New Risk to World Economy: Synchronized Housing Slowdown

Wall Street Journal, Jan. 27, 2020–Sarah Chaney (subscription)Housing markets across the world, from the U.K. to China to Australia, are losing steam, holding back prospects for the global economy that …

CFPB’s Backers Tell High Court That Agency’s Structure is Legal

American Banker, Jan. 24, 2020–Kate Berry (subscription)Defenders of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau argue that Congress has broad authority to structure independent agencies and that the CFPB “fits comfortably” within …

CFPB Now Taking Friendlier Approach to Financial Abuses

HousingWire, Jan. 24, 2020–Ben LaneThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced Friday that, effective immediately, it is changing its approach to “abusive” practices and limiting its own ability to pursue claims …

MBA, SIFMA Seek Alternatives to UMBS Pooling Changes

Asset Securitization Report, Jan. 23, 2020–Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)Trade associations representing mortgage lenders and securities market participants are asking the Federal Housing Finance Agency to rethink a plan to restrict pooling …

OCC’s Otting Rules Out Longer Comment Period for CRA Plan

American Banker, Jan. 22, 2020–Brendan Pedersen (subscription)Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting appeared to rule out giving banks and community groups more time to comment on his agency’s Community Reinvestment …

MBA Cautions FHFA on “Waterfall Approach” in UMBS Pooling

National Mortgage Professional, Jan. 22, 2020–Phil HallThe Mortgage Bankers Association sent a pair of letters to Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria in response to a Request for Input …

Citibank Fined Nearly $18 Million for Flood Insurance Violations

American Banker, Jan. 21, 2020–Brendan Pedersen (subscription)The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced the civil money penalty on Tuesday, saying Citigroup’s main bank subsidiary violated the Flood Disaster …