Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Solutions. Read the original article for full details.

Bridging Sector Urged to Address Automated Intelligence Adoption

A recent report from Mortgage Solutions discusses the growing focus on artificial intelligence (AI), referred to as 'automated intelligence', within the UK bridging sector. The article highlights concerns and opportunities related to the adoption of this technology, particularly in areas such as compliance and lending oversight.

Martyn Smith, CEO of Black & White Bridging, notes that while some organisations are eager to integrate AI, others remain hesitant due to concerns about its impact on employment and operational consistency. The report emphasises that ignoring automated intelligence is no longer a viable option for the sector.

The article stresses that successful implementation of AI requires a strong foundation in data management, permissions, and governance. Without these fundamentals, any AI initiative risks being ineffective. In the bridging sector, which is described as highly nuanced and relationship-driven, AI is seen as a tool to assist rather than replace human expertise.

A key area where AI is already making an impact is in audit and compliance. The report references a previous article by Dawid Kotur of Curvestone AI, which outlines how AI can provide immediate and comprehensive oversight. Traditionally, compliance teams have relied on spot-checking a small percentage of case files due to resource constraints. AI now enables the review of large volumes of data quickly, identifying context and potential issues more efficiently.

The article clarifies that the use of AI in compliance is not about allowing algorithms to make subjective decisions, but about increasing transparency and efficiency. This approach allows human auditors to focus on assessing outcomes for clients, combining automated speed with human judgement.

The report concludes that the bridging sector must address the challenges and opportunities presented by automated intelligence. By focusing on data governance and using AI as an enabler, the sector can improve service delivery and oversight for brokers and borrowers.