Thanks to a tweak in regulatory language, approved Ginnie Mae servicers can access financing for servicing advances. PennyMac was the first to sign up. Will other nonbanks follow?

Ginnie and FHA are working with Treasury and the Fed to allay fears about nonbank liquidity as COVID-19 lays fallow the U.S. economy.

There’s currently no bid for Ginnie Mae servicing rights and investment bankers are advising their clients to sit tight and ride it out.

Freedom Mortgage, a key originator of FHA and VA loans, recently had its debt downgraded. Of course, it’s hardly alone on that score.

As the economic fallout from the coronavirus worsens, all eyes are on the FHA book of business. Forbearance is here but delinquencies could spike. And what about nonbank issuer/servicers? Ginnie isn’t saying much.

Bank of New York Mellon this month lost its designation as a Ginnie Mae document custodian but issuers have time to find a new one.

Some FHA lenders posted out-sized production gains in 4Q, including Equity Prime Mortgage, Freedom Mortgage and Mr. Cooper. (Includes data chart.)

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage endorsements dropped last year despite a strong fourth quarter. American Advisors Group retained its top position among HECM lenders. (Includes two data charts.)

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has proposed separate capital and liquidity requirements for servicing GSE loans and mortgages backing Ginnie securities. The new minimum liquidity requirements will affect only nonbanks and could benefit banks and private MIs.

Lakeview Loan Servicing capped a years-long ascent up the ranking of Ginnie Mae servicers thanks largely to bulk MSR purchases and acquisitions through co-issuance arrangements. (Includes four data charts.)