The title insurance industry has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, spurred by rapid technological advancements that have improved efficiency, security, and transparency.
At the heart of this change is a growing reliance on innovative tools and platforms that simplify complex processes.
To cap off a milestone 25th anniversary year for The Title Report and October Research, we spoke with multiple industry tech leaders to reflect on favorite innovations and how publications like The Title Report have helped spread vital knowledge.
Adapting for the times
Rick Diamond, vice president of IT, agency operations at Fidelity National Financial, spoke about this evolution and the role of industry publications like The Title Report in sharing critical information.
“One thing that’s happened, particularly in the past four years, is the acceleration of technology adoption,” Diamond said. “The pandemic, perhaps the only good thing to come from it, forced our industry to adapt to remote closings and other digital processes. Historically, this industry has been slow to adopt new technology due to its paper-intensive nature and the highly personal interactions involved.”
Although remote online notarization (RON)transactions still represent a small percentage of closings, Diamond emphasized the ripple effect this technology has had on the industry’s willingness to embrace innovation.
“It opened the eyes of many, especially title agents, to the potential of utilizing new technologies to streamline transactions and adopt new security protocols,” he said.
Market shifts
Following the frenzied real estate market of 2020 and 2021, the industry faced significant changes as mortgage rates climbed and inventory plummeted. Diamond noted this challenging environment drove title agents to rethink their approaches.
“Title agents realized they needed to do something different,” he explained. “The two things I always recommend are streamlining internal processes and engaging with new business opportunities. Streamlining means adopting technologies to save time and money, ensure compliance, understand the benefits and risk of AI and enhance security.”
Fraud has been a key driver of technological adoption, pushing agents to implement systems that protect not only themselves but also their clients.
“This responsibility extends to everyone in the process,” Diamond said. “Buyers, sellers, real estate brokers, lenders, and underwriters all benefit from better security and streamlined workflows.”
Leveraging data for growth
The second critical strategy, according to Diamond, is engagement—particularly during slow periods.
“This is not the time to stick your head in the sand,” he said. “Invest internally and actively seek new business opportunities. Today’s technologies provide title agents with unprecedented access to data that can help them identify potential clients and strengthen relationships.”
Diamond highlighted how data has become a cornerstone of industry strategy.
“If I were a title agent working in specific ZIP Codes, I’d use data to identify the top real estate brokers in those areas,” he said. “Then, I’d reach out and demonstrate how my services could add value to their operations.”
He also emphasized the transformative power of social media and data analytics tools in fostering engagement.
“The opportunity to access and act on data today is exponentially better than it was 10 years ago,” Diamond said. “This is a data-rich environment, and the technology available makes it easier to pull actionable insights to drive business growth.”
How The Title Report helps fuel advancement
Publications like The Title Report play a pivotal role in helping industry professionals navigate the sea of information, Diamond said.
“Data is key,” he said. “In a down market, understanding where business is, changing laws, demographics, and regulatory shifts becomes even more critical. Publications like The Title Report help filter the noise and deliver what’s most relevant.”
Diamond underscored the importance of curation in today’s information-saturated world.
“We’re inundated with data from social media, podcasts, TV, and other sources. What sets a good publication apart is its ability to distill that information into actionable insights,” he said. “For example, as an IT professional, I gravitate toward articles on fraud prevention, security, and major industry developments. These are the types of stories that truly matter to me.”
He commended The Title Report for its ability to provide targeted, meaningful content.
“They do a great job filtering out the noise. I’m not spending time on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. I want professional, relevant updates, and that’s what I find in publications like this,” he said.
The road ahead
As the title industry continues to embrace new technologies, Diamond stressed the importance of tailoring solutions to individual needs.
“Success requires understanding the unique balance each person in the transaction needs,” he said. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it’s consumers, real estate brokers, or lenders, each group has different expectations and pain points.”
He expressed optimism about the future, citing the explosion of new technologies as a source of opportunity.
“This industry is in a better position than ever to leverage innovation for growth,” he said. “The key is to embrace these tools thoughtfully, ensuring they add value without unnecessary complexity.”
Importance of collaboration
According to John Freyer, Jr., president of Land Title Guarantee Co. and co-founder/president of Settlor, pivotal advancements in areas like RON, cybersecurity, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) have been key drivers in reshaping the industry.
“The adoption of technology in the title insurance space has not only improved our ability to deliver services more efficiently but has also made our processes more secure and transparent,” Freyer said. “One of the most noticeable changes has been the increased adoption of RON, which has allowed title companies to reduce the need for in-person closings, streamlining the process and expanding the customer choice and customization.”
While RON did not fulfill its initial promise as a “killer app,” it has proven valuable in mitigating fraud and improving operational efficiency, Freyer said.
“RON has significantly improved the efficiency of the closing process,” Freyer noted. “More recently, it has also contributed to fraud mitigation, making it harder for bad actors to manipulate transactions remotely.”
In addition to RON, Freyer pointed out the growing focus on cybersecurity and fraud prevention has become a primary concern within the industry. He emphasized the importance of two-factor authentication, encryption technology for sensitive communications, and regular security audits.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern; it’s become a priority across all levels of the industry,” Freyer said. “The rise of cyber theft and breaches in 2023 underscored just how critical it is for title professionals to safeguard data and transactions.”
Another breakthrough, Freyer explained, is the proliferation of new SaaS applications that offer innovative solutions to the industry. While these technologies have streamlined many processes, they also present new challenges.
“The increased availability of new SaaS applications has had a profound impact on efficiency and the customer experience,” he said. “However, expansion also created additional complexity and confusion, as industry employees and customers now need to navigate a growing number of applications, services, and technologies.”
Communicating and sharing knowledge
Amid these changes, Freyer emphasized the role of publications like The Title Report in fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. For Freyer, The Title Report has been an essential resource in staying up to date on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies.
“The Title Report has been one of my go-to resources for learning about new trends, regulatory shifts, and advancements in technology,” he said. “The publication, along with its webinars and events, creates a central platform for industry professionals to share insights and best practices. It helps us stay connected with one another and with the technology providers that are pushing the industry forward.”
Freyer also recognized the role of The Title Report in bringing together title professionals and technology providers, fostering innovation through collaboration.
“The events hosted by The Title Report, especially those focused on emerging technologies, are vital for advancing the industry,” he noted. “They provide a space for meaningful conversations between title professionals and technology providers, allowing us to learn from one another and collectively improve our approaches to solving industry challenges.”
Despite the clear benefits of new technologies, Freyer acknowledged many in the title insurance industry face significant challenges in adopting them. These include hesitancy to change, regulatory hurdles, and concerns about the costs and complexities associated with integrating new systems into existing workflows.
“Many title professionals are cautious to invest in new technology because of the perceived costs or the fear that it will disrupt established processes,” Freyer explained. “Plus, many industry participants come from traditional title and escrow backgrounds and may not have the technical expertise needed to evaluate or implement new technologies. There’s also uncertainty about which technologies will stand the test of time and which companies will be reliable, long-term partners.”
Freyer sees publications like The Title Report as vital tools in addressing these concerns.
“Publications like The Title Report help by offering educational content, case studies, and real-world examples of successful technology adoption,” he said. “They also host in-person events where industry leaders can learn from each other, discuss the challenges we face, and collaborate on solutions. These resources are key in helping the industry move forward.”
Eyes on the horizon
Looking to the future, Freyer predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a significant role in shaping the next wave of advancements in title insurance.
“AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), is on the brink of spreading throughout the industry,” he said. “We’re already exploring how AI can help streamline title searches, improve customer service through chatbots, and even detect fraud by analyzing data patterns.”
Freyer is optimistic about the potential for AI to improve operational efficiency and customer experiences across the industry.
“AI will help automate many of the manual tasks that have traditionally been time-consuming, allowing us to deliver more customized, efficient services to our clients,” he noted. “At the same time, AI can improve fraud detection by identifying suspicious patterns and comparing them to known data breaches and fraud indicators.”
In this context, Freyer believes The Title Report will continue to play a critical role in helping industry professionals navigate the evolving landscape of AI and other emerging technologies.
“By sharing stories and case studies of companies successfully implementing AI, The Title Report is helping us understand how these technologies are being used in the real world,” he said. “The publication encourages dialogue between industry participants and vendors, which in turn drives the refinement of AI technologies and their adaptation to our unique needs.”
Industry newcomer makes quick impact
John Hamm, chief information officer at Stewart Information Services Corp., entered the title insurance industry just over two years ago but has quickly become a leading voice in its technological evolution.
Reflecting on his journey, Hamm shared how his unique background prepared him to embrace the complexities of title and property tech.
“I had a lot to learn upon joining Stewart and was a relative newcomer to the industry other than closing on a couple of homes,” Hamm said. “I quickly began to realize the sophistication in the industry and opportunity for technology to play a big role.”
Before joining Stewart, Hamm held leadership roles in the healthcare industry, including Texas Children’s Hospital, where he oversaw bioengineering technologies, artificial intelligence strategies, and clinical applications.
As Hamm settled into his role with Stewart, he quickly recognized the immense opportunities for technology to evolve the title industry.
“Whenever there’s a technology shift, with automation and AI, especially one of this magnitude, it opens up so many possibilities,” he said. “On the residential purchase side, you see this whole ecosystem going through change. There’s a focus on affordable housing, a shortage of supply, and shifting demographics—from baby boomers to Gen-X, and soon Gen Alpha. You have to anticipate how they think about homeownership and expectations of the purchase process. The expectation for transparency demands ease of use and better-connected systems, which ultimately requires better insights and better-organized data. That’s what everybody’s talking about.”
Hamm also emphasized the rising expectations of title professionals and agents for more advanced tools.
“Our agency business is seeking tools that help them do their work more efficiently, while minimizing the learning curve to adopt them,” he said. “They expect tools as part of our offering now. It’s no longer optional.”
Hamm credited publications like The Title Report for their role in keeping professionals informed and connected.
“What I like about publications like The Title Report is that they help inform me about what’s shifting in the industry,” Hamm said. “In an indirect way, they allow us to balance ideas or even challenge our assumptions about where we’re going. You can look at what others are experiencing and help validate if you’re on the right track.”
Hamm described how these publications serve as a bridge between professionals facing similar challenges.
“It’s a way to connect indirectly,” he said. “Are we doing something different? Has someone else solved an issue we’re facing? Or maybe we’ve found a solution that others haven’t yet. It’s a way to stay aligned with the needs of the industry.”
Striking the right chord
As technology evolves, balancing ease of use and security has become a top priority. Hamm addressed this challenge, noting that consumer expectations have shifted significantly in recent years.
“If you go back five years, consumers used to complain about multifactor authentication or validation in the sign-on process,” Hamm said. “Now, they expect it. Most of us have been a victim of fraud in some form. Security is no longer an afterthought—it’s expected.”
For Hamm, the future of the title insurance industry is bright, driven by collaboration, innovation, and a continued focus on leveraging technology to meet the needs of customers and professionals.
“The opportunities are endless,” Hamm said. “The more connected we are as an industry, the better we’ll be able to adapt and meet our customer’s needs.”
According to Paul Bandiera, senior vice president of agent technology at First American Title, the adoption of cloud technologies and SaaS models has revolutionized the way title agents operate, allowing them to concentrate more on their core business activities.
“The adoption of cloud technologies and SaaS models has provided title agents with greater flexibility in managing their technology expenditures,” Bandiera said. “This has allowed them to focus more on the day-to-day needs of their businesses, enabling them to work more efficiently and deliver better service to clients.”
A pivotal moment in this transformation came when the industry turned its attention to automating complex workflows. Bandiera pointed to system-managed workflows that handle tasks ranging from simple milestones to more intricate processes. These improvements, he noted, significantly enhanced operational efficiency.
“There's been an increased focus and improved adoption of system-managed workflows, ranging from simple milestones and tasks to complex automation,” he explained. “Increased access to property records and data has introduced numerous tools to streamline and automate the search and examination process, making everything much faster and more accurate.”
The pandemic, which forced businesses to adapt to remote work and restricted physical interactions, further accelerated the pace of technological adoption, Bandiera added. As companies scrambled to stay operational, cloud-based tools and online communication platforms became essential for managing business processes.
NS3 and sharing information
While technological progress has driven significant innovation, publications like The Title Report have played an essential role in promoting collaboration and fostering industry-wide learning, Bandiera said.
He emphasized that such forums are crucial for staying focused on the unique challenges and opportunities within the title insurance sector.
“Industry-specific media outlets, like The Title Report, provide a nuanced view on the innovation in our industry without being distracted or diluted by the need to cover other aspects of the real estate and mortgage ecosystem,” Bandiera said. “They also provide valuable forums for collaboration, which is crucial for moving the industry forward.”
One such collaborative event that Bandiera highlighted is October Research’s annual National Settlement Services Summit (NS3).
“The NS3 event is an important occasion for technology providers to engage with title agents and other users,” Bandiera noted. “It’s a very approachable meeting that emphasizes the intersections of the business of title and settlement with technology.”
However, Bandiera acknowledged the adoption of new technology within the title insurance industry is not without its challenges. One significant hurdle is the need for solutions that are flexible enough to integrate with a variety of client processes, especially given regional variations, regulatory requirements, and market shifts.
“Adopting technology is easier when you have consistent processes,” Bandiera said. “But the nature of our role in the real estate transaction means the solutions we develop must be nimble and flexible enough to integrate with a variety of different client processes while accounting for regional variations, various regulatory requirements, market shifts, and different transaction types.”
Despite these challenges, Bandiera expressed confidence in the industry’s ability to adapt.
“This remains one of our unique challenges, but also highlights our industry’s exceptional ability to adapt, which is one of our greatest strengths,” he said.
Enhancing the process
Looking ahead, Bandiera pointed to the growing role of generative AI as a key driver of innovation in the title insurance space. By leveraging LLMs and AI-powered tools, companies are capturing critical domain knowledge and organizing unstructured data, which has the potential to improve efficiency and accuracy across various aspects of the industry.
“Beyond generative AI, I’m keen to see how the adoption of an instant payment system will impact processes and enhance security,” he said.
The Title Report, Bandiera believes, will be instrumental in supporting innovations by providing clarity amidst the excitement of new technologies. As the industry navigates emerging trends, he sees the publication as a key source of real-world insights that help professionals understand how technologies are being deployed effectively.
“The Title Report can play a valuable role by highlighting stories that demonstrate how these technologies and processes are being deployed in today’s market,” Bandiera explained. “Every new technology holds great promise, but understanding how that promise is realized when faced with real-world challenges provides the most valuable insights.”
Highlighting success stories
Randall Nelson, CEO of Alanna.ai, a leader in AI-driven tools for the title sector, shared his insights into these changes and the role of publications like The Title Report in shaping the industry’s future.
“The title industry has undergone significant change over the last decade, thanks to technology,” Nelson said. “At Alanna.ai, we’ve seen how automation and conversational AI can simplify communication and streamline tasks like document collection and status updates.”
The shift toward AI and automation has also been transformative, he added.
“Another key shift has been an increased reliance on AI to improve efficiency without sacrificing the personal touch that defines title work,” Nelson noted. “These transformations have laid the groundwork for a more connected and responsive industry.”
Publications as industry catalysts
Nelson emphasized The Title Report’s importance in connecting professionals and highlighting technological success stories.
“Publications like The Title Report are invaluable for driving awareness and connection within the industry,” Nelson said. “They provide a platform for companies like Alanna.ai to share success stories and demonstrate how innovative tools can address common challenges.”
The role of publications extends beyond reporting; they serve as bridges between traditional practices and modern innovations. Nelson believes they are essential for encouraging collaboration and helping professionals embrace new solutions.
“By highlighting emerging technologies and best practices, The Title Report helps foster collaboration,” he added. “It encourages professionals to adopt new solutions and rethink how they deliver value to their clients.”
Overcoming adoption challenges
Adopting new technology in an industry as meticulous and compliance-driven as title insurance is not without its challenges. Nelson noted many professionals approach innovation cautiously, often due to concerns about disrupting established workflows or overwhelming teams.
“The title industry can be cautious about change, partly because of the importance of accuracy and regulatory compliance,” Nelson explained. “At Alanna.ai, we’ve seen hesitation rooted in concerns about disrupting established workflows or overwhelming teams with new systems.”
Publications like The Title Report play a critical role in easing these concerns.
“They help by demystifying these technologies and sharing stories of successful implementation,” Nelson said. “They provide a space for industry professionals to learn from each other, easing fears and creating a path for smoother adoption.”
As the industry continues to evolve, Nelson sees AI as a driving force behind further transformation. Tools that automate repetitive tasks and enhance client communication will lead the way, with system integrations becoming increasingly crucial.
“AI-driven tools, like those we’re building at Alanna.ai, will continue to transform how title companies operate, focusing on automating repetitive tasks and improving communication with clients,” he said. “Looking forward, integrations that bring multiple systems together seamlessly will be a game changer.”
Once again, The Title Report has a significant role to play in this progression, Nelson said.
“The Title Report can support these advancements by shining a light on real-world applications of these technologies,” he said. “This gives industry professionals the information they need to make informed decisions.”
Staying balanced
As the industry moves forward, Nelson said maintaining the balance of tech advancement with security and ease of use will remain paramount.
“The industry will need to prioritize tools that are not only cutting-edge but also adaptable to the needs of different users,” he said. “The Title Report can support this balance by highlighting stories of companies successfully implementing secure, user-friendly technology. It helps others see what’s possible when the right tools are in place.”
“The transformations we’re seeing are making the industry more connected and responsive. With the support of publications like The Title Report, professionals can adopt these changes confidently and continue delivering exceptional value to their clients.”
Automation and moving past standard solutions
At the forefront of this transformation is the adoption of automation, customization, and SaaS models, which have redefined operational efficiency and customer experience. Industry publications like The Title Report have played a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge and fostering a culture of innovation.
Shawn Fox, chief revenue officer at Premier One, identified automation as one of the most significant advancements in recent years.
“In the last five to 10 years, automation within the environment has been revolutionary,” Fox said. “Third-party vendors are building custom solutions, giving title companies the ability to define their businesses in ways that weren’t possible 20 years ago. You’ve got bots running lien and patriot searches, and automation is streamlining workflows.”
This shift has empowered title companies to move beyond standardized software solutions and adapt tools specifically tailored to their operations, Fox said.
Kevin Nincehelser, CEO of Premier One, echoed these sentiments and highlighted the industry’s evolving relationship with technology.
“The early days of technology in the title industry were about buying software that served a specific purpose,” he recalls. “Over time, we’ve seen the expansion of additional products and services to supplement those core technologies. Automation has made processes more secure, faster, and more efficient. Today, with the rise of SaaS-based platforms, we’re seeing a trend toward integrated solutions where everything is available within one comprehensive platform.”
Fox emphasized the importance of tailoring solutions to individual clients.
“No title company operates the same way. You have to spend time understanding their needs before formulating a plan,” he said. “This approach has allowed us to retain clients and help them stay ahead in their markets.”
Bridging the gaps
Publications like The Title Report have been instrumental in bridging knowledge gaps and keeping industry professionals informed, delivering real-time updates on compliance regulations, emerging technologies, and best practices.
Fox recalled the early days of The Title Report.
“In the 1980s and 1990s, information sharing was limited to magazines sitting on desks. With the advent of digital communication, The Title Report and its parent company, October Research, became critical in providing streamlined access to vital information,” he said. “During rollout of Dodd-Frank regulations, title companies needed real-time information to adapt. Publications like The Title Report made it possible to stay ahead of the curve.”
Nincehelser agreed, emphasizing the value of shared knowledge in an industry dominated by small businesses.
“Running a title company can be isolating. Publications like The Title Report provide a broader perspective of what’s happening in the industry,” he said. “They address the questions people are asking and offer informed answers, helping companies navigate challenges like wire fraud and cybersecurity threats.”
Human element not going away
Fox and Nincehelser emphasized technology is only part of the equation. The human element remains critical.
“The title industry is about providing a great experience for people closing on their homes,” Nincehelser said. “Technology should enhance that experience, not overshadow it.”
Fox shared further perspective on the importance of staying informed.
“We’re living in real-time now,” he said. “Whether it’s a cybersecurity incident or new advancements in AI, having access to timely information is essential. The title industry has come a long way, and with the right tools and knowledge, it will continue to grow.”