MBIA replaces CEO

Leadership change reflects problems at the company due to subprime mortgages.
FEB 19, 2008
By  Bloomberg
MBIA Inc. chairman Gary Dunton has resigned because of problems the subprime mortgage meltdown caused the company. He is being replaced by former chief executive officer Joseph “Jay” Brown, company officials announced today. Mr. Brown returns to the Armonk, N.Y.-based bond insurer four years after leaving the company following an 18-year career and said in a statement that “MBIA faces meaningful challenges.” The bond insurer reported $737 million in losses for the 2007 fourth quarter related to securities made up of high-quality residential home equity loans http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080109/REG/829358107/1029&ht=(InvestmentNews, Jan. 9). Also, MBIA and Ambac Financial Group are being investigated by Massachusetts state regulators to see if they had informed cities and towns about their exposure to collateralized debt obligations http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/REG/408387073/1094/INDaily03&ht=(InvestmentNews, Jan. 24) “The rapid deterioration in the US residential real estate market, combined with a near total collapse in global liquidity for structured financial products, have presented MBIA with the most serious challenges in its 34-year history,” said Mr. Brown in a Feb. 19 letter to company shareholders. He will leave his current position as non-executive chairman of Seattle-based Safeco Corp. in May.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.