No assignments prior to MERS?

[Bob Malecki]

Hi, I'm in the process of buying a note on a SFR in Charlotte NC. Looking through the collateral file there are sequential assignments/allonges from MERS to present. There are no assignments prior to MERS. The title report shows

CURRENT MORTGAGE(S) / OPEN DEEDS OF TRUST

LENDER: MERS, Inc., as nominee for EquiFirst Corporation

ASSIGNMENT OF DEED OF TRUST

ASSIGNOR: MERS, Inc., as nominee for EquiFirst Corporation

ASSIGNEE: (name withheld), LLC

CONVEYS: Assignment of Deed of Trust

So, is there an assignment missing or does MERS "as nominee for" allow them to make the assignment on behalf of the lender?

Thanks in advance.