Countrywide Home Loans, Inc

Founded in 1969, Countrywide Financial Corporation, through its subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans, grew to become the largest mortgage originator in the United States. The company was known for its aggressive lending practices, particularly in the subprime mortgage market. These practices were a major contributing factor to the 2008 financial crisis. Facing imminent collapse, the company was acquired by Bank of America in July 2008. The Countrywide brand was phased out, and its operations were absorbed, but Bank of America subsequently faced years of legal and financial repercussions stemming from Countrywide's loan portfolio.