Capital markets

In a move designed to help further calm lender fears about mortgage repurchase liability, Fannie Mae is preparing to offer immediate representation and warranty relief to lenders that use its suite of automated quality assurance technology.

Heather Russell, who was fired earlier this year as Fifth Third Bancorp's chief legal officer, has re-emerged in a new role.

Rates for the 30-year conforming fixed-rate mortgage rose above 3.5% for the first-time since before the Brexit vote, according to Freddie Mac.

Record deposit growth, improved expense management and strong revenue gains from mortgage banking boosted Umpqua Holdings' profits in the third quarter.

The second commercial mortgage securitization designed to comply with risk retention is backed by a single loan on a Manhattan skyscraper.

Black Knight Financial Services has integrated technology from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with its LoanSphere Empower and LendingSpace loan origination systems.

Regions Financial reported a higher third-quarter profit, citing improved fee income from mortgage lending, capital markets and credit and debit cards.

To successfully respond to the most pressing challenges facing the mortgage industry right now, lenders and servicers must navigate issues of competition, governance, affordability and margins.

Mortgage industry groups are frustrated by the lack of progress on real estate finance reform, and that spurred one group — the National Association of Home Builders — to endorse Congressional candidates for the first time.

Recently launched low-down-payment mortgage programs are presenting new opportunities for fraud. But new data and monitoring tools can help lenders mitigate those risks.