How alternative lending is reshaping mortgage access for entrepreneurs
By ASBN Newsroom | April 10, 2026
As more Americans earn income through businesses, consulting, and gig work, the mortgage industry is adapting to meet the needs of borrowers who fall outside traditional underwriting standards. Tom Hutchens, President of Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions, says the shift is long overdue.
Speaking on Business Trends Today, Hutchens explained that stricter lending rules implemented after the 2008 financial crisis created significant barriers for self-employed borrowers. Traditional agency loans rely heavily on two years of tax returns and net income, a method that often fails to reflect the true financial position of business owners.