Investors are showing increased interest in securitizations of traditional home equity loans and home equity investments.

The investors claim the warehouse lenders and underwriters were aware of fraud at Tricolor, but ignored the warnings.

Kroll Bond Ratings Agency placed a 2024 transaction issued by Kobalt Music on watch for a potential downgrade because of the flagging performance of the underlying assets.

Ken Michlitsch, managing director of the alternative lending group at Morgan Stanley, said the ABS structure was designed to address the needs of both insurance clients and asset managers.

Despite some concerns tied to fraud and performance, investors are optimistic that issuance volume will increase this year.

Saluda Grade has appointed a new co-chief investment officer to navigate its expansion into new investments in non-residential assets.

Ledn issues ABS backed by Bitcoin loans; fire at SFVegas prompts shift in exhibit hall; banks seek enhanced capital relief for CRTs; Fitch launches group for private ratings; Upstart sells auto loans to Bayview.

Recent cases involving subprime auto lender Tricolor and auto parts manufacturer First Brands prompted the initiative.

Moody’s advised consumer ABS issuers to implement backup servicers and strong custodial arrangements to mitigate risks.

The ABS is backed by 5,441 fixed-rate balloon loans tied to bitcoin holdings. The loans have an outstanding balance of $199.1 million. There are concerns about rising LTV ratios as the value of bitcoin drops.