6 topics to watch at #MBAServicing18

Mortgage servicing executives from across the country will assemble just outside of Dallas for the Mortgage Bankers Association's 2018 National Mortgage Servicing Conference and Expo.

One hot topic will be how servicers are responding to recent natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires that have affected mortgage borrowers in pockets of the country. Servicers will be looking to stay updated on natural disaster initiatives, policies, and impending rule changes.

Compliance, as always, also will be a hot topic at this year's event, where new rules for dealing with borrowers in bankruptcy and other fair lending requirements will be discussed.

Servicing transfers continue to be a challenge for servicers, and a number of speakers will address this topic as well.

Another conference theme will center on digital strategies and innovation in servicing. A number of panel discussions and live demos are on the agenda, and industry experts will share tips on how best to use automation like mobile applications for borrowers, and software to streamline servicing processes.

Women executives will have an opportunity to gather at an mPower networking event hosted by Lisa Sun, founder and CEO of Project Gravitas, an apparel company advocating for women to have a confident sense of self.

The MBA's 2018 Servicing Conference will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9.

Here's a look at six of the top themes at this year's conference. Follow @NatMortgageNews, @AustinPKilgore, @NMNBrad and @ElinaTark for live updates throughout the event. And if you're there in person, be sure to stop by our spot in the exhibit hall, say hello and check out our new booth. (We also have some pretty sweet swag for this year!)

With wildfires burning through California and hurricanes wreaking havoc in parts of the country, the past year was an especially tough one for homeowners affected by natural disasters. MBA Servicing will feature speakers from the Texas General Land Office, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other government agency representatives who will share updates on natural disaster initiatives and policies. These include efforts to assist mortgage servicers with recovery efforts.

Servicing and subservicing transfers are a tricky business due to their operational, financial and regulatory risks. The session on servicing transfers will focus on these, as well as how to address Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance. In addition, speakers will share tips from successful servicing and subservicing transfers.