RMBS

Debra Huddleston joined Ranieri Real Estate Partners as managing director and head of real estate structured products.

Conventional speeds slowed less than expected in February, especially on FHLMC Gold 30-years. FNMA speeds declined nearly 14% from January versus a projected 18%. Speeds declined in line with projections for 5s and newer 5.5s while speeds on more seasoned 5.5s and higher coupons did not slow as much as anticipated.

A majority of business economists believes federal regulators should require a high down payment on "qualified residential mortgages" (QRM) that will be exempt from risk retention.

Catherine Kissick, a well known figure in warehouse lending circles, late Friday pleaded guilty to criminal charges tied to the collapse of Taylor, Bean & Whitaker (TBW), a large Federal Housing Administration lender based in Ocala, Fla.

The New Mexico Public Employees’ Retirement Association (NMPERA) will consider a new investment for its alternatives portfolio next Tuesday.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is getting out of the reverse mortgage wholesale production channel, a spokesman confirmed. However, it still will originate these loans through the retail channel.

Federal regulators issued a tough opening salvo in settlement talks with the largest servicers, presenting them with a 27-page term sheet that would force major changes to the industry and step up loan mitigation efforts.

The government's embattled Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) lost momentum in January as the number of newly approved loan restructurings fell below 30,000 for the first time since October.

Fitch Ratings is monitoring the potential consequences that the earthquake that hit Christchurch in February might have on outstanding Fitch-rated New Zealand mortgage-backed transactions.

As home lenders fret about a forthcoming regulatory proposal on risk retention, Freddie Mac will soon require a little more skin in the game from their borrowers.