Banks assume credit risk when they issue mortgages, but can charge higher fees by originating mortgages to the less credit-worthy.

A business opportunity became evident, and the company created a cloud-computing solution for originating mortgages on the World Wide Web.

Many of these were very small and, as the Irish commercial banks began to originate residential mortgages, the small building societies ceased to be competitive.

And in response to consumer demand, the company said, it was placing greater emphasis on originating adjustable-rate mortgages.

Wall Street expected companies that originate and service mortgages to report lower profits this year because fewer homeowners are refinancing their mortgages.

The unit now focused strictly on originating mortgages.

He also said the firm would focus more on originating mortgages and collecting retail deposits, two areas where competitors like Merrill Lynch have thrived.

Mortgage Banker: A company that originates mortgages exclusively for resale in the secondary market.

Solicitors, acting on their own behalf (e.g. their trust fund, or originated mortgages).

Even five years ago, there were more than a half-dozen automated underwriting systems that banks commonly used in originating mortgages.