Goldman’s Buying of Delinquent Mortgages Not Without Risk

The Hill, Mar. 20, 2017–Bert ElyThe author, principal of Ely & Co. Inc., says restructuring delinquent mortgages is not without its risks, though, as Goldman undoubtedly appreciates, for not all home mortgages can be successfully restructured.

Industry Backs Bill to Prevent G-Fee Raids

Scotsman Guide, Mar. 7, 2017–Victor WhitmanThe Mortgage Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, the Independent Community Bankers of America and 10 other trade groups recently signed a letter in support of the bill.

Mark Calabria, Pence’s Chief Economist: CFPB Will Survive Trump Administration

HousingWire, Mar. 7, 2017–Ben LaneDespite the concerted effort by members of the Republican Party to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a top Trump administration official told attendees at a conference in Washington that the embattled agency will likely survive the Trump administration.

Federal Reserve to Stop MBS Reinvestments in 2018–Morgan Stanley

GoRion, Mar. 7, 2017–Sam BourgiThe Federal Reserve is on course to end reinvestments of its mortgage-backed securities (MBS) holdings next year, as policymakers attempt to shrink a balance sheet that swelled following the financial crisis, analysts at Morgan Stanley recently predicted.

e-Mortgages to Benefit RMBS Loans

Mortgage Daily, Mar. 7, 2017A new report indicates loans included in residential mortgage-backed securities will benefit from digital mortgages as long as legal issues are addressed.

Watchdog: HUD Lacks Sufficient Oversight for Borrower-Financed Down Payment Programs

HousingWire, Mar. 8, 2017–Ben LaneAccording to the report from its Office of Inspector General, HUD “failed to adequately oversee” billions of dollars in loans that may have “questionable down payment assistance,” thereby putting the FHA’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund at risk because of borrowers with higher than market interest rates.

Most Major Quality Control Issues in 2016 Were TRID-Related

National Mortgage News, Mar. 8, 2017–Jacob Passy (subscription)Twelve of the top 15 quality control issues in 2016, as identified by third-party mortgage compliance service provider MetaSource, were TRID-related. The findings were based on a review of thousands of post-close QC audits performed by the Utah-based company.

Congress Set for Heated Debate on Flood Insurance Program

Wall Street Journal, Mar. 9, 2017–Rachel Witkowski (subscription)What to do about extending the National Flood Insurance Program divides Congress along regional rather than party lines.

Trump Meets with U.S. Community Bankers, Pledges to Scale Back Regulations

Reuters, Mar. 9, 2017–David Lawder; Amanda BeckerPresident Donald Trump promised in a meeting with community bankers on Thursday to strip away some Dodd-Frank financial regulations and ensure they can continue giving small businesses access to capital.