POLICY PRIORITIES TRACK: Bringing Competition to Credit Reporting and Scores
Credit Scores are back in the spotlight following the decision by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to allow the GSEs to accept VantageScore 4.0. While the industry navigates this first step towards credit score competition, MBA has also been exploring how to further improve competition on the report level. Voices are growing louder on the need to move away from the outdated government requirement of a tri-merge credit report. This session unpacks the latest on VS 4.0 implementation and explores how a shift away from tri-merge would encourage competition for credit reporting services and reduce costs. Get a clear understanding of the regulatory, operational, and market forces driving these changes—and practical steps to position your organizations for the new credit landscape. Sponsored by Bradley.
Speakers
Introductions
Nicole Jones is partner in the Banking and Financial Services and Litigation practice groups. Her practice focuses on defending claims and advising financial institutions on compliance with state and federal regulations, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Nicole also has experience assisting clients in responding to and resolving government investigations by federal and state regulators. Nicole joined the firm after clerking for Judge Rhesa H. Barksdale of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, where she served as an Executive Articles Editor for the Mississippi Law Journal and worked in the Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Clinic. Prior to law school, Nicole worked as a congressional aide in Washington, D.C.
Moderator
Shelley Leonard serves as President of Xactus, and a member of the Board of Directors. With over two decades of experience developing and delivering technology solutions to the country’s top mortgage lenders and servicers, Shelley is steering the company to drive the transformation of the mortgage verifications industry with its innovative credit and data solutions and digital technologies. Prior to joining Xactus, Shelley served as an executive at Black Knight and its predecessor businesses, where she managed multiple, complex initiatives. Most recently, she was the Chief Product and Digital Officer and she led the Servicing Technologies business including the MSP loan servicing solution, a business with over $800 million of revenues. She also held multiple other senior-level positions where she managed large portfolios of end-to-end mortgage, home equity and consumer lending product offerings, envisioned and executed against strategic growth initiatives while working closely with customers and business partners throughout our industry. By successfully leading in these roles, Shelley has gained a unique perspective and significant experience in product development, sales, operations and technology. She has consistently driven exceptional growth and performance, increased market share, launched new products, expanded into adjacent markets, embarked on new partnerships and M and A activity. Shelley has received numerous mortgage industry recognition honors including Progress in Lending’s Most Powerful Women in Fintech; MReport’s Top 25 Leaders and Influencers; HousingWire’s Vanguard Award; and more. She holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa and an M.B.A. from Jacksonville University.
Speakers
Kevin Bowen is a mortgage finance industry leader, currently serving as Managing Director and Head of Home Lending Product, Innovation, and Insights at JPMorgan Chase and Co. With over 16 years of experience, Kevin has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and innovation within the mortgage and home equity sectors. His leadership has led to the successful launch and optimization of key products. Throughout his tenure at JPMC, Kevin has held several influential positions, including Origination Product and Policy Strategy Lead and Home Lending Controller. His comprehensive understanding of financial planning, capital markets, and regulatory frameworks has enabled him to deliver meaningful solutions that align with the firm's objectives for sustainable homeownership and equitable housing. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Honors and Distinction from The Ohio State University, specializing in Accounting. He is deeply committed to community engagement, serving on the Board of Kaleidoscope Youth Center.
Sasha Hewlett is Associate Vice President of Secondary and Capital Markets on the Residential Policy Team at MBA. In this role she engages with agency officials, regulators, legislative staff, and industry stakeholders to advance MBA’s mission and member interests. Sasha actively monitors the activities of the FHFA, the GSEs, Ginnie Mae, the SEC, and related legislative and regulatory developments, providing expert analysis on their impact to MBA members and the broader housing finance system. She manages the development of Secondary and Capital Markets related policy positions, regulatory strategy, work product, and advocacy efforts for MBA members. Sasha also leads the MBA’s Secondary and Capital Markets Committee, REIT Executive Council, GSE Task Force, and serves as a SME to other key governance bodies and network groups across the organization. Prior to joining MBA, she spent a majority of the last 12 years in various roles at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Sasha earned her BS in Finance from Virginia Tech.
Craig Ungaro serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff at AnnieMac Home Mortgage, where he has been an integral part of the company’s growth and success for over 15 years. In his dual role, Craig oversees the company’s entire operations—driving efficiency, collaboration, and strategic execution across all departments. Known for his passionate and thoughtful leadership, he plays a key role in shaping AnnieMac’s culture and guiding its long-term vision. A proud New Jersey native, Craig was born and raised in the Garden State and continues to call it home. A loyal Philadelphia sports fan, he brings the same competitive energy and team-first mindset to his work that he does to game day. Beyond AnnieMac, Craig is deeply involved in the broader mortgage industry as a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), where he actively contributes to initiatives that help drive meaningful change and progress within the housing and lending space. Outside of work, Craig channels his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of Palm Golf Co., a lifestyle golf brand that blends his passion for business and the sport.
WYSIWYG Callout
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