ZACKS·2026-02-20 09:50Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is proposing regulatory changes aimed at encouraging large banks to re-enter the mortgage origination and servicing business, which may reshape the competitive landscape between banks and non-bank lenders [2][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The proposed changes by the Federal Reserve focus on mortgage servicing assets (MSRs) and aim to reduce the capital burden on banks, making it more economically appealing for them to maintain servicing portfolios in-house [6][7]. - The Fed plans to eliminate the current deduction requirement for MSRs from core regulatory capital, which has made retaining these assets costly for banks [7]. - Additionally, the Fed is reassessing the 250% risk weight applied to MSRs, intending to create a more proportionate and risk-sensitive capital framework [8]. Group 2: Impact on Banks - If implemented, the regulatory changes could significantly improve returns on equity for banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and JPMorgan in their mortgage businesses [11]. - Mortgage banking is expected to provide stable fee income that is less sensitive to interest rate cycles, enhancing long-term customer relationships and cross-selling opportunities [12]. - A regulatory reset could help banks diversify revenues and regain competitive positions in housing finance [12]. Group 3: Impact on Non-Bank Lenders - Non-bank lenders such as Rocket Companies Inc. and PennyMac Financial Services may face increased competition as banks re-enter the mortgage market [3][13]. - The easing of capital constraints for banks could narrow the structural advantages that non-bank lenders have enjoyed, leading to intensified competition [13][14]. - Greater bank participation in the mortgage market could compress pricing and thin margins for non-bank lenders, resulting in a more balanced and competitive mortgage market overall [14].