The first prime auto loan ABS from Volkswagen since late 2021 was upsized this week. And GLS offered its first near-prime auto ABS, expanding on subprime offerings.

Issuance of student loan ABS has been constrained by rising interest rates and uncertainty on federal forbearance policies, among other issues. With payment requirements on federally backed loans set to resume, delinquencies could increase.

Although top-ranked TD Bank trimmed its portfolio substantially, a handful of banks increased their ABS holdings in early 2023. (Includes two data charts.)

If the federal government doesn’t increase its debt ceiling in the near term, payments to investors in MBS and ABS will largely still continue as usual, according to DBRS. But there are significant risks in terms of borrower performance.

Higher interest rates are contributing to elevated delinquencies in auto ABS; Kroll places ratings on 11 commercial MBS on watch for downgrade; DBRS adds asset types to rep and warrant analysis; DBRS proposes updating its ESG analysis.

After receiving intense criticism and a warning from the DOJ, S&P revised a proposal for assessing risk-based capital at insurance companies. One of the changes involves MBS and ABS.

Porsche plans a return to the ABS market after seven years and Lobel Financial issued its first ever ABS.

A Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. consent order against Cross River Bank, a partner in marketplace lending securitizations, won’t impact outstanding ratings on ABS, according to Kroll Bond Rating Agency.

Former Federal Reserve official joins SFA; delinquencies rising on credit card and student loan ABS; KBRA creates new business development role for structured finance.

Another subprime auto ABS issuer closed its dealerships last week. Back-up servicers can help to protect investors from failing issuers, though there were some complications with a recent servicing transfer.