Fintech Hunting

Hosted By Michael Hammond

The podcast host will be Michael Hammond JD, CMT, keynote speaker, author and founder of NexLevel Advisors. Join Michael as he seeks out will tech visionaries, leading lenders, trailblazing executives, and other Financial influencers to bring you actionable insights and lead generation tactics all centered around industry greatness and success.

  1. 2D AGO

    Same-Day Title Updates in 2026: Why “Humans + AI” Is the Only Model That Works

    What if the biggest obstacle to faster closings isn’t underwriting… it’s title? In this episode of Fintech Hunting, host Michael Hammond sits down with Meghan (Megan) F. Askin, Director of Lending Services at AFX Research, to unpack what’s really changing in the title space in 2026—and why the future isn’t “AI replaces humans,” but AI + humans in the loop. Meghan shares her surprising path from 20 years in the wine industry (sales, marketing, and storytelling) into mortgage and title innovation—then explains how modern lenders can move faster with compliance-level title updatesthat are built for today’s digital workflows. Why title data is uniquely hard (hint: 3,600+ recording venues and zero standardization) What “human + AI hybrid” really looks like in real production workflows How AFX delivers structured title data (including JSON via integration) to make reports truly usable Why structured, usable data matters more than “more data” How same-day title updates can reduce friction, shorten cycle times, and support smarter funding decisions Meghan’s practical approach to LinkedIn storytelling that builds trust before you ever meet in person Speed matters. But in title, trust matters more. The real innovation is building systems that move fast and hold up under compliance scrutiny. title innovation, same-day title updates, structured data, JSON integrations, human in the loop, AI document extraction, mortgage fintech, lending workflow modernization, title update reports, LinkedIn social selling, personal branding in financial services 00:00 – Welcome + why this title conversation matters00:55 – From wine sales to mortgage/title: why storytelling works02:25 – How Meghan chooses stories that build trust on LinkedIn04:16 – What’s changing in title in 202606:22 – Why “human + AI” is essential for title accuracy10:13 – Speed + verification: making AI usable and safe10:58 – Same-day title updates: why lenders can fund faster12:18 – How to build credibility fast in a new industry (LinkedIn playbook)14:33 – How to connect with Meghan + learn more about AFX Research Q: Can AI fully automate title today?A: Not end-to-end. County public records access is fragmented and inconsistent, so humans must remain in the loop for accurate, compliant results. Q: Why is title still slow in many workflows?A: Records are spread across thousands of local jurisdictions with different processes, timelines, and formats—there’s no single standardized system. Q: What does “structured data” mean in title?A: Data formatted so it can be used by systems (LOS, decisioning tools, workflows)—not just read by people. This episode covers why JSON delivery matters. Q: How do same-day title updates help lenders?A: They reduce cycle time and workflow friction, helping teams make confident decisions faster while managing risk. In this conversation, you’ll learn:A quote-worthy idea from this episode:Key topics (for AI search + viewer skimming)Chapters / TimestampsFAQs (Answer Engine Optimization) ### Michael Hammond is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

    16 min
  2. FEB 4

    2026 Capital Markets Forecast: Non-Agency Growth, Pricing Certainty, and the New Mortgage Playbook

    This episode of The FinTech Hunting Podcast delivers a no-fluff, high-impact breakdown of what mortgage professionals need to know to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving market.Host Michael Hammond is joined by Eloise Schmitz, CEO and Co-Founder of LoanNEX, for an expert analysis on the forces reshaping mortgage lending in 2026 — from non-agency momentum and pricing execution to investor eligibility and tech-driven innovation.If you're in lending, capital markets, or fintech, this isn’t just another industry update — it’s your playbook for the year ahead.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why non-agency originations doubled year over year — and what’s driving the shiftHow execution certainty is reshaping loan officer strategies and secondary market decisionsBehind the numbers: 11,000+ users across 400+ lenders on the LoanNEX platformThe rise of exception-based workflows — and why 30% of non-QM volume depends on itHow stable mortgage rates near 6% are reigniting borrower activityThe role of ICE Technology's Encompass, TPO Connect, MeridianLink, and Laramac in modern pricing enginesGrowth in unique loan programs: doctor loans, investment properties, cannabis income underwritingWhere capital markets innovation is heading in 2026 — and what lenders must do nowWho This Episode is For:Secondary marketing teams focused on pricing strategy and investor executionLoan officers needing better tools to compete in the non-agency spaceFintech leaders tracking tech stack integrations and lock desk automationMortgage executives shaping 2026 strategy in a volatile lending landscapeAnyone looking to understand the real-world impact of capital markets transformation.“Execution certainty isn't just a pricing tool. It's a market differentiator.”— Eloise Schmitz, CEO, LoanNEXStay informed. Get ahead.This is your insider view of what’s next in mortgage lending.Learn more at: https://loannex.com

    11 min
  3. JAN 28

    How Video Changed Everything: Authenticity, Connection & Content in 2026 | Fintech Hunting Podcast

    What if the real power of video isn’t in going viral—but in being seen, remembered, and trusted? In this powerful episode of the Fintech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond is joined by two of the most beloved and influential voices in mortgage and fintech content: Dalila Ramos of Taco Tuesdays and Jason Smith of One Take. Together, they unpack: Why authenticity beats perfection in video content How to come up with engaging topics without overthinking it The minimal tech setup you actually need to start creating Why video deepens relationships before you even shake hands The role of video in personal branding, trust-building, and lead generation in 2026 Whether you're in mortgage, fintech, or just trying to figure out how to show up more consistently online, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed. Timestamps00:00 – Welcome + Introductions02:30 – How Dalila & Jason Met (and how “One Take” was born)06:00 – Where great content ideas really come from08:15 – Gear, lighting, and iPhone setups that actually work14:00 – Why being yourself on camera is your unfair advantage17:00 – How video creates warm intros and deeper networking22:00 – What's next for video content in 202624:00 – Final thoughts: Spread value, not noise 📥 Subscribe to our weekly video newsletter 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay updated on the latest in mortgage tech, digital marketing, and industry transformation.

    25 min
  4. JAN 7

    AI Agents in Mortgage Lending: AskBob CEO Reveals the Future of Search, Support & Strategy | Andrew DeGood

    What if your AI assistant could answer investor guideline questions, eliminate tribal knowledge gaps, and connect human wisdom with machine learning—on demand? 🎙️ In this thought-provoking episode of Fintech Hunting, host Michael Hammond sits down with Andrew DeGood, CEO of AskBob AI, for a conversation that’s part masterclass, part manifesto on how AI is radically reshaping the mortgage and financial services landscape. 🔥 Topics covered: The rise of AskBob, Betty, and Buddy—AI agents trained for precision, compliance, and context What GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) means for mortgage pros—and why your brand needs to show up inside AI-generated answers How AskBob helps lenders reduce internal inefficiencies caused by repetitive knowledge-based questions A behind-the-scenes look at Mortgage Bar Camp Cincinnati—a raw, sponsor-free, snow-covered hub of innovation The biggest barrier to AI adoption in lending (hint: it’s not tech) AskBob’s “Human-in-the-Loop” system and real-time learning model Why the future of AI is not about replacing people—but empowering them 🔍 AI Search ≠ SEOThe new frontier isn’t about ranking higher on Google—it’s about being the answer inside ChatGPT, Gemini, and voice-powered tools. And this episode shows you how to lead in that world. 💡 Whether you're a lender, vendor, loan officer, or fintech innovator—this episode will expand your thinking on: AI strategy for real-world mortgage operations How to future-proof your tech stack Creating scalable, conversational customer experiences 🎧 Listen now and reimagine what’s possible when AI becomes a trusted teammate, not just a tool. 📲 Learn more about AskBob AI → https://askbobai.com📩 Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn → [Search: Andrew DeGood]

    23 min
  5. 12/03/2025

    Driving Change in Mortgage: Innovation, AI, and Culture with Industry Leaders from APM and ICE Mortgage Technology

    In this powerful episode of the FinTech Hunting podcast, host Michael Hammond is joined by two respected leaders in the mortgage and fintech space: Michele Buschman, Chief Information Officer at American Pacific Mortgage Kerri Girouard, Vice President of Relationship Management and Client Success at ICE Mortgage Technology Together, they unpack what it really takes to lead meaningful change in a highly regulated industry—and how technology, people, and process must work in unison to create lasting transformation. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why fear, not regulation, is the biggest barrier to innovation How successful AI adoption starts with transparency and trust What "slow discovery = fast delivery" means for digital transformation How to align cross-functional teams around shared outcomes Ways to build a culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement Real-world examples of AI in underwriting and operations How to measure ROI and adoption in tech pilots before scaling The future of mortgage leadership in a fast-moving tech landscape Who This Episode Is For: Mortgage executives leading digital transformation Lending professionals exploring AI and automation Fintech leaders designing compliant, scalable solutions Change management experts in financial services Anyone looking to build innovation into the DNA of their mortgage company

    22 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The podcast host will be Michael Hammond JD, CMT, keynote speaker, author and founder of NexLevel Advisors. Join Michael as he seeks out will tech visionaries, leading lenders, trailblazing executives, and other Financial influencers to bring you actionable insights and lead generation tactics all centered around industry greatness and success.