Failed banks and interest rate risk; DOJ-Sterling Bank settlement; big banks boost First Republic; ICE to fight FTC over Black Knight deal; FHFA delays DTI fee; Guaranteed Rate offering fast approvals.

Climate change means future hurricanes will be more severe and have a more northerly track, changing the geography of loss risk for lenders and insurers alike.

Mortgage companies waiting for the market to improve; some high marks on MSRs; Ishbia ready to dedicate more time to UWM; Equifax offers expanded credit reports; House approves bill to set minimum federal standards for remote online notarization; Better launches mortgage product for Amazon employees.

The industry goliaths reported huge declines in earnings from their mortgage banking operations in the fourth quarter, driving the sector to its weakest profits in more than a decade. (Includes data chart.)

Looking to cut costs, mortgage lenders are planning to reduce the amount of money spent on technology. That might not be the best choice, given that originations will bounce back, eventually.

Two recent court cases demonstrate the value in completing a comprehensive title search prior to closing a refinance mortgage.

NYCB closes Flagstar’s non-bank branches; FHA offers new incentives for servicers; home prices decline again in November; MBA writes to FHFA on the cost of doing business with the GSEs; new products aimed at newly-constructed homes; MISMO offers loan limit tool.

Last year was a barn-burner for MSR sales. But so many nonbanks need to sell this year that too much supply has resulted in weaker pricing. What’s a mortgage banker to do?

Officials at the bank suggest Wells won’t take much of a hit from the loss of correspondent production. And profitability on the servicing side is expected to improve as the portfolio shrinks.

The year just closed was a barn-burner for bulk auctions of servicing rights. As for 2023, sales could be brisk but pricing will likely disappoint.