The Lede

The Senate last week approved Mark Calabria as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., deployed a controversial rules provision to speed judicial and executive nominations through the chamber.

The Senate last week approved Mark Calabria as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., deployed a controversial rules provision to speed judicial and executive nominations through the chamber.

The Senate last week approved Mark Calabria as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., deployed a controversial rules provision to speed judicial and executive nominations through the chamber.

HousingWire, Apr. 8, 2019--Ben LaneNearly four years after the legal battle between Quicken Loans and the Department of Justice began, the case may finally be decided in court later this year. But not before the parties give settling the matter at least one more try.

Washington Post, Apr. 8, 2019--Renae MerleThe Federal Reserve Board on Monday proposed easing key post-crisis regulations for the country's biggest banks, despite concerns from one member that the proposal goes too far.

American Banker, Apr. 8, 2019--Kevin Wack (subscription)The multi-billion dollar settlement did not actually require Deutsche to offer any loan modifications; they were merely one option on a menu of choices available to the bank. And after initially pledging to provide modifications, Deutsche Bank recently backed out of that plan, saying that it would instead fulfill its settlement obligations by financing new mortgages, some of which have gone to wealthy borrowers.

National Mortgage News, Apr. 8, 2019--Brad Finkelstein (subscription)The commercial mortgage-backed securities delinquency rate increased for the first time since October, led by a 31-basis-point rise in late payments for loans secured by retail properties, Fitch Ratings said.

National Mortgage News, Apr. 5, 2019--Brad Finkelstein (subscription)At least one investment bank thinks the prospects of privatization have improved enough that the equity in Fannie Mae has become sufficiently interesting to merit the attention of its analysts.

MarketWatch, Apr. 4, 2019--Andrea RiquierCalabria, who most recently served as chief economist to Vice President Mike Pence and, before that, at the libertarian think tank the Cato Institute, was confirmed by a 52-44 vote. (MBA mention)

National Mortgage News, Apr. 4, 2019--Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)If housing finance reform reduces the government-sponsored enterprises' involvement in the mortgage market, banks could gain a funding advantage over nonbanks, according to a Moody's Investors Service report.

Forbes, Apr 4, 2019--Douglas MerrillThe survey found that over the next two years, the use of these technologies in the mortgage industry is going to boom. And that will be a good thing for borrowers and the market.

National Mortgage News, Apr. 3, 2019--Hannah Lang (subscription)Acting Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Joseph Otting has authorized Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to contribute to the National Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund, ending a delay in transferring funds that worried affordable housing advocates.

American Banker, Apr. 3, 2019--Hannah Lang (subscription)Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., introduced legislation Wednesday that would require executives of large corporations to serve jail time when their companies commit crimes, including for violations of civil law.

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.