ABI Blog Exchange

Egg-Purse Designer’s Company Cracks in Bankruptcy

Celebrities have been understandably hesitant to carry Alex Caldwell’s handbags down the runway. But Hollywood has found other reasons to call upon the purse designer, whose egg-shaped art pieces have made it possible for fashion-bold women to wear

The Daily Docket: Lehman Goes After Broker Bonuses

Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. is going after dozens of former brokers who Lehman says must pay back bonus money they received when joining the firm, and so far the investment bank is faring quite well. Read the Daily Bankruptcy Review article here

Credit Card Securitization and Skin-in-the-Game

I have a new paper on credit card securitization and what it teaches us about the likely effectiveness of the Dodd-Frank Act's skin-in-the-game risk retention requirements. Credit card securitization has long required 4%-7% credit risk retention (cf

A Countrywide Bankruptcy Could Thrust BofA Into An Epic Litigation Battle

Countrywide seems to be the latest financial giant facing the possibility of bankruptcy due to foreclosure toxic run off. The mortgage company, which was absorbed by Bank of America (BofA) is bleeding revenue fast, causing the nationwide bank to

Post-Bankruptcy Survival: How The Debt Downgrade Could Impact Your Finances

For debtors filing bankruptcy, the ability to rebuild their credit rating after their bankruptcy discharge is critical to their fresh financial start. But what about the impacts of a sluggish economy and more specifically the impact of America’s

Post-Bankruptcy Survival: Four Things You Should Know About Your Credit Card

One of the first tools post- bankruptcy debtor uses to rebuild their credit score is the credit card. While they may start off with a secured credit card, within a year of making regular payments post- bankruptcy debtors can graduate to unsecured

Purchase of Defaulted CMBS Loans & Discounted CMBS Loan Pay Offs: Step #1 - Understand the PSA

CMBS loans have some very, very unique qualities that come into play when a buyer wants to purchase a defaulted CMBS loan. (These blog posts and this paper [down loaded 300+ times to date] are good resources on understanding distressed CMBS loans

Proposals to "tidy up" Scottish bankruptcy laws have been put forward by the Scottish Law Commission...

The BBC reports: 14 August 2011 Last updated at 19:59 ET Scottish bankruptcy laws under review The commission said existing bankruptcy legislation had "lost coherence" after being heavily amended Proposals to "tidy up" Scottish bankruptcy laws have

Why Do I Have to Include ALL My Creditors in Bankruptcy?

One of the most common questions I am asked is why a clients need to list their mortgage, their car loan, the “credit card that payments are current on that’s just used for emergencies and I really need” or the loan from Mom on their bankruptcy

Is Florida the Next Non-Judicial Foreclosure State?

If the mortgage industry has its way, the passage of a new bill floating around Tallahassee will ensure that Floridians will be displaced from their homes without legal representation or due process. In typical Orwellian style, this bill is entitled

Refinance soon to avoid stricter rule

Many homeowners may be unable to refinance mortgages under a proposed federal regulation.

Don't let jitters jolt you into cashing CD

The investment flavor of the day can be alluring, but don't tap your CD to partake.

Credit counseling: Damaging as bankruptcy?

A credit counseling program averts the stigma of bankruptcy, but may tag you as a credit risk nonetheless.

Executor of mom's will owes money to the IRS

Your personal tax debts do not interfere with your position as executor of your mom's estate.

5 lessons from free credit score notices

Free credit score disclosures triggered by new federal rules contain important lessons about credit.

10 cities with the highest utility bills

Utilities in some cities cost 50 percent more than they do in cheaper cities. What about yours?

AOL's Ad Woes, Despite Expansion of Sites

The Big Interview with Mark Cuban

Current Situation "Structurally Worse" Than 2008 Financial Crisis?

Turning a Profit Will Come Down to Staff Cuts

Consolidation has failed to reduce employment and increase efficiency. Even after many mergers and acquisitions, industry expenses are high and profit is anemic.