MBA Exec Calls Out Originators on Suitability

Originators who made loans knowing that borrowers would not be able to pay were called out by an MBA official in the opening general session of the Mortgage Bankers Association National Secondary Market Convention as among the factors responsible for the subprime sector's woes.Loans that go wrong "after the fact, we can live with," said MBA chairman-elect Kieran Quinn, calling out "people who only care about their commission" and make loans without regard for the borrower's ability to repay. He said the regulatory response to subprime concerns has been "measured" so far, in part due to productive industry dialogue with officials and market participants. But he also noted that while underwriting has tightened, loan performance concerns in general are not over. Early indicators such as statistics in the economically troubled Midwest and California's short-term delinquencies "do not bode well," Mr. Quinn said.