Roundup: S&P Sees Stable Outlook for High LTV Servicer.(Master Financial Inc., )

Rating agency Standard & Poor's assigned its 'above average' ranking to Master Financial Inc., as an alternative loan servicer, saying that the firm's outlook is 'stable.'

The rating agency said the ranking reflects Master Financial's efforts to strengthen its servicing platform by enhancing its training regimen, internal controls and systems environment. The company's "established track record servicing alternative loans, as well as solid delinquency performance," also contributed to the ranking, S&P said.

Master Financial Inc., a privately held firm based in Orange, Calif., is a mortgage banking and consumer finance firm that originates, purchases, services and securitizes consumer finance and mortgage loans, with a specialty servicing the high loan-to-value home loan sector. The high LTV loans are junior liens often used to consolidate debts or make home improvements.

The company originates loans primarily on a wholesale basis through a network of more than 600 correspondents and brokers, representing 42 states.

The company currently employs 203 people, 64 of whom are involved in loan servicing.

S&P said that Master Financial "maintains very effective training methods for a platform its size." Training includes compliance with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

The company uses the FICS servicing software system.