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David Sinclair

David Sinclair is President & CEO of Alliant National Title Insurance Company. He can be reached at dsinclair@alliantnational.com
SMT header with ALTA Elite Provider Badge

SecureMyTransaction is now an ALTA Elite Provider and includes new features to promote business growth

It’s hard to believe that it has already been one year since Alliant National and our technology partners launched SecureMyTransaction in response to the urgent need for robust, scalable fraud prevention and identity verification tools. Over the last year, many of you have provided feedback on our service, and I am humbled by the stories I’ve heard about how SecureMyTransaction has helped defend against fraud. Seller impersonation, vacant property fraud, wire fraud, and deed and document forgeries are deeply damaging to our industry and the consumers we serve, and I sincerely thank you for your valuable input.

Thanks in large part to your help and support, I am proud to share two significant updates regarding SecureMyTransaction.

First, the American Land Title Association (ALTA) has announced today that SecureMyTransaction has achieved ALTA Elite Provider status. As part of that process, SMT was rigorously vetted as a provider and received recommendations from ALTA members. This designation is an important milestone and affirms SMT’s effectiveness in helping agents respond to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

Second, we’re excited to announce that this week, SMT is being updated to include new features allowing you to customize the user experience with your branding, the branding of your real estate partners, and even lenders. This includes incorporating your logos, contact information, and messaging for a seamless, integrated ID verification experience that reflects your unique business style. With this added ability to customize the platform, SMT not only offers protection but also supports brand visibility and business growth.

We remain committed to growing and enhancing SecureMyTransaction, and your feedback will guide our efforts. You can also follow updates at SecureMyTransaction.com.

If you have thoughts or questions about SecureMyTransaction, please reach out to me or any member of our team.

David Sinclair, President & CEO for Alliant National signature block
people outside holding 2024 to celebrate the new year

From Our CEO – A Year Of Change, Challenge, And Growth

As we begin a New Year, it’s a natural time for reflection and planning. However, in an industry where change is constant, charting a path forward is not always easy. At the outset, we recognize some familiar challenges: the economy, fraud, political polarization, climate change, and disruption from new technologies like AI. At Alliant National, we’re approaching 2024 rooted in our enduring commitment to care and service for our agents, innovating from this foundation to enhance our responsiveness and support in an evolving industry.

Your growth and success are central to our mission. That’s why our prime focus this year extends to enhancing many of the resources and tools at your disposal. We’re committed to evolving and improving our underwriting practices, providing the responsive support you need to confidently navigate the market’s complexities. Our educational programs are poised for expansion. Moreover, we are engaging in several key initiatives to expand our services, including:

  • SecureMyTransaction: To help our agents combat the growing challenge of real estate fraud, we introduced our robust identity verification system – SecureMyTransaction – last year. In response to your valuable input, we’ve upgraded the system with advanced features like 3D image verification and expanded global reach, now validating ID instruments from 200 countries. To learn more, check out the SecureMyTransaction website.
  • Expanding Title Searches: We’re now offering quicker, more efficient title search services. Integrated with leading platforms such as Qualia and RamQuest, our aim is to streamline your processes, reduce risks, and ultimately, enhance your profitability.
  • Embracing AI and Innovation: We’re not just keeping up with technology; we’re leading the charge. From implementing artificial intelligence in operations to partnering with the University of Colorado on groundbreaking projects, we’re committed to bringing the future of real estate services to you.

This year, we recognize the uncertainties but also see the immense possibilities. It’s a time to invest and innovate where it makes sense, while continuing to provide the excellent service you’ve come to expect from the Alliant National team.

As we move forward into the year, your thoughts and feedback are invaluable to us. If there’s anything we can do to help make 2024 more successful for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, your agency manager, or any member of our team. We are all here to support you. Together, we’ll make this year one of growth, success and positive change.

David Sinclair, President & CEO for Alliant National
David Sinclair,
President & CEO for Alliant National
Happy Thanksgiving sign with a blurred background of people celebrating

With Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Note From Our CEO

Thanksgiving is a touchstone for reflection, gratitude, remembrance, and a celebration of the gifts we have received. And, although we aspire to be grateful every day, this holiday is a wonderful reminder to pause, take a deep breath, and give thanks.

The past few years have been marked by unprecedented challenges, including world conflicts, a wildly unpredictable US housing market, the emergence of unregulated title products, and a notable increase in fraud. In the face of those obstacles, we have borne witness to your dedication to serving your customers and communities. Your perseverance and fortitude have been a source of inspiration for me and all of us at Alliant National.

I am truly grateful for the progress we have made together this year. For instance, in this month’s #allnatadvantage newsletter, we learned how the team at Florida’s Brick City Title helped stop a fraudulent cash purchase transaction. Brick City and several other agencies have been recognized this year for their fraud prevention efforts under Alliant National’s Crime Watch program. Their actions are a reminder that daily vigilance is key.

We are also grateful for the agents working with us on our new SecureMyTransaction identity verification product, which we announced in August during our Florida Seminar. Together, we are making significant strides in maintaining the integrity of transactions and protecting consumers.

In both big and small ways, we share an unwavering commitment to helping others realize the American Dream. On this Thanksgiving, I extend my deepest appreciation for your heart of service and gratitude for your partnership with Alliant National.

Happy Holidays,

David

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Alliant National Launching ID Verification Solution – Secure My Transaction

Navigating the complexities of our industry is indeed challenging, and it humbles me when independent agents confide in our team, sharing their concerns and ideas. One recurring issue you’ve brought to light centers around identity verification and the inherent risks involved in this key element of the transaction. I am delighted to announce that Alliant National has collaborated with Finigree, a leader in financial and payment technology solutions, and developed a robust identity verification system – SecureMyTransaction.

SecureMyTransaction is designed to equip you with the information you need about both buyers and sellers to advance your transactions with confidence. The technology applies a multi-factor identity verification process that cross-checks mobile device ownership and location, credit bureau information, bank account validation and ownership, payoff and proceeds verification, knowledge-based authentication, FinCEN and OFAC searches, along with Alliant National Underwriting Alerts.

With verified identity information at your fingertips, you’re empowered to protect against seller impersonation fraud, vacant property fraud, and deed and document forgeries. Scams like these can have profound consequences, including financial loss, reputational harm and regulatory sanctions. SecureMyTransaction is thoughtfully designed to help you mitigate these risks.

This solution – which is initially being offered exclusively to Alliant National agents nationwide – will be unveiled tomorrow at our annual Florida Seminar in Orlando. For those attending, we look forward to presenting this new tool to you and hearing your initial thoughts.

For those who will not be with us in Orlando, I hope you will take the opportunity to learn more about this solution built specifically for independent title professionals like you. You can visit SecureMyTransaction.com for details, or reach out to Alliant National’s Bob Grohol (BGrohol@AlliantNational.com, 440.228.0826) to schedule a demo.

As you familiarize yourself with this new tool, whether at the seminar or from afar, I invite you to share your thoughts and feedback. We have developed this system with you in mind, and your insights are invaluable to us. Please feel free to reach out to me, to Bob, or to any member of your Alliant National team.

Graphic with the words, Happy Independence Day against a background of the US flag and sparklers.

Honoring You This Independence Day: From our CEO

As we approach July 4th, we reflect on the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation. At this time of remembrance, our team at Alliant National also honors the remarkable contributions of independent agents like you, whose unwavering commitment to the American Dream empowers countless individuals to pursue homeownership and economic prosperity.

In 1776, as the principles of freedom and self-determination were woven into a new experiment in government, the challenges were as profound as the ideals at stake. From the trials of its infancy, our nation emerged as an economic power, giving rise to the American Dream.

Today, the mortgage and title industries stand as the cornerstone of this dream, and at the heart of every mortgage transaction, independent title agents work tirelessly to ensure the smooth transfer of property. Title insurance – and your integral role in the title transfer process – allows individuals to make informed decisions and gives them the confidence to pursue their dreams. Your expertise and dedication also contribute to the stability and growth of the communities you serve. You create employment and economic opportunities, support local businesses, and foster a sense of trust and security.

Well over two centuries after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our nation continues to face challenges that resonate within our industry. Economic and housing market uncertainty, political polarization, and the potential impact of AI are among the macro forces pressuring title agents, along with industry-specific issues such as the emergence of unregulated title products. At Alliant National, we are honored to partner with you in your noble work and stand as your ally in facing the challenges of the moment.

Your work and dedication inspire us every day, but especially now. As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, we honor your commitment to upholding the American Dream and our nation’s ideals. To you, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

Here’s wishing you and yours a happy 4th of July.

This blog contains general information only, not intended to be relied upon as, nor a substitute for, specific professional advice. We accept no responsibility for loss occasioned to any purpose acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material on this blog.

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