<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>Form S-8</TITLE>
</HEAD>
 <BODY BGCOLOR="WHITE">
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2003 </B></FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Registration No.
333-<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U> </B></FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="5"
COLOR="#000000"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000"><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 </B></FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><HR WIDTH="17%" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000"><B>FORM S-8 </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000"><B>UNDER </B></FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000"><B>THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><HR WIDTH="17%"
SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000"><B>ANWORTH MORTGAGE ASSET
CORPORATION </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) </B></FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" ALIGN="center">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Maryland</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>52-2059785</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(State or Other Jurisdiction of</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(I.R.S. Employer</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Incorporation or Organization)</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Identification Number)</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>1299
Ocean Avenue, Suite 250 </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Santa Monica, California 90401 </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Address principal executive offices) </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Full Title of the Plan) </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"
COLOR="#000000"><B>Lloyd McAdams </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Chairman and Chief Executive Officer </B></FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>1299 Ocean Avenue, Suite 250 </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Santa Monica, California 90401 </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Name and Address of Agent for Service) </B></FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>(310) 255-4493 </B></FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service) </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><I>Copies to: </I></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Mark J. Kelson </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"
COLOR="#000000"><B>Allen Matkins Leck Gamble &amp; Mallory LLP </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>1901 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1800 </B></FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Los Angeles, California 90067 </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>(310) 788-2400 </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><HR WIDTH="17%" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left">
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" ALIGN="center">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Title of Each Class of</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Securities to be Registered</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Amount&nbsp;to&nbsp;be</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Registered(1)</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Proposed</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Maximum</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Offering Price</B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Per Share (2)</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Proposed</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Maximum</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Aggregate</B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Offering Price</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Registration&nbsp;Fee</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="9"><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="46%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan Common Stock, $0.01 par value (options available for future grant)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" WIDTH="13%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">300,000&nbsp;shares</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" WIDTH="13%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">$12.93</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" WIDTH="13%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">$3,879,000</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" WIDTH="13%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">$313.82</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="9"><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">This registration statement also covers an indeterminate number of shares which may be issuable by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or
other similar transaction, in accordance with Rule 416. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">The proposed maximum offering price per share is estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee under Rule 457(c) and (h). With
respect to the 300,000 shares of the Registrant&#146;s common stock reserved for future issuance under the 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan, the proposed maximum offering price per share is based on the average of the high and low sale prices of
$12.93 per share of the Registrant&#146;s common stock reported on the American Stock Exchange on March 31, 2003. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">EXPLANATORY
NOTE </FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation, a
Maryland corporation (the &#147;Registrant&#148;), previously filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-70478) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2001, and a Registration Statement on Form S-8
(Registration No. 333-96563) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 17, 2002 (together, the &#147;Prior Registration Statements&#148;), for the purpose of registering shares of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share, issuable upon the grants of awards or the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Registrant&#146;s 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan (the &#147;1997 Stock Plan&#148;). As of the filing of the Prior Registration Statements, 1,500,000
shares of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock were authorized for issuance under the 1997 Stock Plan. </FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">On January 2, 2003, the number of shares authorized for issuance pursuant to the 1997 Stock Plan was automatically increased by 300,000
shares pursuant to the automatic share increase provisions of Section 3(a) of the 1997 Stock Plan. The Registrant hereby files this Registration Statement on Form S-8 for the purpose of registering an additional 300,000 shares of the
Registrant&#146;s Common Stock, issuable upon the grant of awards or the exercise of options granted pursuant to the 1997 Stock Plan. Pursuant to General Instruction E to Form S-8, the Registrant incorporates by reference herein the contents of the
Prior Registration Statements, including the information incorporated therein by reference. </FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">This Registration Statement brings the total number of authorized and registered shares under the 1997 Stock Plan to 1,800,000. </FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>PART II
</B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
</B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 8. Exhibits </B></FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" ALIGN="center">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></P><HR WIDTH="44" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></P><HR WIDTH="37" SIZE="1" NOSHADE ALIGN="left" COLOR="#000000"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">5.1&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Opinion of Piper Rudnick LLP</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">23.1</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">23.2</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Consent of Piper Rudnick LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">24.1</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Power of Attorney (contained on page II-2 of this registration statement)</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">99.1</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan*</FONT></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE><HR WIDTH="8%" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left">
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Incorporated by reference from Appendix A to the Registrant&#146;s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2002.
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">II-1 </FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>SIGNATURES
</B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Santa Monica, State of California, on the 1</FONT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><SUP>ST </SUP></FONT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">day of April, 2003.
</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><DIV STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right">
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="40%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3" NOWRAP WIDTH="37%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">ANWORTH MORTGAGE ASSET CORPORATION</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="2%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">By:</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="37%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Lloyd McAdams</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="37%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Lloyd McAdams</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><I>President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer</I></FONT></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE></DIV><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"
COLOR="#000000"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">The
undersigned directors and officers of Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation hereby constitute and appoint Lloyd McAdams and Thad M. Brown and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power to act without the other
and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and new registration
statements relating to this Form S-8, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated. </FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="41%" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Signature</B></FONT></P><HR WIDTH="54" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="41%" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Title</B></FONT></P><HR WIDTH="25" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Date</B></FONT></P><HR WIDTH="26" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Lloyd McAdams&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"
ALIGN="left"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Lloyd McAdams</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">April 1, 2003</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Thad M. Brown</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Thad M. Brown</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">April 1, 2003</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Joseph E. McAdams &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Joseph E. McAdams</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Executive Vice President and Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">April 1, 2003</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Lee A. Ault, III</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Lee A. Ault, III</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">April 1, 2003</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Charles H. Black</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Charles H. Black</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">April 1, 2003</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Joe E. Davis</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Joe E. Davis</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">April 1, 2003</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Charles F. Smith</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Charles F. Smith</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">April 1, 2003</FONT></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">II-2 </FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX </B></FONT></P><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" ALIGN="center">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></P><HR WIDTH="44" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></P><HR WIDTH="37" SIZE="1" NOSHADE ALIGN="left" COLOR="#000000"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">5.1&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Opinion of Piper Rudnick LLP</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">23.1</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">23.2</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Consent of Piper Rudnick LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">24.1</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Power of Attorney (contained on page II-2 of this registration statement)</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="7%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">99.1</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="92%"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan*</FONT></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE><HR WIDTH="8%" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left">
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Incorporated by reference from Appendix A to the Registrant&#146;s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2002.
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</BODY></HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "ds8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 38751}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ANWORTH MORTGAGE ASSET CORP", "cik": "0001047884", "assigned-sic": "6798", "irs-number": "522059785", "state-of-incorporation": "MD", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-104227", "film-number": "03635005"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1299 OCEAN AVENUE", "street2": "SUITE 250", "city": "SANTA MONICA", "state": "CA", "zip": "90401", "phone": "310-255-4493"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1299 OCEAN AVENUE", "street2": "SUITE 250", "city": "SANTA MONICA", "state": "CA", "zip": "90401"}}
Form S-8
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2003
Registration No.
333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ANWORTH MORTGAGE ASSET
CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Maryland
52-2059785
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
Identification Number)
1299
Ocean Avenue, Suite 250
Santa Monica, California 90401
(Address principal executive offices)
Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan
(Full Title of the Plan)
Lloyd McAdams
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
1299 Ocean Avenue, Suite 250
Santa Monica, California 90401
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
(310) 255-4493
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Mark J. Kelson
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble & Mallory LLP
1901 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1800
Los Angeles, California 90067
(310) 788-2400
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
Amount to be
Registered(1)
Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share (2)
Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
Amount of
Registration Fee
1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan Common Stock, $0.01 par value (options available for future grant)
300,000 shares
$12.93
$3,879,000
$313.82
(1)
This registration statement also covers an indeterminate number of shares which may be issuable by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or
other similar transaction, in accordance with Rule 416.
(2)
The proposed maximum offering price per share is estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee under Rule 457(c) and (h). With
respect to the 300,000 shares of the Registrant's common stock reserved for future issuance under the 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan, the proposed maximum offering price per share is based on the average of the high and low sale prices of
$12.93 per share of the Registrant's common stock reported on the American Stock Exchange on March 31, 2003.
EXPLANATORY
NOTE
Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation, a
Maryland corporation (the "Registrant"), previously filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-70478) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2001, and a Registration Statement on Form S-8
(Registration No. 333-96563) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 17, 2002 (together, the "Prior Registration Statements"), for the purpose of registering shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share, issuable upon the grants of awards or the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Registrant's 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan (the "1997 Stock Plan"). As of the filing of the Prior Registration Statements, 1,500,000
shares of the Registrant's Common Stock were authorized for issuance under the 1997 Stock Plan.
On January 2, 2003, the number of shares authorized for issuance pursuant to the 1997 Stock Plan was automatically increased by 300,000
shares pursuant to the automatic share increase provisions of Section 3(a) of the 1997 Stock Plan. The Registrant hereby files this Registration Statement on Form S-8 for the purpose of registering an additional 300,000 shares of the
Registrant's Common Stock, issuable upon the grant of awards or the exercise of options granted pursuant to the 1997 Stock Plan. Pursuant to General Instruction E to Form S-8, the Registrant incorporates by reference herein the contents of the
Prior Registration Statements, including the information incorporated therein by reference.
This Registration Statement brings the total number of authorized and registered shares under the 1997 Stock Plan to 1,800,000.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 8. Exhibits
Exhibit Number
Exhibit
5.1
Opinion of Piper Rudnick LLP
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.2
Consent of Piper Rudnick LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1
Power of Attorney (contained on page II-2 of this registration statement)
99.1
Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan*
*
Incorporated by reference from Appendix A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2002.
II-1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Santa Monica, State of California, on the 1
ST
day of April, 2003.
ANWORTH MORTGAGE ASSET CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Lloyd McAdams
Lloyd McAdams
President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The
undersigned directors and officers of Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation hereby constitute and appoint Lloyd McAdams and Thad M. Brown and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power to act without the other
and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and new registration
statements relating to this Form S-8, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Lloyd McAdams
Lloyd McAdams
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman (Principal Executive Officer)
April 1, 2003
/s/ Thad M. Brown
Thad M. Brown
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
April 1, 2003
/s/ Joseph E. McAdams
Joseph E. McAdams
Executive Vice President and Director
April 1, 2003
/s/ Lee A. Ault, III
Lee A. Ault, III
Director
April 1, 2003
/s/ Charles H. Black
Charles H. Black
Director
April 1, 2003
/s/ Joe E. Davis
Joe E. Davis
Director
April 1, 2003
/s/ Charles F. Smith
Charles F. Smith
Director
April 1, 2003
II-2
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
Exhibit
5.1
Opinion of Piper Rudnick LLP
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.2
Consent of Piper Rudnick LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1
Power of Attorney (contained on page II-2 of this registration statement)
99.1
Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation 1997 Stock Option and Awards Plan*
*
Incorporated by reference from Appendix A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2002.