ABS backed by home equity investments are offering unlevered returns in the low double digits. The first rated HEI ABS was issued in October and industry players are anticipating exponential growth.

A task force at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommended adoption of a proposal to alter credit ratings on investments at insurance companies. However, NAIC didn’t move forward with the proposal at a meeting last week.

A proposal from FINRA to reduce the timeframe in which trades of MBS and ABS must be reported didn’t sit well with some industry participants, prompting the SEC to take a closer look at the proposal.

Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman highlighted issues in the proposed rule that impact MBS and ABS.

It’s been almost 20 years since the ABS market had a quarter like the first three months of 2024. Some 72 of the 114 issuers that brought deals to market in the first quarter were on the sidelines in the previous period. (Includes three data tables.)

CRT deals involving auto loans typically have a pro rata structure, which can create more risks for investors than the sequential pay structure in ABS transactions. Structures are also evolving, including a deal issued by a nonbank in partnership with a bank.

Investors have shown increasing demand for ABS with home improvement loans and other esoteric assets.

Bank ABS holdings rose unexpectedly in the fourth quarter, but most of the gain came from a portfolio securitization of consumer loans by one institution. (Includes two data tables.)

Attendance at the SFVegas conference this year hit another record. Demand for MBS and ABS is exceptionally strong, with few concerns on the immediate horizon.

Higher vehicle prices and inflation are reducing auto lending to subprime borrowers and lifting the prime sector’s share of ABS issuance.