Marc Hernandez
A visionary leader with over two decades of experience in mortgage banking, driven by a passion to make financial services more accessible to underserved and diverse communities. Throughout his career, Marc has been committed to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals through innovative financial solutions.As the CEO and Co-founder of Aequalend, Marc leads with purpose, focusing on delivering culturally competent mortgage products that bridge the financial inclusion gap. Aequalend's platform is designed to create real opportunities for those who have traditionally been left out of the homeownership process.Marc is also founded Guideline Buddy, a generative AI solution that simplifies the world of underwriting guidelines for mortgage professionals by offering a quick and intuitive way to search and interpret guidelines. Additionally, he founded Allonge, an investment platform that uses blockchain technology to unlock liquidity for lenders and investors through transparent and compliant security tokens.Marc’s leadership and dedication have earned him industry recognition. He was named a Rising Star by HousingWire, and his insights have been featured in The New York Times and other prominent publications. He served as President of the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association (IMBA) and remains an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), where he continues to advocate for sustainable Hispanic homeownership.Marc’s commitment to growth and innovation is reflected in his academic and professional achievements. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, he earned the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation and completed the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Future Leaders Program. Marc has also expanded his expertise in innovative technologies, completing executive education programs in AI and blockchain from UC Berkeley and Cornell.Outside of work, Marc calls Houston, home, where he lives with his wife and their spoiled cat. Together, they enjoy traveling and immersing themselves in different cultures. Marc is also a passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. When he’s not cheering for his teams, you can find him practicing magic tricks as a hobbyist magician, adding a bit of wonder to his life.