RMBS

The loan modification offer was hard to turn down, in more ways than one. It was July 2008. IndyMac Bank was failing and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were in a death spiral.

HSBC Holdings is currently reviewing a first round of bids taken on its $60 billion residential servicing portfolio, but has yet to make a decision on the sale, according to industry advisors familiar with the matter.

The Obama administration proposal on GSE reform reiterated the importance of the securitization market in the future of housing finance.

The Obama administration is slated to release its GSE reform proposal on Friday as previously reported by StructuredFinanceNews.com.

BNP Paribas brought on Timothy Bitsberger, a former Treasury Department official and Freddie Mac treasurer, to create and lead an official institutions coverage team for the Americas.

The new chairman of the House GSE subcommittee is looking for "immediate steps" Congress can take to reign in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mae and reduce their role in the mortgage market.

The Obama administration appears to be trying to take a card from Republicans' playbook as it announces options this week for a new housing finance system.

Mortgage rates surged in the week ending Feb. 10. According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaged 5.05% with an average 0.7 point, up 24 basis points from the previous week.

Global financial information services firm Markit will be rolling out its Markit MBX, Markit IOS and Markit PO agency mortgage index series, according to a release from the firm.

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) appointed Scott Eichel has been appointed global head of securitized products and head of U.S. credit for its markets franchise within its global banking and markets unit.