Canada would be better off if pesky variable-rate mortgages with fixed payments were "less prevalent," says our banking regulator. Oftentimes, when rates surge, their "fixed payments do not cover the interest payments and mortgage principal outstanding grows," said Superintendent Peter Routledge in a keynote speech at

WealthOne Bank of Canada is one of the most competitive near-prime lenders. So, it was concerning to hear that it's under Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's microscope. Her scrutiny of the company was reported by the Globe this weekend. In a nutshell, the DoF made the company

Ontario's mortgage broker regulator (FSRA) feels mortgage shoppers need more protection from bad advice. So it commissioned this survey, which it plans to use when developing new broker guidelines this fall. Mortgage suitability is also on the radar of other provincial regulators. We have comments from some of

As reported Tuesday, Canada's bank regulator plans two changes to the capital requirements of banks and default insurers. They take effect November 1 and could limit the availability of fixed-payment variable-rate mortgages at banks. According to industry executives we interviewed last week, here's the likely outcome.