AMBA Monday Morning News - Week of February 9, 2026 
Message from the Board
Fellow Alaska mortgage banking professionals,
What a week to celebrate! While the Seahawks brought home the Super Bowl victory yesterday (congratulations to all our Seattle fans!), AMBA continues to build momentum toward an equally exciting spring season for Alaska's mortgage banking industry.
As we move deeper into February, we're seeing stability in our markets and renewed optimism across the industry. The 2026 legislative session is now in full swing, and AMBA remains committed to representing your interests in Juneau. Our upcoming March 18th Assembly Candidate Meet & Greet will give you direct access to the voices shaping Anchorage's future—make sure you've registered!
This is our moment. The fundamentals are improving, our community is strong, and Alaska's mortgage professionals are positioned to make 2026 a year of growth and success. Let's keep that championship energy going!
Benjamin Reynolds - AMBA President
Thank you to the sponsor of our Monday Morning News
Next Luncheon!
February 18th, 2026 Luncheon - Financial Planning: A Personal Guide feat. Damon Darby - Early Bird Ends Feb. 11
Join us for our February 2026 luncheon featuring Damon Darby, CFP®, who will present "Financial Planning: A Personal Guide."
In this session, we will talk about how finances fit into your life and how planning today can help strengthen your financial future. This informative presentation will provide valuable insights into personal financial planning strategies tailored for today's economic landscape.
Speaker Bio
Damon Darby began his career in the financial services industry in 2008 with McKinley Capital Management and currently holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) with a concentration in Finance in 2010, followed by his master's in business administration from UAA in 2017.
Damon brings extensive experience in creating and implementing financial plans, developing investment strategies, and expertise in domestic and international equities, insurance, trust, and wealth management. He is passionate about educating individual clients and providing educational opportunities throughout Alaska.
This luncheon promises to be an excellent opportunity to gain practical financial planning knowledge while networking with fellow AMBA members and industry professionals.
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
Responses needed! Review AMBA's Deed Fraud Survey - Due by the end of February!
AMBA is collecting industry data on deed fraud and fraudulent property transfers to inform potential legislative solutions during the current 2026 Alaska Legislative Session. The confidential survey, which takes approximately 5 minutes to complete, seeks information about fraudulent deed recordings, identity theft related to property ownership, forged signatures on property documents, unauthorized liens, and title issues caused by fraudulent documents. AMBA's Legislative Affairs Committee will use the aggregated data to advocate for stronger protections, streamlined remedies for victims, and improved safeguards in Alaska's property recording system. The survey closes February 28th and can be completed anonymously to protect sensitive client and transaction information while still providing valuable pattern data.
Alaska Impact: Deed fraud disproportionately affects Alaska homeowners due to inconsistent oversight across the state's 34 recording districts, limited verification requirements in the recording process, and gaps in fraud detection systems. Member responses will directly shape AMBA's advocacy priorities and policy recommendations to Alaska legislators, helping protect both Alaska homeowners and the integrity of mortgage transactions statewide. Complete the survey at https://alaskamba.org/survey.php?id=16
Register now to get our AMBA Member Discount for Live CE with Knowledge Coop!
AMBA is excited to announce that we are sponsoring this year's Live CE at The Megan Room with Knowledge Coop on April 7th, 2026. AMBA members can also get a special discount code for 20% off your total registration. To access this code, log in to your member account and click DISCOUNT CODES to register at a discount!
Mortgage Loan Officer Licensing Shows First Growth Since 2022
After years of industry contraction, mortgage licensing data shows the first uptick since 2022, with 158,260 individuals requesting license renewals as of the December 31 deadline—a modest but meaningful increase from 158,161 the previous year. While still below 2022's peak of 192,073, this stabilization suggests the steady exodus of loan officers has finally paused as the industry anticipates higher volume ahead.
Alaska Impact: With Fannie Mae projecting $2.4 trillion in 2026 origination volume nationally, Alaska lenders should anticipate increased competition for qualified loan officers and consider workforce planning now.
CFPB Distributes $11.5 Million in Reverse Mortgage Restitution
Following a June 2024 enforcement action, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is now distributing $11.5 million in restitution to reverse mortgage borrowers affected by servicing failures at NOVAD Management Consulting and Sutherland Global Services. Up to 150,000 accounts were impacted by communication breakdowns, incorrect default notices, and delays in processing borrower requests between 2014 and 2022, with Rust Consulting administering the payments.
Alaska Impact: Alaska reverse mortgage borrowers who worked with NOVAD-serviced HECMs may receive reimbursement checks in the mail; lenders should be prepared to answer client questions about the program and verify legitimate correspondence.
Housing Inventory Growth Decelerates to 10% as Market Finds Balance
U.S. housing inventory growth has slowed significantly to approximately 10% year-over-year, down from over 33% earlier in 2025, signaling a clear shift from the supply-shortage era to a more balanced market. With homes spending more time on the market and seasonal patterns returning, inventory is expected to hit its seasonal low in February, setting up a more predictable spring listing season than in recent years.
Alaska Impact: Alaska's unique seasonal challenges may see even more pronounced inventory fluctuations, but the return to normal market patterns should help lenders better forecast spring volume and plan resource allocation accordingly.
HousingWire Announces 2026 Mortgage Tech100 Winners
HousingWire released its annual Tech100 list recognizing companies driving mortgage industry innovation through AI-supported platforms, loan origination systems, and appraisal technology. Winners include Dark Matter Technologies (third consecutive year), Class Valuation, CMG Financial, DocMagic, ValueLink Software, Clear Capital, and Veros Real Estate Solutions, among others advancing automation, data accuracy, and operational efficiency.
Alaska Impact: As technology continues reshaping mortgage operations, Alaska lenders should evaluate which platforms can help reduce manual effort and improve borrower experience while maintaining compliance in our unique market conditions.
Upcoming Events
A Professional Conversation with Your Assembly Candidates - Early Bird Ends Feb. 15th!
Join AMBA for an afternoon of direct dialogue with the candidates running for Anchorage Assembly. This is a professional, non-partisan forum where Alaska's mortgage banking community can have real conversations with the people seeking to serve on the Assembly.
Why This Matters
Assembly members make decisions that directly impact Alaska's housing market, business environment, and real estate industry. Before you vote, this is your chance to hear from candidates about their views on issues affecting your business and your clients. Just as important, they'll hear from you about what matters to our industry.
What to Expect
This is not a campaign rally. No candidate materials will be distributed, and there will be no political fundraising. We're creating a professional, relaxed environment focused on conversation and information sharing.
The informal format allows you to move around the room, engage with multiple candidates, and discuss the issues that matter most to you and your business. Housing affordability, local business climate, community development...you'll have the opportunity for direct conversation on the topics you care about.
Candidates will hear from mortgage professionals about the realities of Alaska's housing market and the challenges our industry faces. You'll hear their perspectives on local governance and the issues facing Anchorage.
Supporting AMBA's Advocacy Work
Your attendance supports AMBA's Legislative Affairs Committee, which represents Alaska's mortgage banking industry at the state capitol and monitors policy developments that affect our members.
Luncheon Schedule:
Doors Open at 11:30 AM
Food Served at 11:45 AM
Meeting Starts at 12:00 PM
Meeting Ends at 2:00 PM
REGISTER NOW! Early Bird Through February 15
Sponsorship Opportunities
Title Sponsor - $2,500 (Exclusive)
- Event naming recognition: “Meet Your Anchorage Assembly Candidates presented by [Company]”
- Premier logo placement on all event marketing and promotional materials
- Opportunity to deliver welcome remarks (up to 2 minutes)
- Six (6) complimentary event registrations
- Exclusive title sponsor designation
- Recognition in AMBA newsletter, Monday Morning News, and social media communications
- Featured company profile in event-related communications
Keynote Sponsor - $1,500 (Exclusive)
- Sponsorship of the opening candidate remarks portion of the program
- Opportunity to introduce candidate presentations
- Prominent logo placement in the presentation area
- Four (4) complimentary event registrations
- Featured recognition in pre-event marketing materials
- Recognition in AMBA communications
Soda Bar Sponsor - $1,000 (Exclusive)
- Exclusive sponsorship of the mobile coffee and beverage service provided by Mixology Mobile Bar
- Branded signage at the coffee station with recognition: “Coffee and beverage service provided by [Company]”
- High-visibility placement at a primary attendee gathering area
- Three (3) complimentary event registrations
- Recognition in all event communications
Catering Sponsor - $1,000 (Exclusive)
- Exclusive sponsorship of refreshment catering
- Signage at food stations with recognition: “Refreshments provided by [Company]”
- Natural visibility at high-traffic gathering areas
- Three (3) complimentary event registrations
- Recognition in all event communications
Registration Table Sponsor - $750 (Exclusive)
- Logo placement at the event check-in and registration area
- Recognition as the sponsor of attendee registration
- High-visibility placement as the first point of contact for all attendees
- Two (2) complimentary event registrations
Supporting Sponsor - $500
- Logo placement on event signage and materials
- Recognition in pre-event communications and on-site materials
- Two (2) complimentary event registrations
Friend of AMBA - $250
- Name recognition on event signage and materials
- One (1) complimentary event registration
Secure your sponsorship today! Contact Benjamin at [email protected] or (907) 727-1076. Exclusive sponsorships are first-come, first-served. Sponsorship revenue supports AMBA and the Legislative Affairs Committee, ensuring Alaska’s mortgage banking industry has a strong voice in policy decisions affecting our profession and the communities we serve.
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.
Please welcome National 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!
