January 5, 1999 - Lewtan Technologies, Inc.® (Lewtan) announced today that Fitch IBCA has become an ABSNet™ Partner in a relationship focused on providing online access to information on home equity deals.  Developed by Lewtan, with a consortium of leading organizations from the securitization industry, ABSNet™ is the source for securitization performance data and related information.

Under the agreement, Lewtan will collect performance data on Fitch IBCA-rated home equity deals, transmit the data to Fitch IBCA, and make it available to ABSNet™ subscribers.  Additionally, Fitch IBCA will distribute home equity ratings, research and analysis over ABSNet™.  Fitch IBCA is the second rating agency, after Standard & Poor's, to partner with Lewtan on ABSNet™.  Both sides anticipate that the agreement lays the groundwork for broader participation by Fitch IBCA in ABSNet™.

 Gloria Aviotti, Group Managing Director, Structured Finance for Fitch IBCA, states "Fitch IBCA views this strategic relationship as a very positive step towards the standardization of ABS performance data.  ABSNet™ will play a key role in bringing added value to investors and other ABS participants.  We are excited to be a part of this effort."

Stuart Lewtan, President of Lewtan Technologies, states "We recognize Fitch IBCA's importance as an industry leader in the home equity arena and are delighted by their participation in ABSNet™.  The asset-backed securities industry has long needed standardization, and this partnership creates enormous momentum in that direction."

Fitch IBCA is the third largest worldwide rating agency, with analysts and staff in 23 offices.  With established coverage of over 1,000 banks and financial institutions, approximately 400 corporates around the world, 60 sovereigns, with a leading market position in structured finance, and a strong presence in key U.S. markets, Fitch IBCA is a formidable player in the growing worldwide ratings business.  Impartial credit options using innovative research criteria have distinguished Fitch IBCA as a market leader.

Founded in 1986, Lewtan Technologies, Inc. ® is the leading provider of technology to the securitization industry.  Lewtan offers complete tools and services to all the players in the marketplace--investors, issuers/servicers, underwriters/structurers, rating agencies, credit enhancers, and conduit sponsors.  Other Lewtan products include CM (Conduit Management)™, The ABS System™, VST (Visual Structuring)™, and CA (Collateral Analysis)™.  Across 5 continents and 13 countries, over $55 billion in transactions are tracked with Lewtan software.

Those wishing to join the hundreds of beta participants in the ABSNet™ beta program may register on-line at www.absnet.net, or may contact Lewtan directly at 781-895-9800, x NET (638).  ABSNet™ is expected to complete beta testing and go active later this quarter.