Repurchase and indemnification activity at banks and thrifts declined by 10.9% from the third to the fourth quarter of 2025. Though for the full year, repurchases increased by 4.8% compared with 2024. (Includes data table.)
FASB looking at held-to-maturity hedging; NAIC proposes looser risk-based capital standard for mortgages held by life insurance companies; Better turns to new source of financing; Oregon bank to stop offering mortgages.
When excluding a one-time jump in Capital One’s earnings, mortgage-banking earnings at banks and thrifts declined by 2.9% during the fourth quarter of 2025. Still, earnings for the full year improved compared with 2024. (Includes data table.)
UWM first made an unsolicited bid for Two Harbors in December 2024. Three other companies subsequently made formal bids for Two Harbors, with UWM prevailing in December 2025.
Servicing for others by banks declined by 0.6% during the fourth quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, the fair value of MSRs classified as serviced for others increased. (Includes data table.)
Mortgage executives believe reverse-mortgage products are a valuable tool to boost originations as the average age of homeowners is increasing and more seniors are looking for ways to take advantage of the equity in their homes.