Originations of expanded-credit mortgages fell by nearly 30% on an annual basis in 2020 and the sector lost market share. But lenders in the sector believe production will gradually recover. (Includes data chart.)

Lenders can use the QM standards drafted in the waning days of the Trump administration. But there’s no certainty new leadership at the CFPB will leave them as they are.

MFA Financial made an investment in a non-QM lender, Starwood Property Trust is closing in on a similar move, and Western Asset Mortgage Capital expanded its purchase agreements.

Nonprime servicing portfolios fell by 0.7% in 4Q20 and 4.1% year-over-year. But Select Portfolio Servicing boosted its receivables during the year. (Includes data chart.)

A number of lenders have introduced new non-agency products with looser underwriting guidelines in recent weeks. Rocket and United Wholesale offered jumbos and Deephaven widened expanded-credit products.

Issuers of non-agency MBS brought four jumbo deals to the market this week. Some shops closed securitizations with esoteric collateral.

Ellington Financial and Credit Suisse are set to issue the first MBS with newly-originated non-QMs since the market was disrupted in March 2020.

After reducing its non-agency investments amid volatility from the coronavirus, Annaly is ready to ramp up activity in the sector. The REIT is acquiring non-QMs and packaging them into MBS.

Non-agency forbearance increases; personnel moves at Deephaven, Wells Fargo and Quontic; new non-agency MBS; a jumbo mortgage symposium; PCMA loosens standards for jumbo product.

Angel Oak Companies was the top supplier of expanded-credit mortgages securitized in 2020. Across the industry, volume was down in the fourth quarter and for the full year. (Includes three data charts.)