—Venture and tech executive recognized for contributions to mortgage, real estate and fintech innovation—

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions and the leader in the digital transformation of its industry, today announced that Chief Innovation Officer Paul Hurst was named a winner of HousingWire’s 2022 Rising Stars awards, which honors 50 industry leaders under the age of 40 for their innovative and valuable contributions to the mortgage, real estate and fintech industries. The winners were selected by HousingWire’s Selection Committee based on their professional achievements within their organizations, contributions to the overall housing economy, community outreach, client impact and personal success.

“This industry recognition is well deserved and reflects Paul’s many contributions to our enterprise-wide effort to accelerate the digital transformation of the title and settlement industry,” said Ken DeGiorgio, chief executive officer of First American. “Paul’s role is key as our people continue to drive transformative innovations that leverage our strong capital position, nationwide distribution channels, industry-leading data assets, and proprietary technologies to help enhance our customers’ experience and move the industry forward.”

Hurst, who also serves as managing director of First American’s venture capital arm Parker89, has guided investments totaling over $350 million in more than 20 high-growth proptech companies that have generated significant strategic and financial returns for the company. He was also influential in developing and launching Endpoint, a digital title and settlement company funded by First American that streamlines home closings for real estate agents, buyers, and sellers, and also empowers proptech companies and investors looking to scale their closing operations. Unlike other digital title and settlement companies, Endpoint has been focused on the purchase transaction from its inception, positioning the company to perform well as the volume of refinance transactions wane amid higher mortgage rates.

"The hard work of this year’s Rising Stars is apparent in their long list of accomplishments and their perseverance in an ever-changing housing environment,” said Sarah Wheeler, editor-in-chief at HousingWire. “These up-and-coming leaders are breathing new life into an industry that has so much room for innovation – it’s exciting to imagine how their contributions will impact what’s to come in housing."

About First American

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions. With its combination of financial strength and stability built over more than 130 years, innovative proprietary technologies, and unmatched data assets, the company is leading the digital transformation of its industry. First American also provides data products to the title industry and other third parties; valuation products and services; mortgage subservicing; home warranty products; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $9.2 billion in 2021, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2022, First American was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Great Place to Work^® and Fortune Magazine for the seventh consecutive year. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com.

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