AMBA Monday Morning News - Week of January 5, 2026 
Message from the Board
Fellow Alaska mortgage banking professionals,
Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026! This is our first newsletter of the year, and what a year it promises to be for Alaska's mortgage banking professionals.
As we begin this new chapter, I want to take a moment to reflect on how 2025 ended and what lies ahead. Mortgage rates closed the year at their lowest point since early 2024, giving Alaska borrowers a genuine opportunity heading into the new year. More importantly, the momentum we're seeing in buyer activity suggests that 2026 could mark a real turning point for our industry after several challenging years.
This week is particularly significant for AMBA and for Alaska. The 2026 Alaska Legislative Session begins January 20th, and your Legislative Affairs Committee is ready. We've spent the last few months building the infrastructure, recruiting committed members, and preparing to represent our industry's interests in Juneau. This is what we worked toward throughout 2025, and now it's time to deliver.
The very next day, Wednesday, January 21st, we're hosting our Regulatory Update with the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities at The Nave.
Looking beyond January, we've built a strong first quarter schedule. Our February 18th luncheon focuses on financial planning specifically for mortgage professionals, addressing the unique challenges of managing variable income and building long-term financial stability in our industry. Then on March 18th, we're hosting an Anchorage Assembly Candidate Meet & Greet that will strengthen our relationships with local leaders.
This is the year AMBA transforms from an Anchorage professional group into Alaska's voice for mortgage banking. Your membership and participation make that possible. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Here's to a successful 2026.
Benjamin Reynolds - AMBA President
Next Luncheon!
January '26 Luncheon - Regulatory Update from the Alaska Div. of Banking and Securities
Join the Alaska Mortgage Bankers Association for our first luncheon of 2026 as we kick off the year with critical regulatory insights from the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities.
Featured Speakers
Tracy Reno, Acting Director, Alaska Division of Banking and Securities
Autumn Miller, Acting Chief of Examinations
Our distinguished speakers will provide an essential regulatory update covering:
- Recent changes in Alaska mortgage lending regulations
- Examination priorities and compliance expectations for 2026
- Key regulatory developments affecting the Alaska mortgage banking industry
- Updates from the Division of Banking and Securities
- Q&A session with Alaska's top banking regulators
This is a must-attend event for mortgage professionals seeking to stay ahead of regulatory requirements and maintain compliance in Alaska's evolving regulatory landscape. Whether you're in origination, servicing, or compliance, you'll gain valuable insights directly from the regulators who oversee our industry.
Luncheon Schedule:
Doors Open at 11:30 AM
Food Served at 11:45 AM
Meeting Starts at 12:00 PM
Meeting Ends at 1:00 PM
Reminder!!!
All member companies and employees have been added and have an account created. Login using your company email and, if this is your first time logging in, select the "Forgot Password" option to update your password. If there are any issues with logging in, please contact us at [email protected] or Benjamin Reynolds at [email protected].
This Month's Meeting Sponsor:
VENUE SPONSOR: Seeking!
Catering SPONSOR: Seeking!
Virtual Meeting SPONSOR
Learn more about Catering Sponsorship and Venue Sponsorship by clicking on the appropriate link. Contact us at [email protected] for more information or sign up using the associated registration.
REGISTER NOW!
News From Last Week
Wire Fraud Alert: Scammers Impersonating Bank Fraud Departments Target Title Companies
A new wire fraud scheme is targeting settlement companies with fraudsters calling title agents claiming to be from banks' fraud departments, using urgent language about "suspicious activity" to redirect wire transfers. The FBI reported over 5,100 account takeover complaints in 2025 with losses exceeding $262 million. The American Land Title Association issued an alert after fraudsters obtained transaction details through compromised emails, making calls sound legitimate. Critical protection steps: never change wiring instructions based on phone calls alone, always verify by calling the bank using a number from their official website (not one the caller provides), implement dual-verification for all wire changes, and report suspected fraud to ic3.gov immediately.
Alaska Impact: Alaska's tight-knit mortgage community means word travels fast when fraud attempts occur. Share information with other title companies and lenders when you encounter suspicious calls. Treat any last-minute wiring changes with extreme suspicion, especially requests claiming to come from "fraud departments."
Homeowners Insurance Costs Now 9% of Mortgage Payments, Creating Qualification Challenges
Insurance premiums reached record levels in 2025, now consuming 9% of typical mortgage payments and directly impacting borrower debt-to-income ratios. After an 18% jump in 2024, growth moderated to 8.5% in 2025, with forecasters projecting continued annual increases of approximately 8% through 2027. A Matic survey found 64% of lenders experienced insurance-related issues affecting closings or qualification in 2025.
Alaska Impact: Alaska ranks among the three least expensive states for homeowners insurance alongside Vermont and Delaware. This is a powerful advantage when competing for relocating buyers from high-cost states like Florida or Louisiana, where insurance can add $300-500 monthly compared to Alaska. Discuss insurance costs during pre-qualification rather than at contract stage, and quantify Alaska's insurance advantage in buyer presentations, especially for out-of-state relocations.
Upcoming Events
January '26 Luncheon - Regulatory Update feat. the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities
Alaska Division of Banking & Securities leaders Tracy Reno and Autumn Miller join AMBA's January 21st luncheon to deliver a must-attend regulatory update for mortgage professionals.
Seeking Catering and Venue Sponsors
Learn More and Register Today!
February '26 Luncheon - Financial Planning: A Personal Guide feat. Damon Darby
Join us for our February 18, 2026 luncheon featuring Damon Darby, CFP®, who will present "Financial Planning: A Personal Guide."
Seeking Catering and Venue Sponsors
Learn More and Register Today!
Newly Announced! March '26 Luncheon - AMBA's First Ever Assembly Candidate Meet and Greet!
Join us March 18th for our very first Assembly Candidate Meet and Greet networking event. AMBA has invited the all of the current Anchorage Assembly Candidates for this non-partisan, non-campaign networking event where they will be able to speak directly to you, the mortgage and real estate experts and you can chat directly with them! Plus, your attendance helps support AMBA and the Legislative Affairs Committee as we continue to stay active in our goals of being the voice of the mortgage industry in Alaska.
More Information Including Sponsorship Opportunities Coming Soon!
Welcome New Members!
AMBA welcomes all Alaska mortgage banking professionals to join our growing community. Membership provides access to industry advocacy, professional development opportunities, networking events, and regular market intelligence updates tailored specifically to Alaska's unique market conditions.
Welcome Global Credit Union Home Loans and ESSENT MI!
2025-2026 Membership Benefits Include:
- Voice in state legislative advocacy through our new Legislative Affairs Committee
- Monthly educational sessions and industry updates
- Professional networking opportunities with Alaska mortgage banking leaders
- Access to Alaska-specific market data and trends
- Discounted rates for industry events and conferences
Contact AMBA at (907) 727-1076 or [email protected] to learn about Regular, Affiliate, Non-Profit, and Individual membership options. Visit alaskamba.org for complete membership information and dues structure. Join us in advancing Alaska's mortgage banking industry!
New Job Posts
Check out these careers!
Our Career Board is now available! Take a look at some of the new positions below:
POST YOUR JOB TODAY USING YOUR MEMBER ACCOUNT!
Want to sponsor our Career Board and get unlimited individual memberships for your company? Contact us today at [email protected] for more information!