The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has published a concept release soliciting public comment on how to improve its rules governing residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and certain aspects of asset-backed securities (ABS) more broadly. The initiative focuses on whether SEC requirements are contributing to the absence of public RMBS offerings and what regulatory changes could facilitate renewed access to the public market. The concept release notes that there have been no public RMBS offerings since 2013 and asks whether regulatory impediments exist, including whether RMBS disclosure requirements should be revised and how sensitive information about underlying mortgage loans can be shared with investors given privacy and confidentiality concerns. It also seeks comment on whether certain regulatory definitions should be updated and whether revisions to other ABS regulations should be considered, and invites feedback on the costs, burdens, and benefits of potential regulatory responses. Comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication of the request in the Federal Register.
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission 2025-09-26
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission launches concept release seeking input on reforms to RMBS and asset-backed securities rules
The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has issued a concept release seeking public input on improving rules for residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and asset-backed securities (ABS). It addresses the absence of public RMBS offerings since 2013, exploring potential regulatory changes, disclosure requirements, and privacy concerns. Feedback is also requested on updating regulatory definitions and assessing the costs and benefits of potential changes.