CLOUD-BASED LOAN ORIGINATION SYSTEM: PROS & CONS

Loan originations play a crucial role in the lending process, requiring financial institutions to balance processing applications efficiently and making sound risk assessments. However, traditional loan origination systems have struggled to keep up with the rapid technological advancements. Many lenders have turned to cloud-based loan origination systems to overcome legacy platform challenges.

Cloud-Based Loan Origination Systems

Financial technology (fintech) companies have played a progressively influential role in adopting cloud-based loan origination systems in the evolving landscape of the lending industry. Alongside other lending software solutions, fintech companies are revolutionizing lenders’ once-rigid processes, introducing newfound flexibility. Future technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have the potential to further power this digital transformation and will thrive in a cloud-based environment. 

Cloud-based loan origination systems empower organizations of all sizes to offer products and services previously exclusive to lending institutions with robust IT divisions. These platforms provide unprecedented versatility, surpassing the capabilities of conventional on-premise and legacy origination systems. As a result, lenders of all sizes experience enhanced agility.

Moreover, cloud-based loan origination platforms deliver cost-efficiency benefits, enabling lenders to process more applications faster and more accurately. Lenders can also optimize data access by implementing cloud-based loan origination software, fostering improved collaboration among teams and third-party vendors.

Pros and Cons of Cloud-Based Loan Origination Systems

Cloud-based loan origination systems have gained popularity among lenders seeking cost-effective solutions for building portfolios and minimizing risk. These systems and other lending software offer lenders a range of benefits, including efficient data storage, protection, and analysis, as well as automated tools for enhancing efficiency and security. By leveling the playing field, cloud-based loan origination systems empower lenders of all sizes to compete effectively.

Pros of Cloud-Based Loan Origination Systems
Enhanced User Experience	Cloud-based and mobile applications enable consumers to submit loan applications easily and quickly, improving the overall user experience.
Automated Underwriting	Streamlined underwriting processes free up resources, granting lenders greater flexibility in establishing loan terms such as interest rates and payment periods.
Quicker Decision Turnaround	Accelerated verification and underwriting processes reduce turnaround time for loan decisions.
Minimal Downtime	Cloud-based systems eliminate or significantly reduce downtime from system updates.
Regulatory Compliance	Cloud-based loan origination software often automatically updates new regulatory requirements, assisting lenders in maintaining compliance.
Scalability	Lenders can quickly scale up or down their operations to respond swiftly to changing economic or market conditions.
Real-Time Decisioning	Near real-time decision-making improves the customer experience.
Reduced Errors	Automation minimizes errors resulting from manual inputs.
Continuous Security Updates	Cloud-based systems provide regular security updates, enhancing protection against data breaches and cyber threats.

While cloud-based loan origination software offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to be aware of potential disadvantages, which can be mitigated through thorough due diligence and careful selection of providers.

Cons of Cloud-Based Loan Origination Systems
Internet Dependency	Access to data stored in the cloud relies on a stable Internet connection. Internet service providers (ISPs) should be chosen carefully to ensure reliable connectivity.
Contractual Terms	Contractual agreements with cloud-based solution providers may limit flexibility, requiring lenders to consider their scalability needs when selecting a provider.
Data Loss Risk	Lenders relying solely on external cloud storage could face an increased risk of customer data loss in case of a breach or natural disaster.
Data Migration Challenges	Migrating data from one cloud provider to another can be complex, highlighting the importance of selecting a reliable partner to meet current and future needs.
Third-Party Control	Entrusting sensitive data to a third-party provider necessitates sourcing a trustworthy partner to maintain control and confidentiality.
Reliability	Lenders should prioritize reliability when choosing cloud-based loan origination platform providers, particularly those with a proven track record in the finance sector.

Hybrid Cloud Systems

Some lenders have relied on on-premise servers to address regulatory compliance and data protection concerns. However, this approach is disadvantageous to them compared to competitors leveraging cloud-based services. Hybrid cloud loan origination systems might offer a balanced approach, combining the benefits of both on-premise and cloud-based platforms. They enable lenders to protect customer data from cyber threats while leveraging the advantages of cloud-based solutions.

LaaS and Cloud-Based Loan Originations

Cloud-based loan origination platforms are typically offered by vendors that fall into the lending-as-a-service (LaaS) category. These LaaS providers, a subset of software-as-a-service vendors, offer subscriptions for their lending software rather than providing actual lending services. Subscriptions are typically paid on a monthly or yearly basis.

The essential advantage of the LaaS model is that subscribing lenders receive automatic updates from the provider and the option to access additional tools as add-ons to their subscriptions. This service-oriented approach allows lenders to scale their businesses effectively, expanding or reducing products and services based on demand and economic conditions. Using a LaaS platform and vendor, lenders can customize their cloud-based loan origination software to meet their needs without unnecessary features or functionalities.

This LaaS model brings several benefits to lenders:

• Scalability: Lenders can quickly scale their operations up or down as needed, aligning their offerings with market demand and economic factors.

• Automatic Updates: Subscribing lenders receive regular automatic updates, ensuring access to the latest features and functionalities of the cloud-based loan origination software.

• Additional Tools: LaaS providers offer optional add-on tools that lenders can leverage to further enhance their loan origination capabilities.

• Cost-Efficiency: The subscription-based payment model allows lenders to manage costs effectively, paying for the software on a predictable basis rather than incurring large upfront expenses.

By partnering with a LaaS vendor and utilizing their cloud-based loan origination software, lenders gain the advantage of a flexible and tailored solution that adapts to their specific needs, empowering them to optimize their lending operations efficiently.

End-to-End Lending Solution

A cloud-based platform enables a feature-rich, results-driven, and flexible-focused lending solution that is modern, modularized, and architected to provide lightning-quick processing times and scalability. A cloud-based loan origination system should offer:  

• Stability lenders can rely on
• Scalability for peak performance during high demand and business growth over time
• Configurability to accelerate speed-to-market and optimize the platform and resource performance.
• Automated decisioning that allows lenders to return decisions in seconds and do more with current staff
• Foundational support for innovation, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning

Lenders will be more competitive in their markets, be able to run their businesses in their own way and increase their value to customers by implementing a modern cloud-based origination system.