Banking

Deals, trends and research in structured finance and asset-backed securities for the week of Dec. 31-Jan.7

The largest U.S. shopping center became delinquent on its debt last year after its owner Triple Five Group began skipping mortgage payments, citing hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A panel appointed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Congress should consider authorizing the bureau — and not the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency — to issue federal charters to fintech companies.

Seven states and the District of Columbia want to invalidate a new federal rule that threatens to hinder states’ power to cap interest rates on consumer loans.

While the balance of newly delinquent loans fell by 50% from November, the ratings agency warned that many borrowers will likely struggle to bring loans current under ongoing pandemic conditions.

The CFPB issued two rulemakings in 2020 that the financial services industry and consumer advocates hoped would finally clarify key issues over how collectors contact debtors and deal with legacy debts. But both sides want the incoming Biden administration to make further changes.

Energy, retail and consumer services companies led a total of 244 filings, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Reports indicate distressed owners would rather surrender their hotel or retail properties instead of negotiate workouts on delinquent loans as the pandemic spread carries on.

Bausch, formerly Valeant Pharmaceuticals, has paid down more than $24 billion of the $32 billion in leverage it owed five years ago from a debt-driven acquisition spree — which ended after a drug-pricing scandal.

With limited plan removals due to the holidays, mortgages in coronavirus-related forbearance rose by 15,000, according to Black Knight.