It’s no secret that banks and credit unions are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. However, there’s one critical area that demands particular attention in 2024: the loan origination process, which, if not optimized, can become a bottleneck, affecting customer experience and the institution’s bottom line.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common issues plaguing this process, highlight the underutilization of data, and propose a data-first transformation strategy using nCino, a leading solution in the market.

Common Challenges in Loan Origination

The loan origination process in many financial institutions (FIs) is fraught with challenges.

Traditional methods often involve manual steps, leading to increased processing times and higher chances of errors. These inefficiencies can result in delayed loan approvals, negatively impacting customer satisfaction and competitive edge.

Furthermore, a lack of integration across different systems can lead to data silos, preventing a unified view of the customer and hindering effective decision-making.

The Untapped Potential of Data

Despite this ‘golden age’ of big data and AI, many FIs fail to leverage this asset to its full potential. Data analytics can provide deep insights into customer behavior, risk assessment, and market trends. Yet, many institutions still rely on outdated methods that do not harness the power of this information.

This oversight means missed opportunities for optimizing processes, enhancing risk management, and ultimately, delivering better customer experiences.

What is nCino?

Enter nCino, a cloud-based platform that replaces disparate systems with a single, intelligent solution that automates and streamlines everything from customer onboarding to account opening, and loan origination to approval.

By integrating nCino, FIs can benefit from reduced processing times, improved accuracy, and enhanced visibility throughout the loan lifecycle. Moreover, nCino’s robust data analytics capabilities allow institutions to make more informed decisions, enhancing risk assessment and enabling personalized customer experiences.

How to Develop a Data-First Strategy with nCino

To truly maximize the benefits of nCino, FIs should adopt a data-first transformation strategy. This approach involves prioritizing data integration and analytics as core components of the nCino implementation. By doing so, institutions can ensure they are not just automating processes but also enriching them with valuable insights.

1. Data Integration: Ensure all relevant data sources are integrated into nCino, providing a holistic view of customers and operations.
2. Data Quality: Implement processes to maintain high data quality, ensuring the analytics and insights derived are reliable.
3. Analytics Adoption: Encourage the use of nCino’s analytics tools across the organization to foster data-driven decision-making.
4. Continuous Improvement: Use data insights to continually refine and optimize the loan origination process, adapting to changing market conditions and customer needs.

Zennify’s Guide for Optimizing the Loan Origination Process

Developing and Implementing an Enterprise Data Strategy with nCino

Step 1: Needs Assessment

• Why: A needs assessment helps identify the specific requirements and priorities unique to your institution, ensuring that the nCino platform is tailored to meet those particular needs. A needs assessment is a foundational step in the optimization process, ensuring that the customization and enhancement of the nCino platform are strategically aligned with the institution’s goals, operational requirements, and regulatory obligations. This targeted approach not only enhances efficiency and effectiveness but also supports a smoother implementation and adoption process.
• How: Start by assessing the specific needs, challenges, and goals of the organization. This involves understanding the workflow, customer base, compliance requirements, and any pain points in current processes.

Step 2: Feature Customization

• Why: Customization can increase efficiencies and improve the user experience for both employees and customers. For employees, a platform that mirrors their workflow and reduces unnecessary complexity can increase job satisfaction and productivity. For customers, a seamless and intuitive interaction—be it through faster loan approvals or simpler account management—can significantly enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
• How: Financial institutions can effectively customize and optimize their nCino environments by adopting a structured approach that encompasses strategic planning, technical expertise, and ongoing management. Here are some recommendations:
  • Leverage nCino’s Flexibility: Utilize nCino’s built-in customization tools and features, such as the platform’s configuration options, to tailor the platform to the FI’s needs.
  • Develop Custom Solutions: Where necessary, develop custom solutions using nCino’s APIs or by creating custom code to extend the platform’s functionality.
  • Ensure Integration: Carefully plan and execute the integration of nCino with other banking systems to ensure seamless data flow and operations.

Step 3: Integration with Existing Systems

• Why: Ensure that nCino integrates smoothly with other systems and software used by the institution. This could include accounting software, CRM systems, or other data sources.
• How:
  • Data Strategy: Creating a data strategy that supports internal and external growth through M&A requires merging and managing disparate data sources. Integrating nCino and SF with the Core system to provide real-time data will enhance reporting, analytics quality, and automation
  • Phased Rollout: Consider a phased approach to deploying customizations, starting with pilot groups or limited functionalities, to minimize risk
  • Thorough Testing: Conduct comprehensive testing of customized features, including unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT), to ensure reliability and performance.

Step 4: Continuous Improvement and Performance Monitoring

Regularly review and update the nCino setup to adapt to changing business needs, regulatory changes, and technological advancements.

• How:
  • Gather Feedback: Continuously collect feedback from users of the customized nCino platform to identify areas for further improvement.
  • Monitor Performance: Regularly review the performance of customized features against the set objectives to ensure they deliver the intended value.
  • Iterate and Optimize: Be prepared to iterate on customizations, making adjustments based on user feedback, performance data, and evolving business needs.

Choosing a Partner to Help Optimize nCino

Optimizing nCino involves customizing and aligning its functionalities with the specific needs of a financial institution. This process is crucial for maximizing efficiency, enhancing customer service, and ensuring compliance. 

A Salesforce implementation partner can be invaluable in this process, providing expertise, support, and strategic insights to ensure the nCino implementation succeeds and delivers optimal results.

Key Qualities to Look for in an nCino Partner:

• Expertise and Experience: Specialized knowledge in Salesforce and nCino for financial services, providing best practices and tailored recommendations.
• Customized Solutions and Compliance: Tailoring nCino to organizational needs, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to industry standards and security protocols.
• Training and Support: Offering specialized training and ongoing support for efficient nCino use, with a focus on cost efficiency and scalability.
• Strategic Planning: Aligning nCino implementation with long-term organizational goals and objectives.

Zennify Depends on Your Success. Guaranteed.

At Zennify, we’ve hyper-focused on improving how we deliver projects to be the most efficient and effective partner in the Salesforce ecosystem; this means investing in AI technologies and process rigor to improve delivery operations, while also committing ourselves financially to your business outcomes and ROI.

Our Success Guarantee program ensures we’re truly invested in the success of your transformation.

Check out the rest of Zennify’s Optimization Strategies for Financial Institutions here:

1. Salesforce Optimization Strategies for Financial Institutions in 2024
2. How Optimizing Salesforce Financial Services Cloud Can Future-Proof Your Financial Institution
3. Preparing for Unified Digital Transformation and Open Banking with MuleSoft
4. Modernizing Financial Customer Journeys with Optimized Personalization and Salesforce Marketing & Data Clouds

Need help optimizing your Salesforce experience? Reach out here.