With mortgage performance expected to remain steady, servicers are focusing on a number of other issues, including the transition away from LIBOR and an increase in natural disasters.

Big gains by Mr. Cooper and NewRez boosted the combined portfolio of the top five servicers, offsetting further declines at Wells Fargo, Chase and Bank of America. (Includes two data charts.)

Nonbanks are on pace to surpass depository institutions as the largest class of agency servicers sometime early this year. (Includes two data charts.)

The bureau has tightened the use of “abusive” practices under its sweeping authority to prohibit unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices. Industry watchers believe the impact of the new policy might be limited.

Freedom’s purchase of RoundPoint Mortgage is dragging on. But the deal should make Freedom the nation’s 11th largest servicer of home mortgages.

The worry beads are once again out for nonbanks. Meanwhile, coming soon: fourth-quarter results for Fannie and Freddie. What possibly could go wrong?

The Financial Stability Oversight Council would have to complete a number of steps before it can subject nonbank lenders and servicers to increased over-sight and prudential standards.

Mortgage industry stakeholders reacted differently to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to create a state-level CFPB aiming to fill the vacuum left by a rollback at the federal level.

Conventional nonbank lender/servicers have been closed out of the IPO market for several years now. But if you fall into the nonprime category, it’s a different picture. Velocity is about to test the stock market waters.

Rates were lower at yearend than Sept. 30, which means MSRs owners can relax and take profits on the asset. Next week, when the megabanks begin reporting 4Q results, we’ll know just how good the numbers are.