Mr. Cooper posted a respectable profit for the third quarter, but challenges remain. Behind the scenes, this top-10-ranked shop has been both buying and selling bulk mortgage servicing rights.

It’s been tough sledding for Finance of America this year but it has plenty of company. Then again, the shop is under extra scrutiny since it was once the property of The Blackstone Group.

The tide has turned somewhat in the servicing market — it’s a great time to be a buyer, depending on who you talk to. Meet Marlin Mortgage Capital.

Rushmore Loan Management is exiting the servicing arena but details are light regarding who might control its multi-billion-dollar MSR portfolio. For now, management isn’t saying a word.

Rising rates are putting pressure on both lenders and borrowers. Meanwhile, with originations constrained consolidations should increase.

There have been plenty of “asset” sales by mortgage firms this year —  MSRs, for instance — but not “whole” company transactions. Is the bell about to ring?

Intercontinental Exchange’s attempt to acquire Black Knight has been attacked by regulators, shareholders and mortgage lender trade groups. In other words, it remains to be seen if the deal will get done.

Servicing sales remain brisk but there’s been a deal slowdown of late and more discriminate buyers. Meanwhile, new Ginnie Mae capital rules could rock the boat further.

For the most part, subservicing growth has been slow, thanks to booming MSR sales and some non-traditional servicing owners shifting strategies. Cenlar, though, remains the nation’s number one subservicer. (Includes data chart.)

Thanks to the spike in MSR sales this year, reviews of the underlying collateral are backing up, causing delays in portfolios being transferred to new owners. Implications?