In another example of a REIT branching out, Starwood Property Trust has agreed to purchase a licensed lender/servicer. For now, all parties are mum but more deals may be afoot.

Ocwen Financial may have some MBS-related exposure, according to a new regulatory filing. Also, FHFA Director Mark Calabria opens up some more about the business practices of Fannie and Freddie.

The issue of fast prepays on VA IRRRLs refuses to die. Recently, VA mailed a warning letter to as many as 500 lenders. Inside MBS & ABS obtained a copy of the correspondence.