More clarity on the matter is expected later this month when Ginnie is set to release new guidance at the annual convention of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

In other servicing-related auctions, The Prestwick Group is working on three bulk deals and three flow transactions.

Back in May, Pershing Square founder William Ackman said the common stock of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be worth at least $23 a share. Huh?

According to one deal-maker, after a merger, anywhere between 30 percent to 40 percent of a company’s LOs might choose to leave.

Industry observers expect that last week’s announced go-ahead to merge the Federal Home Loan Banks of Des Moines and Seattle will be a “one-off” as the remaining 10 FHLBanks are still in sound enough financial shape. Talk of a proposed merger between the FHLBank of Des Moines and the smaller, troubled FHLBank of Seattle was first made public in July and approved unanimously by both Bank boards last week.

Mutual of Omaha bank said it remains "committed" to the mortgage business, even though it's closing the retail channel.

Ginnie Mae is taking a closer look at change-of-control applications from issuers and servicers, according to investment banking advisors who work in mortgage industry mergers and acquisitions. “Ginnie is toughening up the change-of-control process to keep folks who got their tickets – and don’t use them – from trying to increase the value of their company in an M&A situation,” said one advisor who represents clients before the agency. He noted...

To some, the MSR transfer prohibition slapped on Flagstar is similar to the one New York regulators placed on Ocwen Financial regarding the Wells Fargo deal.

One active NPL bidder has been Lone Star Funds, but sources tell IMFnews the hedge fund has been having a “brain drain” of sorts when it comes to talent.

The Wells-Ocwen MSR deal is still waiting for Lawsky's green light. But when that will come is another matter...