Banking

The Federal Reserve has maintained historically low interest rates for too long, causing superficially high prices in housing and other assets. The outcome of the presidential election will likely decide whether the Fed maintains the status quo or embraces risk and raises rates.

Sun Bancorp’s third-quarter profit declined, as the Mount Laurel, N.J., company recorded almost $3 million of one-time gains a year ago.

Ellie Mae and Black Knight Financial Services offer mortgage lenders different value propositions so the competitive dynamic between the two companies hasn't changed, said Ellie Mae CEO Jonathan Corr.

Barclays is trying to draw a line at $2 billion in penalties to settle a U.S. investigation into its sale of mortgage securities after it received an opening offer that it considered too high.

Arch Capital Group's mortgage insurance business had underwriting income of $37.4 million in the third quarter, an increase of 119% compared with the $17.1 million one year prior.

Walker & Dunlop has agreed to acquire George Elkins Mortgage Banking Co., which originates commercial real estate loans for life insurers, banks, trusts, pension funds and other private capital sources.

Higher mortgage banking revenue and commercial real estate lending offset merger costs at United Community Banks in Blairsville, Ga., leading to an improvement in third-quarter profit.

Flagstar Bancorp's quarterly profit increased after a decline in the value of a 2012 legal settlement liability tied to its mortgage lending practices.

American National Insurance Co. will use SS&C's Precision LM software product to manage the full lifecycle of its commercial real estate loan portfolio.

Heartland Financial USA in Dubuque, Iowa, has named Jack Lloyd president of its residential mortgage business.

The acquisition of Middleburg Financial would create a nearly $2.5 billion-asset bank in northern Virginia with strong mortgage originations and a growing wealth management business. It would provide an endgame for Middleburg while also making Access more appealing to potential buyers.

Ellie Mae has launched the Encompass Lending Platform, allowing customers to integrate external systems and data, and build custom applications in the cloud.

Bank of Hawaii expanded lending for residential mortgages and commercial real estate, boosting its third-quarter profit.

WestStar Bank in El Paso, Texas, has acquired assets from Cimarron Mortgage Capital.

Home BancShares in Arkansas would rather buy banks that meet its financial parameters than do one large deal to catapult over $10 billion in assets. The bank also spent most of this year idling with M&A so it could prepare for stress testing.

Moody's Corp. said federal officials are planning a lawsuit over its ratings of residential mortgage securities that critics contend were inflated to win business in the years leading up to the 2008 financial crisis.

Profit fell at SunTrust Banks during the third quarter because of higher costs for technology and deposit insurance premiums, as well as an unfavorable yearly comparison.

A simple rhyme reminds one loan officer in a bustling California housing market to stay focused, committed and to treat every loan equally.

A new Rural Housing Service construction-to-permanent loan program is garnering strong interest from lenders and builders who see it as a much-needed opportunity.

SunTrust Banks in Atlanta has agreed to buy the multifamily lending business of Pillar Financial in New York.