Non-banks are expected to capture market share from the major banks in the next 12 months as securitisation makes a comeback.
According to a report prepared by Deloitte, 2010 would be a year of renewed competition.
"In 2010 lenders will seek to position for the opportunities ahead. Where 2009 was the year of the major banks, 2010 will provide opportunity for the re-emergence of other lenders in the marketplace," said James Hickey, a banking partner with Deloitte Actuaries and Consultants.
Deloitte's findings were based on a roundtable discussion of Australian lenders and distributors.
Audit Partner and Deloitte Australian Securitisation lead Graham Mott said, "The Big Four roundtable participants said they would welcome more competition and the smaller lenders said they intend to tackle them. So the game is on."
Industry players agreed that the return of the RMBS market was both "necessary and anticipated".
According to Mott, "We are already seeing solid evidence that the RMBS market is returning and at this rate it will reach 'break even' levels in 2010 - triggering the environment for more competition".
The report found that competition between the Big Four, from regional and non-bank players and from "left-field" participants, such as foreign lenders will drive evolution of the mortgage market.
Further change in the mortgage market is likely to take place in terms of differentiation around brand, strategy, pricing and operating models.
Roundtable participants, who included FAST CEO Steve Kane, indicated that there would be increased merger and acquisition activity in the coming year of third party broker groups and natural attrition driven by regulation.
Lastly, the group named innovation around product design, customer service, delivery channels and operating efficiency as being key to driving evolution of the mortgage sector in 2010.
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Westpac launches first RMBS in two years - In a positive sign for securitisation, Westpac launched its first residential mortgage-backed securities issue in two years.