The mortgage banking industry is grappling with historically low rates that are spurring a boom in originations but an anticipated bloodbath in MSR markdowns. Profits galore or Armageddon times?

Subservicing vendors continued to make gains in the fourth quarter as the appetite for outsourcing grew. In short, some MSR owners just don’t want to deal with the hassle of loan processing and regulations. (Includes data chart.)

With rates falling to historic lows this week, originators are salivating at the possibilities. But will the boom bring capacity issues? Maybe, maybe not.

The A-paper M&A market is in the doldrums. The reason: lenders are making money hand-over-fist and company owners are hanging on for one last shot at the refi rodeo.

Industry players are asking the NYDFS to delay new mortgage servicing rules that go live in less than two weeks. Servicers say they are not ready.

Low interest rates are great for lenders but servicers are having a tough time of it, especially shops looking to unload product. One dealmaker is advising clients to sell MSRs now before they “vaporize.”

The future looks particularly bright these days for non-qualified-mortgage shops looking to sell or go public. One lender that can take down the for-sale sign is Citadel Servicing Corp.

Wells Fargo will soon have a new mortgage chief: Michael Weinbach, who comes over from JPMorgan Chase. His mission: to control the megabank’s mortgage message.

The mortgage delinquency rate hit a record low at the end of last year, helped by a strong economy. There were a few signs of performance issues, including an uptick in certain delinquency types and foreclosure starts.

Miami withdrew mortgage-related lawsuits against BofA, Citi, Chase and Wells. Another lawsuit against Wells was certified as class action.