GE exits Canadian mortgage business

- The global credit crisis has claimed another victim in the Canadian mortgage industry as General Electric Co. winds up its mortgage operations here.

After three years in the business, GE Money Canada said it has stopped taking new mortgage applications. It's the latest in a string of alternative lenders that have decided to scale back operations or close shop amid the credit crunch.

Lenders who relied on bundling and selling loans to fund new mortgages have run into trouble as the securitization market went dry.

GE uses its own capital to fund mortgages, and in its case the decision is part of a broader corporate strategy to shift away from consumer financing, said Stephen Motta, chief executive officer of GE Money Canada.

"This was precipitated by the credit market turmoil, and the need to deploy capital more effectively," Mr. Motta said.

The business is worth less than $1-billion and has 50 employees, some of whom will find new jobs within GE.

GE exited its U.S. subprime lending business in July, 2007, and has been scaling back its mortgage operations around the world. Just recently the company said it was realigning its operations to focus on its core business areas: infrastructure, media and finance.

The company is also considering strategic options for its credit card operations, including GE Money Canada's business primarily consisting of private label cards, Mr. Motta said. However it will continue to focus on expanding a division that provides loans for power sports equipment and other big-ticket items.

Other foreign-based lenders that have recently departed the Canadian mortgage lending market include HSBC Financial Corp. Ltd. and Accredited Home Lenders.

"This is the one major, direct impact on the Canadian mortgage market from what's happened in the U.S.," said Jim Murphy, president of Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals. "My concern is that fewer mortgage providers means less choice and options for Canadian borrowers."

GE Money Canada will finish processing current mortgage applications, and will hold existing mortgages on its books until their terms conclude.

Related News

electricity

Judge: Texas Power Plants Exempt from Providing Electricity in Emergencies

AUSTIN - Nearly three years after the devastating Texas blackout of 2021, a panel of judges from the First Court of Appeals in Houston has determined that major power companies cannot be held accountable for their failure to deliver electricity during the crisis, citing Texas' deregulated energy market as the reason.

This ruling appears likely to shield these companies from lawsuits that were filed against them in the aftermath of the blackout, leaving the families of those affected uncertain about where to seek justice.

In February 2021, a severe cold front swept over Texas, bringing extended periods of ice and snow. The…

READ MORE
electric vehicle

Opinion: The awesome, revolutionary electric-car revolution that doesn't actually exist

READ MORE

Maritime Link sends first electricity between Newfoundland, Nova Scotia

READ MORE

Some in Tennessee could be without power for weeks after strong storms hit

READ MORE

coal plant

Imported coal volumes up 17% during Apr-Oct as domestic supplies shrink

READ MORE