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Which Mortgage Conferences Are Worth Your Money in 2026?
Risk & Roll Podcast · Episode Recap The Risk & Roll panel breaks down their fall conference calendars, the pay-to-play speaker problem, panel diversity, and why some of the best ROI happens in the lobby. It's September, which means conference season is in full swing. The Risk & Roll crew went around the room on where they're headed, why they chose those events over others, and what they've learned about getting actual value out of mortgage industry conferences. The conversati
Ren Reed
Sep 46 min read


Should Anyone Touch TRID? The Risk & Roll Panel on the CFPB's Request for Comments
Risk & Roll Podcast · Episode Recap Six industry groups said, "Don't touch it." The compliance professionals who live inside it every day mostly agree. Here's why. Earlier this year, Executive Order 14393 directed federal agencies to look at ways to reduce the cost of homebuying. The CFPB responded by opening a request for information on TRID, the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule that governs mortgage disclosure timelines. Comments closed recently, and the Risk & Roll pa
Ren Reed
Sep 45 min read


Fannie Mae Just Mandated AI Governance for Mortgage Lenders. Is Your Shop Ready?
Fannie Mae just issued the first AI governance mandate for mortgage lenders. The Risk & Roll panel breaks down what Lender Letter 2026-04 requires, what the fair lending implications are, and why the lenders building governance frameworks now will be ahead when the next round of rules hits.
Ren Reed
Sep 45 min read


FICO vs. VantageScore 4: What the GSE Credit Score Data Drop Actually Means for Lenders
Fannie and Freddie just released counterfactual data on 53 million loans. Greg Oliven walked the Risk & Roll panel through what it shows, and the answers were more nuanced than most people expected. Credit score modernization has been in motion since 2018, and after years of slow rolling, the GSEs just dropped a significant piece of the puzzle: a loan-level counterfactual data set covering 53 million loans over 12 years, showing what would have happened if lenders had been us
Ren Reed
Jul 145 min read


Can Lenders Ask About Immigration Status? Breaking Down the ATR Executive Order
The 2025 HMDA data is out and Polygon Research already dug in. Greg Oliven joins the Risk & Roll crew to break down what the numbers say about double-digit market growth, the second lien surge, rising non-QM lending, and early delinquency signals that lenders should be paying attention to heading into 2026.
Ren Reed
Jun 305 min read


2025 HMDA Data Deep Dive: Growth, Second Liens, Non-QM, and the Affordability Pressure Lenders Should Be Watching
The 2025 HMDA data is out and Polygon Research already dug in. Greg Oliven joins the Risk & Roll crew to break down what the numbers say about double-digit market growth, the second lien surge, rising non-QM lending, and early delinquency signals that lenders should be paying attention to heading into 2026.
Ren Reed
Jun 245 min read


What Should Small Lenders Fix First? A Compliance Priority Framework (Expert Panel)
In this episode of Risk and Roll, the panel tackles a simple but loaded question: if you had to tell a small or mid-sized lender to focus on three things, what would they be?
Ren Reed
May 63 min read


NMLS Continuing Education Deadlines by State 2026
If you're a licensed mortgage loan originator, there's one date you can't afford to miss every year: your NMLS CE deadline. Miss it and your license goes inactive. No active license means no originating loans, no closings, and no commission. This guide breaks down every deadline you need to know for 2026—the standard cutoff, the SMART deadline, the states with early deadlines, and what happens if you cut it too close. What Is the NMLS CE Deadline For most states, the NMLS con
Ren Reed
Apr 68 min read


AI in Mortgage: The Promise, the Peril, and the $900K Wake-Up Call
Risk & Roll Podcast — Episode 4 Artificial intelligence isn't coming to the mortgage industry, it's already here. But how lenders, compliance officers, and originators respond to it will determine whether AI becomes their greatest efficiency tool or their most dangerous liability. In this episode of Risk & Roll, our panel of mortgage compliance veterans and industry experts gathered to unpack the real state of AI in lending: what's working, what's risky, and what one Los Ange
Ren Reed
Mar 56 min read


Non-QM Is Back (and It’s Not 2008)
Risk & Roll Podcast — Episode 3 Non-QM is having a moment again. If your inbox looks anything like Nathan’s, it’s basically “NON-QM!!” in 48-point font, three times a day. So Episode 3 is a grounded conversation about what that actually means in 2026: what non-QM is (and isn’t), why it’s growing, what the data says, and where the real risk shows up—credit, legal exposure, or operational sloppiness. Listen to the full episode or skim the summary below: Non-QM in plain Englis
Ren Reed
Feb 115 min read


Mortgage Myths That Slow Lenders Down (and How to Fix Them)
In Episode 2, the crew trades “truth vs. lie” for mortgage myths - the assumptions that quietly wreck operations, compliance, and growth.
Ren Reed
Feb 114 min read


Mortgage Compliance in 2026: Ten Predictions for BSA/AML, State Exams, Marketing Rules, and AI Risks (Expert Panel)
Mortgage compliance isn’t getting simpler in 2026. In this expert panel, we cover what’s changing, what’s getting riskier, and what lenders should prioritize across BSA/AML, state exams, marketing compliance, private lending, AI, and mortgage market data.
Ren Reed
Jan 203 min read


Effective Online Mortgage Loan Originator Training
Alright, let’s get real for a second. If you’re diving into the world of mortgage loans, you know it’s not just about crunching numbers and signing papers. It’s about mastering the craft, understanding the rules, and staying sharp in a fast-moving industry. That’s where online MLO training comes in. It’s your secret weapon to not just survive but thrive as a mortgage loan originator. Whether you’re fresh on the scene or a seasoned pro looking to up your game, this post is pa
Nathan Knottingham
Nov 26, 20254 min read


Meeting Mortgage Licensing Requirements Made Simple
Alright, so you’re ready to dive into the world of mortgage lending. Fantastic! But before you start helping folks buy their dream homes,...
Nathan Knottingham
Oct 29, 20254 min read


Comprehensive Overview of Mortgage Broker Training
Starting a career as a mortgage broker can feel like stepping into a maze. There’s a lot to learn, and the stakes are high. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the mortgage world or looking to sharpen your skills, understanding broker training courses is your first big step. Let’s break it down together, in a way that’s easy to digest and maybe even a little fun. What Are Broker Training Courses All About? So, what exactly are broke
Nathan Knottingham
Oct 23, 20254 min read


A Deep Dive into Loan Originator Training
Starting a career in mortgage lending? Or maybe you’re looking to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve? Either way, understanding the ins and outs of loan originator training is your golden ticket. Trust me, it’s not just about ticking boxes or passing tests. It’s about building confidence, mastering the craft, and ultimately helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership. So, buckle up! We’re diving deep into everything you need to know about loan training e
Nathan Knottingham
Oct 23, 20253 min read


MLO Education Requirements: What You Need to Know
So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of mortgage loan origination, huh? Or maybe you’re already in the game and want to make sure you’re ticking all the right boxes. Either way, understanding the MLO education guidelines is a must. It’s not just about passing some tests and calling it a day. Nope, it’s about setting yourself up for success with the right knowledge, credentials, and ongoing learning. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to digest, maybe even fu
Nathan Knottingham
Oct 17, 20255 min read


Understanding Mortgage Loan Originator Training Programs
So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of mortgage loans? Or maybe you’re already in the game and want to sharpen your skills? Either way, understanding mortgage training basics is a smart move. It’s like learning the ropes before you climb the ladder — except this ladder leads to helping people buy homes and making some serious career strides. Let’s break down what mortgage loan originator training programs are all about, why they matter, and how you can make the mo
Nathan Knottingham
Oct 16, 20254 min read


Navigating NMLS Licensing Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’re ready to dive into the world of mortgage loan origination? Awesome! But before you start helping folks buy their dream homes, there’s a little thing called the NMLS license you need to tackle. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. I’m here to walk you through the nmls license steps with a smile and maybe a joke or two. Let’s get you licensed and ready to roll! Getting started with NMLS licensing paperwork Breaking Down the NMLS License Steps Alright, first
Nathan Knottingham
Oct 16, 20254 min read


Exploring MLO CE Online: Convenient Learning Solutions
Let’s be honest. Keeping up with continuing education as a Mortgage Loan Originator can sometimes feel like a chore. You’ve got deadlines, clients, and a million other things pulling your attention every which way. But what if I told you there’s a way to make your required learning not just bearable, but actually convenient and maybe even a little fun? Yep, I’m talking about online MLO CE courses that fit your schedule, your pace, and your style. Whether you’re a seasoned pr
Nathan Knottingham
Oct 16, 20254 min read
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