Countrywide Financial was a major American mortgage lender founded in 1969. It specialized in providing home loans and was known for its aggressive lending practices, which contributed to its rapid growth. At its peak, Countrywide was one of the largest mortgage companies in the United States, offering a variety of mortgage products to consumers. In 2008, during the financial crisis, Countrywide faced significant losses due to rising mortgage defaults. This led to its acquisition by Bank of America later that year. The company's practices and subsequent collapse played a key role in the broader housing market crisis and highlighted issues within the mortgage industry.