Did you know that lending software has changed the game for how financial institutions manage loans? Yup, you heard it right! This type of software offers many features and capabilities that simplify and streamline the lending process. And it doesn’t matter if you’re into consumer loans, mortgages, lines of credit, or business loans – there are so many software solutions available to help you manage and administer your loans! Get ready to learn all about it and take your lending game to the next level with this ultimate buying guide for lending software – part 2.
In the first part, we explored the key considerations you should keep in mind when choosing lending software. Now, we’ll dive deeper into the different types of lending software according to the type of lender, and we’ll mention the most important features you should look for in each of them. We know that every lending business is different and has specific requirements that make their business work. Whether you’re a small business owner, a lending professional, or someone getting started in the lending industry, this guide is designed to help you make an informed decision about the best lending software for your needs. So let’s get started!
Lending Software According to the Type of Lender
As mentioned before, every lending business is different, and the lending software will depend on the type of lender and the specific requirements their business has. Lenders have unique processes and requirements, and having software that is tailored to their needs is crucial for their success. Whether you are a bank, credit union, or alternative lender, there is a lending system available that can help streamline your lending process and improve efficiency.
Traditional Lending
Traditional lending refers to lending activities that are conducted by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions using traditional lending methods. Traditional lenders typically require borrowers to meet certain creditworthiness criteria, such as having a good credit score, a steady income, and a history of responsible financial behavior. They also usually require extensive documentation and may take longer to approve loans than non-traditional lenders. However, traditional lenders often offer lower interest rates and more favorable repayment terms.
Here are some of the most common types of traditional lending:
-For Lines of Credit
Lines of credit provide a revolving loan that can be used for various expenses, such as business expenses, personal expenses, or home improvements. This type of loan allows the borrower to draw funds as needed, up to a specific limit. Interest is only charged on the amount of the loan that is actually used.
Lines of credit software are digital tools that allow financial institutions and lenders to manage and administer lines of credit. This type of software typically offers a range of features and capabilities that support their entire lending process, from initial application and underwriting to ongoing account management and servicing, such as credit limit management, draw requests, and repayment tracking.
What sets the line of credit software apart from other lending software is the ability to manage revolving credit, where borrowers can withdraw and repay funds on an ongoing basis, up to a pre-approved credit limit. Additionally, a line of credit system may offer real-time reporting and analytics to help lenders monitor and optimize their line of credit portfolios.
So, this type of software must have features that allow for flexibility in terms of credit limit and usage, as the borrower can use and repay the funds multiple times within the credit limit. It should also have the ability to track and report on account activity, such as available credit, outstanding balances, and payment history, it should be able to automatically calculate interest based on the outstanding balance and the interest rate, and to apply payments to the principal and interest in real-time.
-For Consumer Lending
Consumer lending refers to the practice of lending money to individuals, rather than businesses or organizations, for personal use. This type of lending is an important part of the economy, as it allows individuals to access the funds they need to make large purchases, invest in their businesses, or pay for unexpected expenses.
Software for consumer lending is designed to facilitate and automate the lending process for consumer loans. It typically includes features for loan origination, underwriting, loan servicing, and collections.
Consumer lending software is designed to cater to the specific needs of individual borrowers, and it should have the following features that differentiate it from other lending software:
Credit risk assessment: It must have advanced algorithms to evaluate borrowers’ creditworthiness to mitigate credit risk.
Loan servicing: Consumer lending software should offer loan servicing features such as payment tracking, late fee calculation, and amortization schedule management.
Automated loan origination: The platform should enable borrowers to apply for loans online, with an intuitive application process that can generate automated decisions, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Integration with third-party data sources: The software should integrate with credit bureaus, bank account aggregators, and other data sources to help lenders make more informed lending decisions.
Compliance management: The system should offer compliance management tools that ensure regulatory compliance with applicable consumer lending laws and regulations.
Customer relationship management: It should provide customer relationship management features, such as communication tracking, contact management, and customer service portals.
Personalized loan offers: Some consumer lending software platforms use data analytics and machine learning to offer personalized loan offers to borrowers based on their credit profile, income, and other factors.
Overall, consumer lending software is designed to help lenders make faster and more informed lending decisions while also improving the borrower experience.
-For Mortgage
Mortgages are secured loans used to finance the purchase of a home. The home serves as collateral for the loan.
Mortgage software is a specialized type of lending software that is designed to help mortgage lenders manage their loan origination and servicing processes. This software typically includes features such as loan application processing, credit analysis, underwriting, document preparation, and loan servicing tools.
However, a mortgage system is differentiated from other types of lending software by its specific focus on the complex processes involved in originating and servicing mortgage loans. This type of lending software often includes integrations with credit bureaus, title companies, and other third-party providers that are commonly used in the mortgage lending industry.
Some specific features the mortgage software must have, and that lenders should look for when buying the software are:
Automated underwriting: Mortgage software should include automated underwriting to evaluate the creditworthiness of borrowers based on their credit score, income, and other factors.
Loan pricing engine: A loan pricing engine helps lenders determine the interest rates, fees, and other charges associated with the mortgage.
Document management: Mortgage software should include a document management system to store and manage all the necessary documents required for the mortgage process, such as loan applications, disclosures, and appraisals.
Compliance management: This type of software should have features that ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA).
Closing and funding management: The software should manage the closing and funding process, including sending closing disclosures to borrowers and disbursing funds to the appropriate parties.
Investor reporting: Mortgage software should have features that enable lenders to report loan data to investors and provide them with the necessary reporting and analytics.
-For Credit Cards
Credit cards provide a revolving line of credit that can be used to make purchases. Cardholders are required to make monthly payments on the balance owed, and interest is charged on the remaining balance.
Credit card lending software is a specialized type of lending software designed for credit card companies and banks that offer credit cards to consumers. This software typically includes features such as credit scoring and underwriting tools, transaction processing and management, fraud detection and prevention, rewards and loyalty programs management, as well as analytics and reporting capabilities.
This lending software must also integrate with payment processing systems and comply with relevant regulatory requirements, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
In summary, the software should include some specific features such as:
Credit scoring and risk assessment: Credit card software must be able to perform credit scoring and risk assessment to determine the creditworthiness of potential borrowers.
Transaction processing: The software must be able to process credit card transactions, including authorizations, settlements, and chargebacks.
Rewards program management: It must be able to manage rewards programs, including points redemption and tracking.
Fraud detection and prevention: Credit card software must have robust fraud detection and prevention measures in place to protect both the lender and the borrower.
Compliance management: It must be compliant with various regulations and standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Billing and statement generation: It must be able to generate billing statements and provide customers with account information.
-For Business Loans
Business loans are loans made to businesses to finance operations, expand the business, or purchase equipment. Depending on the lender’s requirements, these loans can be secured or unsecured.
The Business loan software is designed to help lenders automate and streamline the process of originating and managing loans for small businesses. The software should integrate with existing systems and be flexible and scalable to meet the unique needs of different lenders.
Additionally, a business loan system must have the following features that differentiate it from other lending software:
Risk assessment and analysis tools: Since business loans carry higher risk, the software must have robust tools for assessing credit risk, analyzing financial statements, and determining the borrower’s ability to repay.
Loan origination and underwriting capabilities: The software must enable lenders to originate and underwrite loans efficiently, including automated underwriting, electronic document management, and workflows for approvals.
Collateral management: Business loans often require collateral, so the software must have features for tracking and managing collateral, including automated appraisal and valuation tools.
Payment processing and management: The software must handle payment processing, account management, and payment history tracking for businesses.
Reporting and analytics: The software must have robust reporting and analytics tools to help lenders monitor loan performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
Integration with accounting and CRM systems: Business loan software should integrate with accounting and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, allowing lenders to manage customer relationships and track financial data in one place.
-For Student Loans
Student loans are used to finance higher education expenses, such as tuition, books, and living expenses. These loans can be issued by the government or private lenders.
Student loan software is designed specifically for managing the lending process and servicing of student loans and it typically includes features such as online applications and document management, credit checks and verification, disbursement of funds to educational institutions, and automated repayment processing.
The software should have features for managing deferment and forbearance requests, as well as delinquency and default tracking.
Other must-have features the student loan software should have are:
Flexible Repayment Options: The software must provide a variety of repayment options, such as income-based repayment, graduated repayment, and deferment options.
Origination and Disbursement: It should include features that enable easy origination and disbursement of student loans.
Integration with the Department of Education: The software should be able to integrate with the Department of Education’s systems to facilitate loan processing and servicing.
Loan Servicing: It must offer loan servicing capabilities, including billing and collections, payment processing, and customer support.
Compliance: The software should comply with federal and state regulations governing student lending, such as the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Higher Education Act (HEA).
Data Security: Student loan software should have strong data security measures in place to protect sensitive student data.
-For Equipment Financing
Equipment financing is a type of lending that allows businesses to purchase or lease the equipment they need to operate. This type of loan can be used to acquire a wide range of equipment, from heavy machinery to office computers.
An equipment financing system is designed to help lenders manage the process of providing loans to purchase equipment. This type of lending software typically includes features such as:
Asset tracking and management, where the lender can keep track of the equipment and its condition throughout the loan term.
Loan Customization. The software should allow for customization of loan terms to match the equipment’s expected lifespan.
Flexible Payment Options. The software should also offer flexible payment options, such as balloon payments.
Analytics. It should provide detailed reporting and analytics on equipment performance and usage.
Collateral Management. The software should enable lenders to easily manage collateral and handle any equipment repossessions if needed.
Integration. Equipment financing software often includes integration with equipment dealers and manufacturers to simplify the lending process for borrowers.
Overall, an equipment financing system should include features that can help automate credit decisioning, manage asset tracking, accelerate payment processing, and improve document management. It should also include features that help lenders assess the value of the equipment being financed and ensure that it is properly insured.
Alternative Lending
Alternative lending refers to non-traditional lending activities that are not conducted by banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions. Alternative lenders often use technology and data analytics to streamline the lending process and assess creditworthiness. While alternative lending can be a good option for individuals or businesses that do not meet traditional lending criteria, it can also come with higher interest rates and less favorable repayment terms.
Here are some of the most common types of alternative lending:
-For Merchant Cash Advance
Merchant cash advances (MCA) are a type of financing where a business owner receives an upfront lump sum in exchange for a percentage of their future credit or debit card sales. This type of lending is often used by small businesses that need quick access to capital.
Merchant cash advance software is designed to facilitate the lending process for MCA lenders. This type of lending software should allow MCA lenders to process applications, review creditworthiness, and track repayments easily.
This software includes several features that differentiate it from other lending software, for example:
- The ability to analyze credit card transactions to determine a business’s revenue.
- Flexible repayment structures that consider the ups and downs of a business’s revenue.
- Automated repayment processing through credit card transactions.
- Integration with POS systems and other business management tools to make it easier for borrowers to manage their repayments.
- Quick application process.
- The ability to underwrite based on cash flow.
Additionally, an MCA platform should include tools for tracking daily sales, a dashboard for monitoring the performance of the portfolio, and generating reports on key metrics. These features help lenders manage risk and ensure the profitability of their MCA portfolios.
-For Peer to Peer Lending (P2P)
Peer-to-peer loans allow individuals to borrow and lend money directly with one another without the need for a traditional financial institution. Online platforms facilitate transactions and match borrowers with lenders based on their creditworthiness. The loans can be used for a variety of purposes, and interest rates are determined by market demand.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending software is a platform that enables individuals or entities to lend money to other individuals or entities without the involvement of traditional financial institutions. P2P lending software typically includes the following features:
- Borrower and lender matching algorithms.
- Credit risk assessment tools.
- Loan origination software.
- Automated payment processing.
- Repayment tracking.
- Risk assessment.
- Investment management tools for lenders, such as portfolio diversification and risk management.
- Automated loan diversification to manage a large number of individual lenders.
- Security and compliance features, as it deals with sensitive financial and personal information.
Overall, the focus of P2P lending software should be on creating a user-friendly and efficient platform for connecting borrowers with investors by automating and streamlining the lending process, reducing overhead costs, and making it easier for borrowers to access credit while, at the same time, mitigating risks for all parties involved.
Additionally, P2P lending software should provide transparent pricing and flexible repayment terms for borrowers while also offering competitive returns for lenders.
-For Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a type of alternative lending where a group of individuals, often strangers, pool their money together to fund a project or venture. Crowdfunding can be used for a variety of purposes, such as starting a business or funding a charitable cause.
Crowdfunding software is a specialized type of lending software that enables businesses or individuals to raise funds from a large group of people, typically through an online platform.
It typically includes features to:
- Create and manage crowdfunding campaigns.
- Set funding goals and deadlines.
- Accept donations or investments.
- Track campaign progress.
- Integrate with social media platforms to manage social networking and marketing to help promote campaigns and attract backers.
- Manage reward systems or equity crowdfunding options, depending on the platform’s focus.
- Manage crowdfunding campaigns’ legal and regulatory requirements, such as compliance with securities laws and tax reporting.
-For Invoice Factoring
This type of lending allows businesses to sell their unpaid invoices to a third-party company in exchange for immediate cash. The third-party company then collects payment from the customers who owe the invoices.
Invoice factoring software, also known as accounts receivable financing software, is a specialized type of lending software that helps businesses convert outstanding invoices into immediate cash.
The software should automate the process of invoicing, tracking payments, and managing cash flow, providing businesses with quick access to capital. This type of software should include features to help businesses:
- Upload and handle their outstanding and multiple invoices.
- Track their status throughout the funding process.
- Automated tracking of payments.
- Verify the creditworthiness of the debtor.
- Manage collections and disputes.
- Do reporting and analytics to help them monitor their cash flow and identify areas for improvement.
- Assignment of individual invoices to investors or lenders.
-For Microloans
Microloans are small, short-term loans, typically under $50,000, that are typically used by individuals, startups, or small businesses in developing countries or who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. These loans may be offered by nonprofit organizations or government agencies.
Microloan software is designed to streamline the lending process for microloans by automating the application, underwriting, and disbursement processes. The software must be scalable to accommodate a high volume of small transactions, offer multiple payment options, and have flexible interest rate structures.
Some features that differentiate microloan software from other lending software include:
- Borrower eligibility assessment tools.
- Customizable repayment schedules.
- Credit risk analysis.
- Reporting tools for lenders.
- Integration with third-party payment providers to facilitate loan repayments.
- Features to enable nonprofit organizations to provide microloans to disadvantaged communities.
- Multilingual support.
- Tools to manage borrower information and credit history.
- Tools for monitoring repayment schedules and delinquencies.
- Robust security measures to protect sensitive borrower data.
-For Online Lenders
Online lenders provide a variety of lending options, including personal loans, business loans, and lines of credit. They often have faster application processes and may have more flexible lending criteria than traditional lenders.
Online lending software, also known as digital lending software, is designed to provide borrowers with an entirely online loan application and approval process. The software must have a user-friendly interface that allows borrowers to submit loan applications and investors to view available loans and make funding decisions. This type of lending software typically features:
- An online application portal.
- Automated underwriting.
- Digital document signing capabilities.
- Integrations with third-party services such as credit bureaus.
- Payment processors to streamline the lending process.
- Necessary security measures to protect sensitive borrower information online.
- Fast processing times.
- A credit scoring system that evaluates a borrower’s creditworthiness and risk level,
- A loan servicing system that automates loan payments and collections.
- A system for managing and mitigating the risk of fraud and default.
In Summary
That’s it for Part 2 of our Ultimate Buying Guide for Lending Software! We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the different types of lending software and the specific features and functionalities you should be looking for according to the type of lender. By now, you should have a much better idea of what to look for in your perfect lending software solution.
But wait, there’s more! The final installment of this three-part series is live now! In Part 3, we talk about what you should do before buying lending software, show you examples of top software vendors in the industry, and reveal even more essential features to consider. So, get ready to take notes and check out the last part of our Ultimate Buying Guide for Lending Software!
Ready to take your lending game to the next level? Download our FREE PDF version with parts 1, 2, and 3 of the Ultimate Buying Guide for Lending Software now! Get your copy and discover all the essential insights and expert advice to make an informed decision.