Servicing

Reverse mortgages apparently have drawn more interest as a possible way to mitigate recently heightened prepayment risk in competing investments. But with some HUD issues in litigation, FHA commissioner David Stevens resigning (albeit likely for unrelated reasons) and the recent departure of Wells Fargo from the wholesale channel, there are some other aspects of them that call for close monitoring and, in some cases, resolution.

Australian RMBS issuer Perpetual is in the market with SMHL Securitisation Fund 2011-1 worth A$600 million.

Far more than any trader's profane e-mails, due diligence reports from the securitization boom could worsen the financial industry's litigation headaches — and conceivably expose some firms and individuals to criminal charges.

Many believe the government went overboard by setting unrealistic goals, a move that could backfire and give banks more leverage to fight some of the most onerous requirements.

The Federal Trade Commission is suing a national operation with marketing false loan modification services targeting homeowners who are behind in their mortgage payments or facing foreclosure.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has extended a special program for one year so more borrowers can refinance and lower their mortgage payments.

Among the tools top banks have been using to identify potential buybacks are ones that check original employment and income information at the point of loan funding.

Mortgage firms issued $26.2 billion of Government National Mortgage Association-backed bonds in February, a 25% decline from the prior month, and a sign that higher rates are impacting loan volumes.

Subprime credit default swap price increases slowed during February, a trend that could mean a "near-term plateau," according to a new report from Fitch Inc.

When it comes to covered bonds – especially their application in the mortgage market – Rep. Scott Garrett of New Jersey just won't give up.