Category: Top National News

National Mortgage News, Feb. 6, 2018–Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)The largest lenders and servicers have long dominated the mortgage industry, but it’s gradually becoming easier for small and midsize companies to do business with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

HousingWire, Feb. 6, 2018–Caroline BasileU.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told members of the House Financial Services Committee on Tuesday he is interested in how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and its acting director, Mick Mulvaney, is handling the investigation into the data breach at credit agency Equifax.

Reuters, Feb. 5, 2018–Patrick RuckerConsumer advocates on Monday urged the Trump administration to resume an investigation into how Equifax failed to protect the personal data of millions of consumers after Reuters reported the head of the U.S. consumer watchdog has pulled back on the existing probe.

CNBC, Feb 5, 2018–Lauren ThomasDepartment store chain Bon-Ton filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and will explore strategic alternatives including a sale of the company. The retailer is in the midst of closing more than 40 stores across the U.S.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 2, 2018–Elina TarkazikisOne hot topic will be how servicers are responding to recent natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires that have affected mortgage borrowers in pockets of the country. Servicers will be looking to stay updated on natural disaster initiatives, policies and impending rule changes.

Mortgage Orb, Feb. 2, 2018–Patrick BarnardA bill introduced in the Senate would reverse a 2016 ruling from the Federal Housing Finance Agency to disallow captive insurance companies from membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. David Stevens, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, expressed support for the bill.

HousingWire, Feb. 2, 2018–Ben LaneThe nonbank announced late Thursday that Anthony Renzi, who took over in September 2016, is leaving the company. According to Walter, Renzi will stay on as CEO and president while the company searches for a replacement for the fifth time since October 2015.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 2, 2018–Ian McKendry (subscription)Housing finance reformers are pushing full steam ahead to get a bill introduced before the political calendar makes passage nearly impossible.

Reuters, Feb. 2, 2018–Jonathan StempelA judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a federal credit union in Manhattan that sought to block U.S. President Donald Trump from installing Mick Mulvaney as acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Wall Street Journal, Feb. 2, 2018–Josh Mitchell (subscription)The U.S. student-loan program is rapidly headed toward becoming a net cost to the federal government, reversing years of projected profits, according to a government report released Friday.