A new HELOC securitization from Figure Lending received preliminary AAA ratings, a first for the issuer.

Banks are using their substantial balance sheet capacity to fight off challenges from nonbanks, according to analysts at the OCC.

Affluent borrowers seeking jumbo mortgages have high expectations in terms of customer service. Lenders looking to work with such borrowers should establish specialized standards, according to an industry analyst.

The CFPB has established new reporting requirements on loans for small businesses. Investment-property loans already reported under HMDA are exempt from the new standards.

First Republic’s servicer rating downgraded; Moon Mortgage offering jumbos with qualification based on cryptocurrency holdings; DBRS adds due diligence provider to “acceptable” list; Utah loosens age requirement for proprietary reverse mortgages.

An effort by big banks to prop up First Republic Bank triggered downgrades by rating services and only temporarily paused the decline in the bank’s share price. The bank is considering various strategic options.

Lenders originating ARMs weren’t able to buck the broader trend of declining originations in the fourth quarter of 2022. Still, on an annual basis, the ARM share nearly doubled in 2022 thanks to rising interest rates. (Includes data chart.)

The bank has been addressing fraud in its non-QM program since late 2019. The cleanup has involved fines, settlements, buybacks and the departure of more than 100 officers and employees.

Holdings of first-lien mortgages at banks and thrifts increased by nearly 10% in 2022. First Republic Bank stood out with a nearly 30% increase. (Includes data chart.)

Velocity Financial’s focus on non-agency business-purpose loans paid off in 2022. The lender’s income increased even as originations declined.