Most banks reported further declines in their home-equity portfolios, and the three biggest players in the sector continued to pull back. But credit unions and some regional banks stepped up. (Includes three data charts.)
Mortgage industry groups continue to put pressure on the Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency to revisit the restrictions on the amount of loans Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase.
At a Senate committee hearing this week, consumer advocates called for stronger enforcement, industry representatives picked on the CFPB and Republicans and Democrats pushed different priorities.
While alternative data and artificial intelligence in the underwriting process could help reduce lending bias, consumer advocates are calling for oversight.
Nonbanks accounted for a record 71.7% of the $965 billion of home loans produced by the top 100 lenders in the fourth quarter. (Includes two data charts.)
While the staggering $2.6 trillion of refinance originations in 2020 captured most of the industry's attention, the purchase-mortgage market also hit an annual record of $1.4 trillion. (Includes five data charts.)