OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has affirmed the ratings of 11 Light Trust RMBS tranches from four transactions backed by pools of Australian first-ranking residential mortgages originated by People's Choice Credit Union (a trading name of Australian Central Credit Union Ltd.). A full list of rating actions follows at the end of this commentary.

KEY RATING DRIVERS
The affirmations reflect Fitch's view that available credit enhancement is sufficient to support the notes' current ratings, and the agency's expectations of Australia's economic conditions. The credit quality and performance of the loans in the collateral pools have also remained in line with expectations.

As per the APAC Residential Mortgage criteria, the default model was not run for the Light Trust No.3 and Light Trust No. 6 transactions for this rating action, as a review of pre-determined performance triggers indicates that the transactions display stable asset performance. The default model was run for the Light Trust No. 2 and Light Trust No. 4 transactions.

At 31 January 2016, Light Trust No. 2 and Light Trust No. 3 had 30+ arrears, higher than Fitch's 30+days Dinkum Index (3Q15: 0.91%). The 30+ days arrears for the remaining two transactions were below Fitch's Dinkum Index.

At 31 January 2016, the four transactions were 100% covered by lenders' mortgage insurance (LMI) provided by QBE Lenders Mortgage Insurance Ltd (Insurer Financial Strength Rating: AA-/Stable). Since issuance, one loss totalling AUD31,848 was recorded for Light Trust No. 3, which was fully paid by lenders' mortgage insurance (LMI). At the end of January 2016, no losses had been experienced on the other transactions.

RATING SENSITIVITIES
The initial sequential pay-down has resulted in an increase in credit enhancement levels for the senior notes of all the transactions, with the 'AAAsf' rated notes able to withstand multiples of the latest reported arrears. The ratings are not expected to be affected by any foreseeable change in performance.

The ratings of all the 'AAAsf' rated notes are independent of downgrades to the LMI providers' ratings except the Class AB notes of the Light Trust No. 3 and Light Trust No. 6 transactions, which are LMI dependent.

Current credit enhancement levels for the Light Trust No.4 Class B1 notes are able to withstand default rates of 21.18% at the 'AA-sf' loss severity. However, as the transaction has moved to pro-rata amortisation, the Class B1 notes would be constrained by concentration.

The rating of the Class B notes of Light Trust No. 2 is unlikely to change unless there is a significant reduction in LMI claims paid and where we consider that levels of excess spread are no longer adequate. Fitch's analysis excludes any credit to excess spread.

DUE DILIGENCE USAGE
No third party due diligence was provided or reviewed in relation to this rating action.

DATA ADEQUACY
Fitch conducted a file review of 10 sample loan files focusing on the underwriting procedures conducted by People's Choice Credit Union compared with its credit policy at the time of underwriting. Fitch has checked the consistency and plausibility of the information and no material discrepancies were noted that would impact Fitch's rating analysis.

The rating actions are as listed below (note balances at latest reporting).

Light Trust No. 2 Trust:
AUD30.8m Class A1 notes affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Stable;
AUD5.6m Class A2 notes affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Stable; and
AUD1.8m Class B notes affirmed at 'BBsf'; Outlook Stable.

Light Trust No. 3 Trust:
AUD111.3m Class A3 notes affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Stable; and
AUD8.2m Class AB notes affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Stable.

Light Trust No. 4 Trust:
AUD143.8m Class A notes affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Stable;
AUD18.1m Class AB notes affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Stable; and
AUD7.2m Class B1 notes affirmed at 'AA-sf'; Outlook Stable.

Light Trust No. 6 Trust:
AUD400.7m Class A1 notes affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Stable;
AUD14.4m Class A2 notes affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Stable; and
AUD9.0m Class AB notes affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Stable.

A comparison of the transaction's representations, warranties and enforcement mechanisms (RW&Es) to those of typical RW&Es for this asset class is available by accessing the reports and/or links under Related Research below.