OCC Taps New Head of Large Bank Supervision

HousingWire, Apr. 2, 2019–Jessica GuerinThe Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said Maryann Kennedy will oversee the nearly 800 staff members who supervise the nation’s largest banks and federal branches and agencies, which hold more than $10 trillion in total consolidated assets.

Housing Industry Responds to Trump’s Calls for Housing Finance Reform

HousingWire, Mar. 28, 2019The Mortgage Bankers Association commended President Trump for championing change that would foster competition in real estate finance and protect taxpayers.”We are heartened the memorandum recognizes the GSEs should be released from conservatorship only after specified reforms, and that it insists on other core principles such as preserving the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and leveling the playing field for lenders of all sizes,” said MBA President and CEO Robert Broeksmit.

Mortgage Bond Market on Edge After a Spike in Home Refinancings

Bloomberg, Mar. 28, 2019–Christopher MaloneyA spike in home loan refinancing, falling mortgage rates and newer collateral sporting prepayment red flags have increased prepayment concerns among mortgage-backed securities investors. (MBA mention)

GSE Capital Rule Expected This Summer: FHFA’s Otting

National Mortgage News, Mar. 28, 2019–Hannah Lang, Rachel Witkowski (subscription)The Federal Housing Finance Agency is planning to finalize its proposed capital requirements for the government-sponsored enterprises this summer, according to acting Director Joseph Otting.

Trump Asks HUD to Address Financial Viability of Reverse Mortgage Program

HousingWire, Mar. 28, 2019–Jessica GuerinPresident Trump’s memorandum directs HUD Secretary Ben Carson and his team to develop a legislative reform plan that achieves the agency’s objective to maintain the financial soundness of the reverse mortgage program.

Trump Directs Treasury, HUD to Enact Housing Finance Reform

Mortgage Orb, Mar. 27, 2019–Patrick BarnardThe memorandum comes the same day numerous housing finance groups testified before the Senate Banking Committee on a proposed housing finance reform bill introduced by Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho. “The housing finance system requires structural reforms that will ensure a stable, liquid secondary market to support a vibrant, diverse primary market, and comprehensive legislation is essential for such reforms,” said Robert D. Broeksmit, CMB, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mortgage Profitability Hits All-Time Low in Q4

HousingWire, Mar. 27, 2019–Kelsey RamirezIndependent mortgage banks and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks reported a net loss of $200 for each loan they originated in the fourth quarter, according to the Quarterly Mortgage Bankers Performance Report released by the Mortgage Bankers Association.