Davis+Gilbert's Subprime Auto Loan Risk Chronometer
has not signaled significant market risk for some time, but new
litigation has commenced that is of the type that had been
anticipated and may be an indication of what is to come if the
labor market deteriorates further and contributes to weaker
performance.
In litigation recently filed in federal court in
California, a group of noteholders in a 2022 subprime auto loan ABS
transaction have brought suit against underwriter Credit Suisse
Securities. Plaintiffs, including River Canyon and other investment
funds, allege securities fraud, and intentional and negligent
misrepresentation.
The sponsor and seller of the deal at issue was U.S. Auto
Finance Inc., an affiliate of originator U.S. Auto Sales, Inc. In
2023, these and other U.S. Auto entities filed for bankruptcy.
Plaintiffs' complaint emphasizes that U.S. Auto was "on
the verge of bankruptcy" and Credit Suisse's earlier
access to the books and records "would