Attendance at the SFVegas conference this year hit another record. Demand for MBS and ABS is exceptionally strong, with few concerns on the immediate horizon.

New prohibitions against conflicts of interest in the MBS and ABS market will take effect in June 2025. But SEC officials are urging industry participants to raise compliance concerns, if any, as soon as possible.

Nonbanks are under increased pressure as borrowers face skyrocketing obligations on taxes and insurance. Concurrently, there’s a risk that interest rates will decline, cutting into MSR values.

If regulators take an aggressive stance, the final capital rule could be out by May. The other option would be to re-propose the rule, which could leave the rulemaking unfinished if there’s a change in administration.

Rocket CEO Varun Krishna believes artificial intelligence will drastically help the lender boost originations.

Rather than hedging MSRs, UWM relies on its origination capabilities and sells some MSRs.

Mat Ishbia, chairman and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage, suggested that competition from nonbanks is helping to push banks out of the mortgage market.

UWM's margins declined slightly in the fourth quarter but, for the full year in 2023, were well above the level seen in 2022.

Insurance won't fully cover loanDepot's expenses from a cyberattack that occurred in January.

Disregarding changes in MSR values, Ocwen's servicing business was profitable in 2023 while the nonbank's origination business broke even.