Author Archives: Isaac Gradman
When Fed Bailed Out A.I.G., Banks Were Given Immunity
The story just keeps getting worse as more details about Credit Default Swaps (CDS) emerge daily. CDS were essentially side bets on the performance of other mortgage derivatives, such as mortgage backed securities (MBS) and collateralized debt obligations (CDO). From … Continue reading
SEC Demands More Disclosure From JP Morgan on Repurchase Liabilities
By Manal Mehta, Guest Blogger The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently took a much needed step towards improving the transparency of bank balance sheets, particularly when it comes to the adequacy of reserves for mortgage repurchase obligations stemming from … Continue reading
Investor Syndicate At Hundreds of Billions And Growing
Heard on this Street this week: the super-secret Syndicate of MBS Investors discussed previously is gaining momentum. A confidential source has informed me that some of the largest institutional investors in mortgage-backed securities have now joined the group, bringing the amount … Continue reading
BofA and Countrywide Appeal Order Allowing MBIA Vicarious Liability Claim To Proceed
In a move that could have dramatic consequences for the financial stability of Bank of America (BofA), a New York state court judge has held that monoline bond insurer MBIA can go forward with claims that BofA be held vicariously … Continue reading
Federal Short Sale Programs Will Face Same Shortcoming As Workouts: Too Much Carrot, Not Enough Stick
With government-backed loan modification programs showing abysmal results, Washington has turned to short sales as the flavor of the week to ameliorate the foreclosure crisis. Pursuant to the Treasury Department’s Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) initiative, effective April 5, loan … Continue reading
