The MBS held by two failed banks will soon hit the market; specified pool trades hit record level in March; Fannie increases disclosures on multifamily MBS; LIBOR to live on in synthetic form.

Monthly business volume was up in March, and a handful of sellers grew their agency single-family production in an otherwise calamitous start to the new year. (Includes two data charts.)

Mortgage rates are starting to come down a bit, but the first quarter of the new year was a challenge for most. The worst of it, hands down, was January, with February seemingly brighter.

Federal banking regulators can take actions to address issues among regional banks without legislation from Congress, the Biden administration said in a statement. Bank trade groups asked for a wait-and-see approach.

In a policy statement, the CFPB explained its understanding of the Consumer Financial Protection Act’s abusive acts and practices standard.

The updated UAD is supposed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the appraisal process, but lenders worry it will add significant costs to the mortgage process.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the FHFA’s plan to make payment deferrals a regular part of loss mitigation. MBA suggested more standardization of workout options is in order.

The Federal Home Loan Banks should do more to fulfill their affordable housing goals, according to an industry analyst.

Now-Defunct 1st Alliance Lending is appealing a decision by the Connecticut Department of Banking regarding the lender’s alleged practice of allowing unlicensed employees to work with potential borrowers.

FHA is taking feedback through April 11 on a new draft mortgagee letter proposing policy changes to its home equity conversion mortgage program.