Liquidity problems may be a major driver of increased merger and acquisition activity in 2019. Although bulk MSR buyers may be taking a pause to parse interest-rate trends, volume is expected to be strong this year.
The parent company of HomeStreet Bank last week said it is looking to sell its standalone home loan centers and a majority of its mortgage servicing rights. Officials at the Seattle-based lender cited a number of factors for the divestiture, including reduced demand for refinances and regulatory issues specific to banks.