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First National Bank of Fort Smith Partners with Blend to Streamline their Mortgage Lending and HELOC Businesses

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First National Bank of Fort Smith and its divisions have partnered with Blend, a digital banking solutions platform, to streamline their mortgage and HELOC application processes. The partnership aims to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in loan origination. FNB Mortgage implemented Blend's platform in under six weeks, allowing for quick adoption of features like online document uploads, electronic disclosures, and automatic reminders. Ross Mallioux, Director of Mortgage Lending for FNB, emphasized the importance of automation and instant verifications in providing competitive pricing. Nima Ghamsari, Co-Founder of Blend, highlighted the platform's ability to help institutions execute quickly and with high quality.

Il First National Bank di Fort Smith e le sue divisioni hanno collaborato con Blend, una piattaforma di soluzioni bancarie digitali, per semplificare i loro processi di richiesta di mutui e HELOC. Questa partnership mira a migliorare l'efficienza e la redditività nella concessione di prestiti. FNB Mortgage ha implementato la piattaforma di Blend in meno di sei settimane, consentendo un'adozione rapida di funzionalità come il caricamento di documenti online, le divulgazioni elettroniche e i promemoria automatici. Ross Mallioux, direttore dei prestiti ipotecari per FNB, ha sottolineato l'importanza dell'automazione e delle verifiche istantanee per offrire prezzi competitivi. Nima Ghamsari, co-fondatore di Blend, ha evidenziato la capacità della piattaforma di aiutare le istituzioni ad operare in modo rapido e di alta qualità.

El First National Bank de Fort Smith y sus divisiones se han asociado con Blend, una plataforma de soluciones bancarias digitales, para agilizar sus procesos de solicitud de hipotecas y HELOC. La alianza tiene como objetivo mejorar la eficiencia y la rentabilidad en la origination de préstamos. FNB Mortgage implementó la plataforma de Blend en menos de seis semanas, lo que permite una rápida adopción de características como la carga de documentos en línea, las divulgaciones electrónicas y los recordatorios automáticos. Ross Mallioux, Director de Préstamos Hipotecarios de FNB, enfatizó la importancia de la automatización y las verificaciones instantáneas para ofrecer precios competitivos. Nima Ghamsari, cofundador de Blend, destacó la capacidad de la plataforma para ayudar a las instituciones a ejecutar rápidamente y con alta calidad.

포트스미스의 퍼스트 내셔널 은행과 그 부서는 Blend와 협력하여 모기지 및 HELOC 신청 프로세스를 간소화했습니다. 이 파트너십은 대출 원가 효율성과 효율성을 향상시키는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. FNB 모기지6주 이내에 Blend의 플랫폼을 구현하여 온라인 문서 업로드, 전자 공시 및 자동 알림과 같은 기능을 신속하게 도입할 수 있게 되었습니다. FNB의 모기지 대출 이사인 로스 말리옥스는 경쟁력 있는 가격을 제공하기 위해 자동화 및 즉각적인 확인의 중요성을 강조했습니다. Blend의 공동 창립자인 니마 감사리는 이 플랫폼이 기관들이 신속하고 높은 품질로 실행할 수 있도록 돕는 능력을 강조했습니다.

La First National Bank de Fort Smith et ses divisions se sont associées à Blend, une plateforme de solutions bancaires numériques, pour rationaliser leurs processus de demande de prêts hypothécaires et HELOC. Ce partenariat vise à améliorer l'efficacité et la rentabilité de l'octroi de prêts. FNB Mortgage a mis en œuvre la plateforme de Blend en moins de six semaines, permettant une adoption rapide de fonctionnalités telles que le téléchargement de documents en ligne, les divulgations électroniques et les rappels automatiques. Ross Mallioux, directeur des prêts hypothécaires pour FNB, a souligné l'importance de l'automatisation et des vérifications instantanées pour offrir des prix compétitifs. Nima Ghamsari, cofondateur de Blend, a mis en avant la capacité de la plateforme à aider les institutions à agir rapidement et avec une grande qualité.

Die First National Bank von Fort Smith und ihre Abteilungen haben sich mit Blend, einer Plattform für digitale Banklösungen, zusammengetan, um die Hypotheken- und HELOC-Antragsprozesse zu optimieren. Ziel dieser Partnerschaft ist es, die Effizienz und Kostenwirksamkeit der Kreditvergabe zu verbessern. FNB Mortgage setzte die Plattform von Blend in weniger als sechs Wochen um und ermöglichte eine schnelle Einführung von Funktionen wie dem Online-Dokumenten-Upload, elektronischen Offenlegungen und automatischen Erinnerungen. Ross Mallioux, Direktor für Hypothekenfinanzierung bei FNB, betonte die Bedeutung von Automatisierung und sofortigen Überprüfungen zur Bereitstellung wettbewerbsfähiger Preise. Nima Ghamsari, Mitgründer von Blend, hob die Fähigkeit der Plattform hervor, Institutionen bei der schnellen und qualitativ hochwertigen Ausführung zu unterstützen.

Positive
  • Partnership with Blend to streamline mortgage and HELOC application processes
  • Rapid implementation of Blend's platform in under 6 weeks
  • Automation of core application processes to control loan origination costs
  • Enhanced efficiency in document handling and customer communication
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The partnership between First National Bank of Fort Smith (FNB) and Blend represents a significant technological upgrade for FNB's mortgage and HELOC operations. This move is likely to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, which could positively impact FNB's bottom line.

The rapid six-week implementation is particularly noteworthy, as it demonstrates Blend's ability to quickly integrate its solutions, potentially allowing FNB to realize benefits sooner. The focus on instant verifications and automated processes could lead to faster loan processing times and improved customer satisfaction.

However, investors should consider that while this partnership may improve competitiveness, it's part of a broader industry trend towards digital lending solutions. The actual financial impact and return on investment will need to be closely monitored in future earnings reports to assess the true value of this technological adoption.

FNB's partnership with Blend is a strategic move in the competitive banking landscape. By streamlining mortgage and HELOC applications, FNB is positioning itself to capture market share in a challenging real estate environment. The emphasis on cost control through automation is crucial, especially given the current high interest rate environment which has dampened mortgage demand.

The quick implementation timeframe is impressive and suggests FNB is agile in its technological adoption. This could be a differentiator in attracting tech-savvy customers and potentially expanding its geographical reach beyond its current markets in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

However, it's important to note that many banks are adopting similar technologies. The key to success will be how effectively FNB leverages this platform to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. Investors should watch for metrics on loan origination volume, processing times and customer acquisition costs in future reports to gauge the impact of this partnership.

The partnership between FNB and Blend signifies a major enhancement in customer experience for mortgage and HELOC applicants. The digitization of document uploads, electronic disclosures and automated reminders addresses key pain points in the traditional loan application process.

This move aligns with evolving consumer expectations for seamless digital interactions in financial services. The focus on instant verifications across assets, income and employment is particularly valuable, as it can significantly reduce application time and friction for customers.

However, the success of this implementation will depend on user adoption rates and the actual reduction in processing times. FNB will need to ensure proper customer education and support to maximize the benefits of this new system. Additionally, while digital solutions can enhance efficiency, maintaining a human touch for complex cases or less tech-savvy customers will be important for overall satisfaction.

FNB Mortgage live and actively originating on Blend’s platform in under 6 weeks

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FNB Mortgage, the mortgage division of The First National Bank of Fort Smith, as well as its other bank divisions First National Bank of NWA, National Bank of Sallisaw, and Central National Bank of Poteau, today announced a partnership with Blend, a leading platform for digital banking solutions, to further streamline their mortgage and HELOC application experiences.

“Our partnership with Blend furthers our efforts to make the home buying process as easy and efficient as possible for our members,” said Ross Mallioux, Director of Mortgage Lending for FNB. “And in today’s competitive market, the ability to control the cost of originating a loan by automating core parts of the application process is critical. Blend’s technology, particularly their instant verifications across assets, income, and employment is critical in making home buying smoother, faster, and less costly so we can provide our customer the best possible pricing.”

Blend's platform allows FNB Mortgage’s customers to easily upload documents online, review and sign their disclosures electronically, and receive automatic reminders for any missing information during the mortgage application process.

Six-Week Implementation

Since signing the new partnership in early June 2024, Blend has been able to quickly onboard FNB Mortgage to the platform, enabling them to actively originate in under six weeks.

"Our customers want to execute quickly and with high quality, and Blend can help them deliver that,” said Nima Ghamsari, Co-Founder and Head of Blend. "We’re proud to partner with leading institutions like FNB Mortgage who are busy preparing for the next rebound by building out their technology suite with Blend as the core solution.”

About Blend’s Mortgage Suite

Blend has over 12 years of experience building leading mortgage and consumer lending solutions for hundreds of financial institutions nationally. Based on an independent 2023 impact analysis conducted with Blend customers, Blend’s Mortgage Suite eliminates an average of 8 days from the overall loan cycle time, from processing to closing, resulting in $914 in average cost savings per loan.

About Blend

Blend (NYSE: BLND) is the infrastructure powering the future of banking. Financial providers— from large banks, fintechs, and credit unions to community and independent mortgage banks—use Blend’s platform to transform banking experiences for their customers. Blend powers billions of dollars in financial transactions every day. To learn more, visit blend.com.

About First National Bank of Fort Smith

FNB Mortgage is the mortgage lending division of The First National Bank of Fort Smith, and serves other bank divisions - First National Bank of NWA in Northwest Arkansas, National Bank of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and Central National Bank of Poteau, Oklahoma. Their mission is to be the leading financial service provider in Western Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, and Eastern Oklahoma by providing exceptional customer service, and offering financial products and expertise that will meet the needs of their customers. First National Bank of Fort Smith which was established in 1872, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

For more information on FNB Mortgage, and The First National Bank of Fort Smith, or their current mortgage offerings, visit: https://fnbnwa.com/home-loans/.

Forward-Looking Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements generally relate to future events, future performance or expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release may include, but are not limited to, our expectations regarding our product roadmap, future products/features, the timing of new product/feature introductions, market size and growth opportunities, macroeconomics and industry conditions, capital expenditures, plans for future operations, competitive position, technological capabilities and strategic relationships, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from the outcomes predicted. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “would,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology that concern Blend’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. Further information on these risks and uncertainties are set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Blend and assumptions and beliefs as of the date hereof. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Blend does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

Chloé Demeunynck

press@blend.com

Source: Blend

FAQ

What is the partnership between First National Bank of Fort Smith and Blend for?

The partnership aims to streamline First National Bank of Fort Smith's mortgage and HELOC application processes using Blend's digital banking solutions platform.

How long did it take FNB Mortgage to implement Blend's platform?

FNB Mortgage implemented Blend's platform and began actively originating loans in under 6 weeks.

What features does Blend's platform offer to FNB Mortgage customers?

Blend's platform allows customers to upload documents online, review and sign disclosures electronically, and receive automatic reminders for missing information during the mortgage application process.

How does the Blend partnership benefit FNB Mortgage in terms of cost control?

The partnership helps FNB Mortgage control loan origination costs by automating core parts of the application process, including instant verifications for assets, income, and employment.

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