Two lenders end a high-profile dispute with a private settlement
In a decisive turn for the reverse mortgage market, Longbridge Financial and Mutual of Omaha Mortgage filed a joint notice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California to dismiss the case with prejudice. The move, described in court records as part of a confidential settlement, marks the end of a legal fight that began in September 2024 and has drawn scrutiny of marketing practices in the sector. The action is commonly referred to in industry circles as the longbridge, mutual omaha move toward closing the dispute.
The dismissal with prejudice means neither side can refile the same claims, and each party will bear its own costs. While the parties kept the settlement terms private, the filing confirms that a formal resolution has been reached, allowing the lenders to proceed without the ongoing cloud of litigation.
What sparked the suit and what the claims alleged
The case centered on allegedly deceptive advertising tied to reverse mortgages and the use of third-party marketing entities. Specifically, the complaint accused Mutual of Omaha of operating websites through Review Counsel LLC and Advisory Institute LLC that presented lender ratings as independent, when they were reportedly controlled or owned by Mutual of Omaha. The suit also cited possible violations of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Mutual of Omaha countered with its own claims, arguing that Longbridge’s online activities, including its presence in online search results, harmed business relationships and could run afoul of RESPA provisions as well. The legal back-and-forth escalated into mediation and, ultimately, a confidential settlement that sealed the long-running dispute.
Timeline of key events
- Sept. 2024 – Longbridge files the lawsuit in the Southern District of California, accusing Mutual of Omaha of deceptive marketing practices tied to reverse mortgages.
- Jan. 2025 – Mutual of Omaha responds to the suit and files counterclaims, denying the core allegations.
- Late Jan. 2026 – The parties participate in private mediation as they seek a settlement.
- Feb. 12, 2026 – The court docket shows a joint notice of settlement between the lenders.
- Mar. 8, 2026 – A confidential, formal settlement agreement is executed behind closed doors.
- Mar. 11, 2026 – The parties file a joint dismissal with prejudice, ending the case in court with no refile allowed.
What the settlement means for borrowers and the market
The resolution closes a chapter that drew attention to how reverse mortgage lenders market products, particularly in how independent ratings and third-party sites are portrayed. Industry observers say the outcome reduces near-term regulatory risk for the two firms and may dampen broader expectations about similar lawsuits in the sector.
For borrowers, the decision matters less for existing loans and more for consumer confidence in the sector’s marketing practices. The settlement signals a shift toward negotiated, confidential resolutions rather than protracted court battles that could create more uncertainty around how lenders present reverse mortgage options online.
Analysts note that the reverse mortgage market has seen heightened scrutiny as lenders compete for an aging demographic that increasingly relies on home equity. The longbridge, mutual omaha move to end the dispute may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled going forward, potentially emphasizing settlements over courtroom theatrics in a space where consumer protection is at the center of policy debates.
Key data points at a glance
- Longbridge Financial and Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, two leading reverse mortgage lenders.
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of California (SDCA).
- Deceptive marketing practices tied to reverse mortgage advertising and RESPA/FTC guidance concerns.
- Review Counsel LLC and Advisory Institute LLC.
- Confidential settlement executed March 8, 2026; dismissal with prejudice filed March 11, 2026.
- Private mediation conducted in late January 2026.
Industry reaction and what’s next
Industry watchers view the longbridge, mutual omaha move as a canary in the coal mine—suggesting lenders may increasingly prefer private settlements to public courtroom battles when questions arise about marketing practices. While the terms remain confidential, the settlement could influence how other reverse mortgage providers approach online disclosures and third-party partnerships.
Regulators have long signaled a willingness to scrutinize how marketing content is presented, especially where consumer choices hinge on perceived independence of information sources. The resolution of this case does not appear to be a broad retreat from compliance, but rather a cautious path toward clarity and customer protection in a complex market.
Bottom line
The longbridge, mutual omaha move to dismiss the reverse mortgage case marks a turning point for two industry leaders and the way mortgage marketing disputes are resolved. With a confidential settlement in place, borrowers and investors will be watching closely to see how the market adjusts its online information practices in the coming quarters.
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