Lenders Focus for 2026 | Dec '25 Mortgage Bulletin

Speed to Offer Has Matured

Speed‑to‑offer has been digitised effectively, and lenders have spent years proving what works. As with the mature systems already in place across major lenders, this part of the journey is now stable and well‑understood. Speed‑to‑offer still matters, and is where a competitive advantage can be won.

Speed to Completion: A New Source of Value and Margin Growth

Speed‑to‑completion is the new battleground. Completion depends on how data and decisions flow across the entire ecosystem, not just within the lender. This aligns with the shift toward journeys that reuse data, integrate partner workflows, and stitch processes together. Entering 2026, this is the most important strategic move for unlocking value and margin growth.

Reducing Fall‑Through Comes From Journey Reconfiguration, Not Heavy Tech

The next phase is not a heavy technology programme; most lenders already have the core systems they need. Instead, the work ahead is about reconfiguring the journey so data is requested once, reused consistently, and shared smoothly across partners. This is where fall‑through reduces and where HDI begins to deliver tangible value.