The Ipswich upgrades lending and servicing software in latest step of digital strategy

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The make-over is part of the lender’s new digital strategy, in which it plans to invest in advanced technologies for front end origination as well as performing an upgrade to its Unisys Financial Services System (UFSS) core banking engine.

Indeed, Unisys will continue to act as prime contractor, whilst BEP – the mortgage origination software house – has been selected to deliver its Apprivo2 system. This will provide the backbone to the new digital services platform which will take over all mortgage origination services and provide a borrower post-completion portal.

All of the Ipswich’s lending types will be configured on the Apprivo2 platform, including standard residential, later life, buy-to-let, self-build, self-employed and expat lending.

BEP will deliver a highly automated processing journey from point of application through to completion for both the broker and direct channels.

Leveraging several third-party data sources connected via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) will enable the Apprivo2 decision engine to provide automated pre-screening decisions for DIPs, with the Ipswich retaining tis manual underwriting approach for lending decisions and continuing to assess full mortgage applications individually.

Apprivo2 will use third party APIs DocuSign for e-signatures and Quest for valuations, as well other third-party supplier banking data to streamline the mortgage process and customer journeys.

The platform for the Ipswich will additionally leverage its existing UFSS interface to provide a full post-completions self-service portal for existing borrowers, who will be able to log on and perform various functions.

For instance, they will be able to retrieve account information, such as balances, transactions and statements, as well as make payments and securely message the Ipswich and upload documents on request.

Ian Brighton, chief operating officer, Ipswich Building Society, said: “To implement our forward-thinking IT strategy, it was vital we partnered with a software company that has proven experience in our sector and a vision of the wider lending market.

“BEP Systems impressed us with their knowledge and their ability to work closely with Unisys to deliver seamless technology solutions for our brokers and customers, allowing us to stay at the forefront of our marketplace for many years to come.”

Chris Little, managing director of BEP Systems, said: “I’m delighted that BEP have been appointed by Unisys and Ipswich Building Society to deliver a significant upgrade to their mortgage origination and post-completion systems.

“Customising Apprivo2 will support the underwriting process via its agile case-management dashboards and risk-assessment hubs. This will firmly put the Society in control of its operations as it continues to support the on-going growth strategy.”

Boris Maltha, VP, Technology EMEA, said: “BEP Systems were a logical choice for this project due to their expertise in the building society sector and their ability to integrate a variety of complex APIs into a seamless journey for brokers and customers.

“It’s been a well-managed project that will have immediate benefits for Ipswich Building Society and keep them ahead of their competitors for years to come.”