If you couldn’t join us in Scottsdale – or want to revisit the most important conversations – these Summit 2026 general sessions capture the big ideas defining what’s next for mortgage capital markets.
From AI adoption and platform innovation to economic signals and policy reform, industry leaders shared practical insight on how lenders can navigate uncertainty, improve execution, and position for long-term profitability.
Below, watch the full general sessions on demand.
SUMMIT 2026 OPENING KEYNOTE
Leadership, AI adoption, and platform innovations shaping capital markets profitability
The Opening General Session at Optimal Blue Summit 2026 set the tone for the event with a leadership perspective on AI adoption paired with a comprehensive platform reveal.
CEO Joe Tyrrell examines AI as the mortgage industry’s next inevitable shift, arguing that the primary barrier to adoption is behavioral – not technical. Drawing parallels to prior market transformations, he explains how leaders can take control of AI implementation while preserving human expertise in underwriting and capital markets decision-making, ultimately pursuing the best possible “yes” for borrowers.
Chief Product Officer Erin Wester then introduces nine platform innovations designed to unify forecasting, pricing, hedging, competitive benchmarking, and execution across the capital markets lifecycle. Director of Product Management Kevin Foley demonstrates Virtual Economist, the industry’s first on demand AI/ML powered forecasting tool, alongside eight additional advancements that further connect data, decisioning, and execution within a single end to end platform.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Interpreting market signals and positioning for disciplined growth
In this data driven session, Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association, delivers a clear-eyed outlook for lenders navigating continued market uncertainty.
Fratantoni analyzes labor market conditions, inflation trends, interest rate expectations, and projected origination volume – connecting macroeconomic signals to practical lender strategy. The discussion provides critical context for capital markets positioning, margin discipline, and readiness for episodic opportunity in 2026 and beyond.
POLICY & REGULATION
Navigating advocacy priorities and structural reform in mortgage finance
Mortgage policy and regulation remain key forces shaping lender stability and competitiveness. In this wide ranging discussion, Bob Broeksmit, President & CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, joins HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler to examine the legislative and regulatory landscape ahead.
Topics include credit reporting costs, GSE reform, AI oversight, capital framework adjustments, housing legislation, and the evolving role of advocacy in Washington. Together, they explore how today’s policy decisions will influence secondary market structure and the broader housing finance ecosystem for years to come.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Executive perspectives on what’s next
Senior leaders from across the industry share how they’re navigating uncertainty and positioning their organizations for growth in a rapidly evolving market.
Speakers include:
Maria Fregosi, EVP & CFO, Lennar Mortgage
Kenneth Knudson, CEO & President, Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.
Kevin Peranio, CLO & Partner, PRMG
Mike Vough, SVP, Corporate Strategy, Optimal Blue
The panel explores emerging trends across wholesale, retail, and homebuilder channels – offering practical insight into strategic priorities, risk management, and opportunity identification in the year ahead.
Optimal Blue Summit 2026 conversations and general sessions offered a clear message: success in today’s mortgage market requires disciplined execution, connected technology, and leadership willing to embrace change.
To learn how these insights apply to your organization – or to continue the conversation – connect with an Optimal Blue expert.
Register today for the Optimal Blue Summit 2027, taking place February 1–3, 2027, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The views and opinions expressed in these videos are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Optimal Blue, LLC.