AMBA TUESDAY Morning News - Week of February 17, 2026 
Message from the Board
Fellow Alaska mortgage banking professionals,
Happy belated Presidents' Day. I hope you took some time yesterday to step away from the inbox and recharge — that balance matters, and so do you.
As we move deeper into February, I find myself energized by the conversations happening around our industry right now. The questions being asked at the national level about Fed leadership, housing affordability, and borrower support programs are not abstract policy debates. They are the daily reality of the work you do, and the people you serve. Every borrower you guide through a loan, every family you help buy a home in Anchorage or Fairbanks or anywhere across this great state, that is why this work matters.
The Alaska legislative session continues in Juneau, and AMBA is watching. Our March 18th Assembly Candidate Meet and Greet is right around the corner. Seats are filling, and we have strong candidate participation. I hope to see you there.
Keep doing the important work. Alaska needs you.
Benjamin Reynolds - AMBA President
Thank you to the sponsor of our Monday Morning News
Next Luncheon!
TOMORROW!!! February 18th, 2026 Luncheon - Financial Planning: A Personal Guide feat. Damon Darby -
Join us tomorrow 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:
BRANCH NMLS ID 1376940
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
We still want to hear from you! 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!
Trump Nominates Kevin Warsh as Next Federal Reserve Chair
President Trump announced the nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve when Jerome Powell's term expires in May. Warsh served as one of the youngest Fed governors in history during the 2008 financial crisis and is viewed by many analysts as hawkish on inflation, though he has signaled openness to rate cuts in the current environment. His nomination received largely positive reactions from market participants and Senate Banking Committee leadership.
The key issue for mortgage professionals to watch: Warsh has been a vocal critic of the Fed's approximately $6.6 trillion bond portfolio, which includes mortgage-backed securities. Some economists caution that an aggressive move to shrink that balance sheet could put upward pressure on longer-term mortgage rates — even if short-term rates are cut simultaneously. That tension between the administration's affordability goals and Warsh's balance sheet views is the story worth following through his confirmation process.
Alaska Impact: With rates near multi-year lows around 6.09% nationally, Alaska borrowers are in a relatively favorable window right now. How aggressively Warsh addresses MBS holdings once confirmed is something we will be watching closely on your behalf.
Anchorage Targets 10,000 New Homes in 10 Years
notable story out of local Anchorage media last week highlighted a significant push by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's administration to add 10,000 homes to the Anchorage housing supply over the next decade. The effort involves reorganizing the city's planning, development, and real estate departments under unified leadership to accelerate permitting and reduce regulatory barriers to construction.
The urgency is real — the outflow of young working-age adults is cited as a long-term threat to the city's economic health, and the average Anchorage home value now sits at approximately $390,000–$400,000 depending on data source, up around 3% over the past year, with homes often going pending in under a week in the current market.
Alaska Impact: For AMBA members, this initiative represents both a challenge and a real opportunity. More housing supply means more lending activity, and mortgage professionals who build relationships with developers and first-time buyers now will be well-positioned to serve the growth this initiative is designed to create.
FHA Delinquencies Hit Highest Level Since 2021
The Mortgage Bankers Association's Q4 2025 National Delinquency Survey released last week found that overall mortgage delinquencies rose to 4.26% — with FHA loans bearing the heaviest burden. FHA delinquencies reached 11.52%, the highest rate since mid-2021, driven in part by the expiration of pandemic-era FHA relief programs and uneven labor market conditions.
Later-stage delinquencies (90+ days past due) surged 76 basis points in the quarter alone, and the FHA foreclosure inventory hit its highest level since 2020. Marina Walsh of the MBA noted some cautious optimism: newer FHA originations are showing better credit characteristics, and moderating rates may help stabilize portfolios going forward.
Alaska Impact: Alaska mortgage professionals working with FHA borrowers should proactively review loan portfolios for early delinquency signals and be prepared to connect struggling borrowers with loss mitigation resources before situations escalate.
January Home Sales Fell More Than 8% Nationwide
According to new data released last week, existing home sales dropped more than 8% in January — a notable decline that industry observers attributed primarily to ongoing affordability pressure and buyer hesitation in uncertain economic conditions. The National Association of Realtors described potential buyers as "struggling" to enter the market. Despite rates being near three-year lows, the combination of elevated home prices and economic uncertainty continues to weigh on purchase activity nationally.
Alaska Impact: Alaska's inventory constraints have historically insulated the state somewhat from the deepest national sales slumps. However, affordability pressure here is real — the conversation Anchorage is having about housing supply directly connects to what is keeping buyers on the sidelines.
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
Thank you to our Sponsors
Supporting Sponsor(S)
Friend of AMBA
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.
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!