokers to identify potential issues early on and proactively address them. The ability to quickly assess a borrower's financial profile and loan eligibility is expected to significantly reduce processing times and improve approval rates.

Sasha Kibler, CEO of ABF, emphasized the potential impact on the broker network. "We're excited to partner with Patrick and Saluda Grade to bring this innovative solution to our broker network," she said. "We believe this platform will be a game-changer for mortgage brokers, enabling them to do more with less and grow their businesses." The 'do more with less' mantra is particularly resonant in the current economic climate, where brokers are under increasing pressure to maintain profitability while serving a growing and demanding client base.

The Future of Mortgage Technology

The announcement comes at a time of rapid innovation in the fintech sector. While several companies are working to digitize the mortgage process, this partnership stands out due to the combined strengths of its participants. Lo's technological prowess, Saluda Grade's industry knowledge, and ABF's extensive broker network create a synergistic effect that is likely to accelerate development and adoption.

Industry analysts predict that platforms like this will become increasingly essential for mortgage brokers to remain competitive. The ability to leverage technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience will be critical for success in the years to come. The demand for streamlined, automated solutions is expected to continue to grow, driven by both borrower expectations and the need for lenders to optimize their operations. The platform is slated for initial beta testing with select ABF brokers in Q3 2026, with a wider rollout planned for early 2027.