CLSQ shortlisted for Innovation of the Year… And this is just the start

The shortlisting recognises more than just one innovation – it’s a reflection of our belief that the future of property transactions lies at the intersection of data, insight, and insurance. At CLSQ, this unique approach is embedded across everything we do. From insured property valuations to legal indemnities and estate administration cover, we’re focused on simplifying complexity, speeding up decision-making, and delivering a better experience for lenders, lawyers, and customers alike.

VerifyQ was born from a simple but powerful question: what if lenders didn’t have to choose between speed and certainty?

For decades, mortgage lending has been slowed down by the trade-off between automated valuations and physical surveys. With VerifyQ, CLSQ combines advanced data modelling with insurance underwritten by Aviva, offering lenders instant, insured property valuations. If the property is repossessed, the lender is covered against loss – shifting the model from risk avoidance to risk-managed innovation.

This isn’t just theory. In lender trials, we’ve seen DIP-to-completion conversions increase when VerifyQ is used, which is real progress for brokers, for customers, and for lenders trying to run a tighter, more efficient operation.

Part of what’s resonated with the market is that VerifyQ doesn’t try to replace the expertise of a surveyor. There will always be cases that need boots on the ground. But in an environment where surveyor capacity is finite, and where lenders are under pressure to deliver decisions faster, it makes sense to use that expertise where it’s needed most. Let automation handle the vanilla properties and let surveyors focus on complexity. It’s not about removing people from the process, it’s about utilising their skillsets and expertise more efficiently.

There’s also a wider impact here that shouldn’t be overlooked. Every physical valuation that’s avoided reduces emissions—about 4.4kg of CO₂ per visit, in fact. As lenders start to take ESG more seriously, the ability to scale with sustainability built in becomes more important.

Being named a finalist is a proud milestone for the CLSQ team, but it’s just one step. This recognition reflects the hard work of our people, the trust of our clients, and our ongoing drive to change what’s possible in property risk management.

As mortgage volumes begin to rise again and customer expectations grow, products like VerifyQ, and CLSQ’s broader services, will play an ever more significant role in delivering an enhanced experience for everyone involved by making decisions faster, smarter, and more secure across the entire property ecosystem.

At CLSQ, we intend to remain at the forefront of that innovation.