Our Blog
Our blog publications offer our opinions, tips, and tools on a variety of topics. These articles are prepared by our consultants with specialties in compliance, quality control, staffing, training, mortgage technology, management solutions, secondary markets, loan servicing, and more.
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Part II: What Defines a Great Place to Work?
We’ve identified five key focuses shared by financial institutions that have succeeded in becoming highly regarded employers in their respective communities. In this Part Two article, we’ll focus on core strategies to build a stronger employer brand, attract and retain top talent, and foster a culture where people thrive at work and contribute to the institution's success.
Is Automation the Right Approach?
Sustaining quality is not a one-time event; it requires a proactive approach. Regular reviews, feedback loops, and performance metrics help catch issues early before they grow into bigger problems. Our 3 step approach allows for modifications, while ensuring team members are adhering to new procedures, builds confidence in the automation and promotes further innovation.
What Defines a Great Place to Work?
In recent years, community banks and credit unions have increasingly recognized the value and impact of standing out as inspiring and rewarding workplaces. We’ve identified five core focuses shared by those institutions that have succeeded and are focusing on the first two in this series: building a culture of coaching and feedback; and investing in people as much as the community.
Encompass 2026 Project Planning Part 2: Migrating to Hybrid eClose
This article is the second in a series designed to provide strategic options as you build your 2026 technology project list- now helping you explore supercharging your closing process through Encompass Hybrid eClose.
SCA Earns Banker & Tradesman’s “Best of 2025” Award for Record 9th Year
We are delighted and honored to share that SCA has been named a top performer in the Consultants category of the Banker & Tradesman’s Best of 2025 Awards- a distinction we’ve received nine years in a row!
Assessment and Development Plan for Operations
The mortgage industry is rapidly changing due to AI, shifting customer needs, and an aging workforce. Operations leaders must proactively assess their teams and functions to identify skill gaps and areas for automation. By investing in development, clear change management, and targeted training now, organizations can build a resilient, adaptable team ready to thrive in this new era.
Looking for CRA Loans & Credits? Loan Pool for Sale
If your Institution is seeking CRA loan credits and if you are looking for an alternative strategy due to the current lack of loan origination volume, high interest rates, and low housing inventory, this pool may help fill that niche. Bids due by November 17, 2025.
Ready for Your Next Career Move in Mortgage?
If you have 2-3+ years of solid “hands on” experience as a mortgage processor, underwriter, or servicer, we’re looking to connect with you!
What “Data-Driven” Decision-Making Really Means (and How to Do It)
“Data-driven” is fundamental to risk governance: decisions must rest on evidence, not guesswork. If you can’t trace a decision to a metric and measure its impact afterward, it isn’t data-driven. Here we outline a five-step loop that turns data into action.
Encompass 2026 Project Planning: A Series
This article is the first in a series designed to provide strategic options as you build your 2026 technology project list. We begin with a deep dive into supercharging your Consumer Connect deployment.
Mortgage Lending Strategy: Own the Customer Relationship
Your mortgage lending operation may just be the single best opportunity you have for long-term customer relationship building. What is the most efficient and effective way of building out a process which always keeps the customer in the center?
BSA/AML: Bridging the Gap
A real culture of compliance is built when everyone feels ownership because they understand why it matters and how it affects their role. The result is front-line and operations staff trust that the BSA team is a partner - not a roadblock simply creating more work for them. Here are 8 actionable strategies to promote collaboration and ownership across teams.
Fall Back TRID Reminder
TRID rules under Regulation Z require creditors to disclose the time zone applicable to its location when disclosing the date and time the interest rate lock and estimate of closing costs will expire on the loan estimate.
Best Practices to Avoid Redlining
In every Department of Justice fair lending redlining case in the past five years, the lack of comparative lending data was a cited factor. When defining your REMA, lenders must consider a broad range of factors and understand the serious implications of practices like redlining.
Accurately Defining Your REMA
One of the most frequent and significant errors lenders make when defining their REMA is confusing it with their Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Assessment Area.
The Impact of a Clearly Defined Work Culture in Attracting and Retaining Motivated Employees
A well-defined culture not only attracts the right candidates but also fuels business success through a committed, high-performing workforce.
Mastering HMDA: What Successful FI’s Do Right
In our years of serving clients through HMDA reviews, training, and support, we’ve observed that our most successful clients consistently implement these 7 sound practices to ensure compliance and streamline operations.
New Consultant Welcome: Laurie Duncanson
Our newest Consultant to join the team, Laurie Duncanson, is a passionate industry veteran who focuses on ensuring an exceptional customer experience through efficient processes and automation.
QC Review of Third-Party Originations, QC File Selections
We’re recapping the recent FNMA QC requirement changes, along with a summary of actions that should be taken in response to these changes- specifically if you are a client of SCA for Quality Control services.
New Consultant Welcome: Peter Shea
Our newest Consultant to join the team, Peter Shea, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with over 40 years of experience in the banking sector.