Nonbank

United Wholesale Mortgage has set out to be an ally to mortgage brokers in unprecedented ways as CEO Mat Ishbia works to evolve the channel's transactional nature into a more relationship-driven dynamic.

When big banks bailed on brokers during the housing crisis, United Wholesale Mortgage doubled down. As third-party originations now make a comeback, the family-owned company is determined to chip away at retail lenders' dominance.

Greater consumer access to credit could help mortgage bankers replenish originations eroded by higher rates, but they are reluctant to depart from the status quo to provide it.

Despite recent industry consolidation, demand from seasonal homebuyers spurred hiring among nonbank mortgage companies for the second consecutive month in May.

The number of nonbank lenders and servicers that did not comply with the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act Annual Report requirements grew this year, prompting a reprimand and warning of penalties from the commissioner of the state's Department of Business Oversight.

The shareholders of Nationstar Mortgage Holdings and WMIH Corp. each voted to approve a $1.9 billion acquisition plan that will see the parent company of nonbank lender and servicer Mr. Cooper combine with the successor to S&L and subprime mortgage lender Washington Mutual.

Greg Englesbe resigned as CEO of New Jersey lender E Mortgage Management after a jury awarded $3 million to a woman who accused Englesbe of injuring her when he grabbed and forcibly kissed her at a Philadelphia restaurant.

Declining mortgage origination volume and record-high costs drove production income for independent mortgage bankers into negative territory, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Seasonal hiring gave employment among nonbank mortgage lenders and brokers a boost in April and partially reversed an earlier decline despite growing signs of consolidation in the industry.

Citizens Bank's $511 million acquisition of Franklin American Mortgage will beef up the bank's servicing portfolio and diversify its origination business at a time when higher interest rates have put a damper on refinance volume.