Press Releases
FICS® Celebrates Innovation, Compliance Preparation at 30th Annual Users' Conference
Financial Industry Computer Systems, Inc. (FICS®), a mortgage loan origination software, residential servicing software and commercial servicing software provider, hosted lenders, servicers and industry partners at its 30th Annual Users’ Conference in Dallas earlier this month. This year’s conference was the highest attended conference in the company’s three-decade history.
The conference provided users of FICS’ software solutions, such as Commercial Servicer®, Loan Producer®, Mortgage Servicer®, and FICS’ supporting software packages, with in-depth demonstrations of new and enhanced products, educational sessions targeting upcoming regulatory deadlines, and user-focused workshops and panels.
A common theme across the conference was the ongoing use of technology and innovation to consistently provide an overall greater user experience – both for users of FICS’ software and for the users’ end customers. Susan Graham, president and COO of FICS, further explained during the opening remarks at this year’s conference how FICS has constantly evolved to serve its user base.
“2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the FICS Users’ Conference, and looking back over the years, one thing that jumps out is the longevity of our customer base,” Graham said in her opening speech. “Over the past three decades, FICS has been dedicated to helping companies navigate the ups and downs of the housing market and manage regulatory changes with innovative technology that provides the tools you need to be more efficient so you can better serve customers.”
Lenders and servicers in attendance highlighted the opportunity for additional training and educational sessions to prepare for the industry’s big issues as primary draws. One such industry issue was Fannie Mae’s Future Changes to Investor Reporting requirements. FICS’ high percentage of customers servicing Fannie Mae loans and early adoption of the required system changes led to Fannie Mae representatives speaking at the conference about the implementation requirements. One of the hugest things gained from the conference, though, is the chance to network with peers.
“Attending the FICS Users’ Conference each year is an influential, hands-on learning opportunity that I highly recommend to any FICS customer,” said Jeff Laux, director of servicing for Gilbert, Ariz.-based Cascade Financial Services. “I felt that my voice was heard. I was able to share ideas with other users, as well as FICS staff, regarding new ways to navigate the changing industry. The most valuable resource of being at the conference, though, is the interaction with other professionals who also use the FICS system.”
As part of her keynote speech, Graham also spoke to FICS’ continued evolution of services and delivery channels – and how this aids lenders and servicers in better addressing borrower demands. In 2015 alone, FICS made significant updates to Mortgage Servicer, its residential servicing platform, and introduced a more robust Document Services Interface for its residential loan origination software (LOS), Loan Producer.
Valerie Gilbert, assistant vice president of Merrillville, Ind.-based Lake Mortgage, appreciated the information provided. “The FICS Users’ Conference provided me with answers to questions regarding new and existing regulations,” said Gilbert. “Having been fully engrained in every aspect of the TRID process within my institution, I feel much more informed of the necessary rules and regulations and the impact they have on my institution, thanks to the FICS staff.”
The 2017 Users’ Conference will be held April 5-7, 2017 in Dallas.
About FICS
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Financial Industry Computer Systems, Inc. (FICS), specializes in providing flexible, comprehensive residential and commercial software solutions to the mortgage industry. FICS' software systems are designed to operate on Microsoft® Windows® platforms using Microsoft® .NET Framework that include a rich Windows® Presentation Foundation user interface and multi-tiered shareable services. The company also provides innovative document management and web-based capabilities in its full suite of products. Additional information about FICS is available at www.FICS.com.