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2 Cryptocurrency, Big Data, and Machine Learning Oh, My! e spectacular rise (and recent fall) of Bitcoin prices have helped propel cryptocurrencies into the national conversation. Speculation about the future of this type of financial transaction has even landed on the evening news and the front pages of America's newspapers. e question that remains is how housing and mortgage professionals can utilize new forms of fintech to streamline their business. In this month's cover story, "Chains of Knowledge," DS News examines how blockchain technology, which helps make digital payment systems possible, could upend the mortgage origination and servicing industries. Experts weigh in on what the future might look like when and if someone harnesses the technology's potential. Could blockchain have as much impact on the financial services industry as the microwave had in the kitchen? Blockchain's revolutionary future may arrive sooner than we think, writes Katie Jo Keeling, Managing Partner at McCarthy & Holthus, LLP, in her feature, "Bettering Mortgage Link by Link." Keeling explores how businesses and governments are using the technology today, including one bold experiment to fully digitize real estate transactions. See which challenges lay ahead before the days of paper-based real estate transactions come to an end. Rising costs are a fact of life for servicers, but there may be some help on the way when it comes to law firm audits. Randall S. Miller, President of the default firm Randall S. Miller & Associates, explores how uniform audit guidelines could streamline the process in "Looking for a Universal Solution." Technology may drive market changes in the long run, but last year's tax reform is bound to generate some more immediate impacts. Ralph DeFranco, Senior Economist for Arch Mortgage Insurance Co., looks at how new restrictions on mortgage interest deductions could impact housing markets across the country in "Ripple Effect." e upshot: Renting may become more attractive in some of the more expensive cities Americans call home. If you haven't noticed, the dominant theme here is change. Technology, laws and regulatory influence all help shape the future. Stay tuned to find out what changes may be in store next. All my best, Rachel Williams Editor-in-chief FROM OUR DESK default servicing | in print and online VOL. 16 NO. 03 No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2017 REO Publishing LLC All Rights Reserved This publication is intended to provide accurate, authoritative, and detailed information in regard to the subject matter covered. All written materials are disseminated with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal advice or other professional services. Under no circumstance should the information contained herein be relied upon as legal advice as it is designed to be a source of information only. DS News strongly encourages the use of qualified attorneys or other qualified experts with regard to the subject matter covered. does not guarantee the accuracy of the information, and is not liable for any damages, losses, or other detriments that may result from the use of these materials. PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DESIGN ASSOCIATE EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR ONLINE CONTRIBUTORS COPY EDITOR ADVERTISING DS NEWS 2017-2018 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Mark Hulme Rachel Williams Jonathon Won Nicole Casperson David Wharton Scott Morgan Radhika Ojha Alison Rich Seth Welborn Mike Cetera Suzanne Andresen: 207.443.3314 Kevin McCrea: 214.525.6756 Jason Myers: 214.525.6760 Robert Rakowski: 214.525.6783 Meg Burns, Financial Services Roundtable Kathy Cummings, Bank of America Jordan Dorchuck, BSI Financial Services Malloy Evans, Fannie Mae Yvette Gilmore, Freddie Mac Ramie Word, Nationstar Mortgage Follow DSNewsDaily on CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS American Mortgage Diversity Council Legal League 100, National Mortgage Servicing Association, Property Preservation Executive Forum FORCE DESIGN Mark Hulme Ed Delgado Ernest Gillespie Derek Templeton John Rieger: 214.525.6769 Derek Templeton: 214.525.6757 Annie Collier: 214.525.6740 Sean Walker Jason Stone Jonathon Won

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