Industry stakeholders say this was a good deal for Academy, which likely got to keep their book of business, alongside an upfront payment and the opportunity to receive more money in the future.

Combining the two property preservation firms brings specialized technology and capabilities that Five Brothers has to MCS and broadens the operations of both.

But still-elevated interest rates contributed to a "deteriorating outlook" for independent mortgage banks this year, Fitch Ratings said.

Company executives are counting on Guild's recent acquisitions to buoy business once the market normalizes.

Argyle, which helps lenders verify income and employment data, completed a $30 million funding round led by a Rockefeller Capital Management innovation fund, bringing its funding since the firm's formation to more than $100 million.

Rocket shrunk its workforce by about 20% year-over-year, while Academy cut 250 employees prior to being acquired by Guild Mortgage.

Employees transitioned after Premier's parent company, NTFN Inc. shuttered in December.

New American Funding, Lower and FirstSun Capital among purchasers in recent M&A deals within the mortgage space.

The blockbuster merger proposal will be reviewed at a time when the Biden administration is expressing skepticism about consolidation. Its analysis will have to account for markets dominated by both big banks and the likes of Visa and Mastercard.

The Charlotte, North Carolina, company has agreed to sell its remaining 80% stake in its insurance brokerage unit to raise billions of dollars in cash and extra capital. The "wild card" is how Truist will deploy them, one analyst says.