First Republic Bank enjoyed a record year for originations while jumbo production declined at Flagstar Bank and Axos Financial. The banks noted that competition suppressed originations.
Vista Point Mortgage received an assessment by S&P, which suggests the firm is aggregating non-QMs with plans to contribute to non-agency MBS. The firm was founded by the former president of Impac Mortgage.
After halting its main non-qualified-mortgage program due to procedural issues, Sterling Bank and Trust is planning new products with tighter underwriting standards.
Although originations and net income increased at PennyMac Financial, the company took a loss on servicing activities during the fourth quarter due to hedges.
Redwood is prepping a large prime non-agency MBS while Quicken issued its second deal. Seer Capital has an expanded-credit product in the works and Velocity a small-balance commercial loan deal.
FDIC eases disclosure standards for non-agency MBS; industry seeks delay in revisions to risk-retention requirements; MBA wants NCUA to follow bank regulators on non-agency appraisal standards; Maxex touts trading volume; A&D Mortgage using LoanScorecard.
Banks will no longer have to meet extensive disclosure requirements for their MBS deals to receive investor-friendly protections. The change was met with criticism from an Obama appointee to the FDIC’s board.
The $122 million issuance by Oasis Financial will be backed by litigation funding and medical-lien advances related to personal injuries. The deal received a preliminary A- rating.
With mortgage performance expected to remain steady, servicers are focusing on a number of other issues, including the transition away from LIBOR and an increase in natural disasters.