The Lede

The Mortgage Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America, in a joint letter to federal agencies, asked for a meeting to discuss the status of proposed rulemakings issued more than a year ago aimed at reducing regulatory compliance burdens, particularly on community banking organizations.

The commercial mortgage-backed securities delinquency rate resumed its year-long downward trajectory in November after a very brief uptick in October, reported Trepp, New York.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency yesterday asked public comment on a proposed rule that would establish standards and criteria for the validation and approval of third-party credit score models used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Wolters Kluwer, Minneapolis, released its annual Regulatory and Risk Management Indicator survey for the U.S., noting two-thirds of bank and credit union respondents continue to cite risk and compliance challenges as high, although there is "notable easing" compared to 2017 risk and regulatory anxiety levels.

The Trump Administration this week signaled it intended to nominate Mark Calabria, a longtime Washington policy operative who currently serves as Vice President Mike Pence's chief economist, as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

CoreLogic, Irvine, Calif., reported year-over-year U.S. serious delinquency and foreclosure rates fell for the ninth consecutive month and were the lowest for September in 12 years, despite upward spikes in areas affected by recent natural disasters.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (released its annual report on single-family guarantee fees charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, noting little change over the past several years.

This is the final issue of MBA Servicing NewsLink for 2018. MBA offices will be closed the week of Dec. 24 for the holidays and will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019.

The Trump Administration this week signaled it intended to nominate Mark Calabria, a longtime Washington policy operative who currently serves as Vice President Mike Pence's chief economist, as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

The Trump Administration this week signaled it intended to nominate Mark Calabria, a longtime Washington policy operative who currently serves as Vice President Mike Pence's chief economist, as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

HousingWire, Dec. 17, 2018--Jessica GuerinIt's a tough time in mortgage lending right now, and although most lenders saw volume decline or increase marginally in the past year, broker shops appear to be thriving despite the downturn, which some credit to their flexibility and personal touch. Could the same be true for reverse mortgage brokers?

National Mortgage News, Dec. 17, 2018--Hannah Lang (subscription)Brian Montgomery, commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration, will serve as the acting No. 2 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development following the resignation of Deputy Secretary Pam Patenaude.

HousingWire, Dec. 17, 2018--Jessica GuerinCertain dynamics shaping the housing market have led the occasional forecaster to predict a pending boom home equity lending.

American Banker, Dec. 14, 2018--Neil Haggerty (subscription)As the Trump administration tussles with congressional Democrats over border wall funding and the threat of a government shutdown looms, the budget battle has all but killed the chance of more financial services reforms before the end of the year.

National Mortgage Professional, Dec. 13, 2018--Phil HallCommercial and multifamily mortgage debt reached a new peak in the third quarter, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mortgage Orb, Dec. 12, 2018--Patrick BarnardPresident Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his intent to nominate Mark Calabria - who currently serves as chief economist for Vice President Mike Pence - to replace Mel Watt as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. (MBA mention)

American Banker, Dec. 12, 2018--Rachel Witkowski (subscription)Mortgages held by national banks has diminished by nearly half since the financial crisis, to $3.26 trillion in the third quarter, according to a report by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

National Mortgage News, Dec. 11, 2018--Neil Haggerty (subscription)Kathy Kraninger's first public remarks Tuesday as the new head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau struck a more moderate tone than that of her predecessor, acting Director Mick Mulvaney, who at times questioned the role of the agency he was chosen to lead.

HousingWire, Dec. 11, 2018--Ben LaneIn a proposal set to be introduced into the Federal Register soon, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proposing new rules surrounding "no-action letters," a bureau enforcement measure introduced under former CFPB Director Richard Cordray that's designed to aid innovation in the financial markets.

The Hill, Dec. 11, 2018--Sylvan LaneKathy Kraninger is taking control of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at a pivotal moment for the powerful financial watchdog. The agency is mired in controversy, and Kraninger is facing mounting questions from both supporters and critics of the CFPB over how she will wield her immense powers as director.

American Banker, Dec. 11, 2018--Kate Berry (subscription)In Mick Mulvaney's last significant move as acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the agency drafted a sweeping proposal removing the threat of legal liability for fintech companies that test products benefiting consumers.