Financial institutions looking to wind down assets not related to core banking functions — especially those with large consumer credit exposure — will continue to face challenges given ongoing volatility in the credit and equities markets, according to a Fitch Ratings report.

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and NatWest are marketing a $500 million credit card ABS under its Arran Cards Funding program.

Assured Guaranty filed a brief today in the New York state Supreme Court against a motion to dismiss its case against Credit Suisse.

As was expected, with the conclusion of the year-end holidays, mortgage application activity increased 4.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis in the week ending Jan. 6.

Michael Williams, the president and CEO of Fannie Mae, announced plans to step down as soon as a successor can be appointed, according to a company filing issued Tuesday to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

PHH Corp., Mt. Laurel, N.J., is now looking to sell $150 million in debt to help pay off $250 million of debt that matures in April.

Bank of America is gearing up to sell large chunks of its residential servicing portfolio on a regular basis as it continues to whittle down its presence in the mortgage market, according to servicing advisors and investors who have been briefed on the bank's plans.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans once served a broad spectrum of borrowers until the subprime mortgage meltdown came along and pushed lenders to tighten underwriting standards and credit score requirements.

Dallas-based Highland Capital Management, which along with its affiliates has roughly $23 billion in assets under management, hired Brian Rice as managing director.

Ogier is planning to open a boutique law firm in Luxembourg as part of its goal to continue to expand its global network.

Although CMBS delinquency rates have not seen the double-digit rates many industry analysts predicted would have happened by now, maturing 2007 vintage deals can change that picture.

Freddie Mac is making it easier for investors to track the performance and credit quality of its multifamily MBS known as 'K Certificates.'