RMBS

The Mortgage Bankers Association is calling for a merger of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s mortgage bonds both as a “first step” in transitioning into a single security. The change would save taxpayers billions and ensure a liquid and stable housing finance system, the group believes.

In 2004, I had the unique distinction of being perhaps the only person in history to have the U.S. Senate place a bounty on his head. I didn't rob a train. My crime was leading a federal investigation into misconduct at Fannie Mae.

PrinceRidge has hired five new directors to its RMBS unit. With these additional hires, the firm's RMBS group has grown to more than 24 people.

Fitch Ratings has appointed John Miles as head of Fitch Australia effective immediately. Based in Sydney, he will be responsible for managing the rating agency's day-to-day business operations in Australia and New Zealand.

The 30-year FNMA prepayments were close to overall expectations of around a 3% slowing in speeds.

Nationstar, which recently sold stock to the public, is continuing negotiations to buy Residential Capital Corp./GMAC from Ally Financial through a prepackaged bankruptcy agreement, according to industry advisors briefed on the plan.

Daiwa Capital Markets America has hired Michael Marsallo and Mark Schultz to lead its MBS passthrough desk.

The head of Ginnie Mae said the agency is trying to “triage” its application problem after finding out that over the past year it could approve less than half of all applicants — and that several of those who received a green light have yet to issue any securities.

The housing finance system must be given back to the companies that make mortgages and the borrowers who use them to buy homes, keynote speakers said at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) National Secondary Market Conference in New York.

Clayton Holdings hase hired Jenine Fitter as senior managing director of business development.