FIG Watch: Kensington proves the value in non-conformity

UK non-conforming mortgage lender Kensington Mortgages has shown how well the monoline, securitization-funded business model can work. Group treasurer Mark Wilten tells Louise Bowman why its risk profile has moved away from sub-prime lending and denies that the company is for sale, despite persistent rumours to the contrary.

mark Wilten, Kensington Mortgages

“We are paying a 9% coupon on our lower tier 2 debt so why would we sell our equity pieces for 10% to 12%?”
Mark Wilten, Kensington Mortgages

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the brains behind Kensington Mortgages must be having trouble keeping their egos in check. The UK non-conforming mortgage lender pioneered the capital markets-funded monoline business model – a model that is now being increasingly adopted in the UK and continental Europe.

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