Freddie Mac announced a new credit-risk transfer program this week that expands on the GSE’s popular Structured Agency Credit Risk offering and is more conducive to a variety of investor types, including real estate investment trusts. The $50 million STACR- Securitized Participation Interests transaction is unique in that it is backed by mortgage loans. “STACR SPI is another offering in our CRT toolbox to help shift risk away from taxpayers and give more options to investors who prefer a securitization backed by mortgage-related assets,” said Mike Reynolds, vice president of credit risk transfer.
Preferred Language Question Added to the URLA. The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced on Oct. 20 that it decided to add a preferred language question to the redesigned URLA. The regulator noted that the question will enable borrowers who prefer to communicate in a language other than English to identify that language. They said that it also provides clear disclosures that the mortgage transaction is likely to be conducted in English and that language resources may not be available. FHFA Director Mel Watt said following stakeholder outreach and input the agency has taken steps to mitigate concerns about the inclusion of a language preference question. Fannie Exec Withdrew Treasury Job Consideration. Brian Brooks, Fannie’s general counsel, decided to opt out of being...
Ginnie Mae issuers securitized $85.4 billion of purchase loans in the third quarter, falling just short of the record $85.4 billion set in the third quarter of last year.