The U.S. operations of Banco Santander are merging the Santander Consumer USA unit into Santander Bank. Analysts believe the operations of one of the leading issuers of auto ABS are ultimately aligned.

The firm issued $3.7 billion of ABS during the second quarter, a 76.2% sequential jump. Pagaya aggregates auto loans, unsecured consumer loans and point-of-sale financing products.

Byzfunder issued its first ABS last week, a transaction that was three times oversubscribed by investors. Repeat issuers are also ramping up originations and issuance volume.

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.

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.

Issuers of utility recovery bonds want the SEC to treat the asset as corporate bonds. They raised concerns about a recent flip by the SEC to treat URBs as ABS, though the SEC notes that it has considered some URBs to be ABS for years.

Upgrade is getting into auto loan ABS issuance and Imprint Payments is set to issue its first credit card ABS.

The securitizations will pay off older ABS from the issuers. Rating services had largely positive things to say about the deals.

While primarily known for mortgages, Rocket has been originating consumer loans since 2016. The loans are originated in partnership with Cross River Bank, providing federal preemption of state laws.