The AiCR Exchange

Working with Historical Documents

Historical document research depends on organizing large amounts of handwritten records, archived files, and disconnected information. How do historians and researchers actually work through decades of documents to find what matters? In this episode of The AiCR Exchange, Joe Furlong sits down with Dr. Jonathan DeCoster, Kathleen Miller, and Miles Gabrielli-Burke from the University of New England to talk about historical document research, community-based learning, and the challenges of working through archived materials. The conversation breaks down how researchers approach historical records, how students participate in real-world projects, and why organizing information is often one of the hardest parts of the process. *  How historians approach document research and archives  *  The challenges of working with handwritten and historical records  *  Community-based research projects and student involvement  *  What historical document workflows actually look like day to day The AiCR Exchange features conversations with leaders across mortgage and financial services on document workflows and technology decision-making.

Details Behind Behavioral Modeling

This episode breaks down how behavioral models are built and used in mortgage and capital markets. How do you actually turn loan data into something you can trust for decision-making? In this conversation, the focus is on what goes into behavioral modeling beyond the surface level. It walks through how teams think about prepayment and default behavior, what data matters, and where models can break down if assumptions are off. The discussion stays grounded in how this work is done day to day, not just how it looks in theory. *  What “behavioral modeling” really means in practice  *  How prepayment and default assumptions are formed  *  Where data quality impacts outcomes  *  How teams use models to support real decisions The AiCR Exchange features conversations with leaders across mortgage and financial services on document workflows and technology decision-making.

From Classroom to Capital Markets

In this episode of The AiCR Exchange, Joe Furlong sits down with Patrick Zoro, Professor and MFE Program Lead at Lehigh University, to discuss how students move from the classroom into real careers in capital markets. Patrick brings a unique perspective, having worked on Wall Street before transitioning into academia. The conversation focuses on what actually matters for students trying to break into finance today and how that has changed with AI. They cover: *  Why coursework alone is no longer enough to get hired *  How AI is changing resumes, applications, and hiring dynamics *  The growing importance of networking, relationships, and soft skills *  How real-world projects and internships drive better outcomes than traditional learning *  What employers actually look for beyond technical ability One of the key takeaways: AI can help build the perfect resume, but if everyone has the same tools, the difference is still the individual. This episode is a practical look at how hiring really works today, and what students need to do differently to stand out in an increasingly automated world. The AiCR Exchange features conversations with leaders across mortgage and financial services on document workflows and technology decision-making.

Due Diligence, The Eurozone

In this episode of The AiCR Exchange, Joe Furlong is joined by John Cooper, who leads MIAC’s due diligence efforts across the United Kingdom and the Eurozone. They discuss how loan review and securitization due diligence differ between the U.S. and European markets, including the impact of lender-specific processes, documentation standards, and regulatory frameworks across different countries. The conversation explores how these differences affect loan file structure, review procedures, and the overall diligence process. Joe and John also touch on current market issues in the UK and Europe and why experienced review teams are essential when working across multiple jurisdictions and lending systems. The AiCR Exchange features conversations with leaders across mortgage and financial services on document workflows and technology decision-making.

The Innerworkings of Whole Loan Valuation

In this episode of The AiCR Exchange, Joe Furlong is joined by Dean Hurley, who leads MIAC’s Whole Loan Valuation Group, for a detailed look at how residential, commercial, and consumer whole loans are valued in today’s market. They discuss MIAC’s structured valuation process, including data normalization, assumption setting, cash flow modeling, and supervisory review. The conversation highlights why data quality is critical, how assumptions are applied when data is incomplete or inconsistent, and how disciplined processes support defensible valuations. Joe and Dean also explore how spreads are determined, how market demand influences pricing beyond pure mathematical models, and why valuation requires both analytical rigor and practical market judgment. The episode covers current pricing dynamics in residential and non-QM markets, stress testing frameworks, and how macroeconomic scenarios impact portfolio values and credit loss projections. The discussion closes with Dean’s perspective on interest rates, yield curve shifts, and what the next 12 to 24 months may look like for mortgage origination and loan pricing. The AiCR Exchange features conversations with leaders across mortgage and financial services on document workflows and technology decision-making.