On February 12, 2026, Blend Labs Inc. (NYSE: BLND), a prominent digital origination platform catering to banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders, unveiled significant enhancements to its Verification of Income and Verification of Assets capabilities. This latest development, powered by a new partnership with Truework, is designed to streamline the mortgage lending process, ultimately improving the borrower experience and increasing operational efficiency for lenders.

1. Enhancements to Verification of Income and Employment

Blend's new offering, the Verification of Income and Employment (VOIE), now includes an innovative manual solution named Smart Outreach. This feature automates the verification process for instances where immediate confirmation cannot be obtained, effectively eliminating the cumbersome manual workflows that often require loan officers and processors to reach out to employers via calls or emails.

By automating these verifications, Blend aims to unlock considerable productivity for mortgage operations, allowing lenders to redirect valuable time and resources towards enhancing customer service rather than administrative tasks.

2. Introduction of Supplemental Asset Reports

In conjunction with the enhancements to VOIE, Blend has also launched Supplemental Asset Reports. This new capability assists lenders in meeting the 10-day Pre-Closing Verification of Employment (VOE) guideline without the need for traditional manual documentation. By utilizing electronic data for verification, this solution mitigates delays associated with paper-based processes, thereby enhancing confidence in closing timelines.

Nima Ghamsari, co-founder and Head of Blend, emphasized the importance of these advancements, stating, “Expanding Verification of Income and Verification of Assets capabilities is another demonstration of how Blend is dedicated to delivering best-in-class products while shouldering the tech lift so our clients experience only the value.” He noted that the investments made into these partnerships and workflows represent a commitment to accelerating innovation within the mortgage lending space.

3. The Importance of Speed and Transparency in Lending

Recent studies highlight that a lender’s reputation for customer experience is just as critical to borrowers as securing the best rates. A report from McKinsey indicates that customer satisfaction can drop significantly with any delays beyond the initial closing estimate. Blend's VOIE process enhances speed and transparency, with over 55% of reports being completed in under 24 hours and 87% within 72 hours. This efficiency is crucial for helping lenders maintain a timely closing schedule for mortgage borrowers.

Ghamsari further commented on the evolving nature of income verification, stating, “As more of the workforce has mixed income sources and nontraditional earnings, the VOIE process is more important than ever.” The integration of manual verification without extending loan timelines is positioned as a transformative step. By reducing friction and latency in the verification process, Blend aims to alleviate the burdens on internal teams and streamline workflows, showcasing an ongoing commitment to innovation in home lending.

4. About Blend

Blend Labs Inc. has established itself as a leading origination platform for digital banking solutions. The company’s platform is utilized by a diverse range of financial institutions—from major banks and fintechs to credit unions and independent mortgage banks—transforming the banking experience for customers.

To learn more about Blend and its innovative solutions, visit blend.com.

Blend's latest advancements in the Verification of Income and Employment and Verification of Assets signify a pivotal stride toward enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the mortgage lending process, ultimately benefiting both lenders and borrowers. As the industry evolves, Blend remains at the forefront, committed to driving innovation and improving the financial services landscape.

Original press release