Politics and policy

Why the Senate should protect funding for the CFPB

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been an effective watchdog for consumers, and its secure, independent funding is key to its effectiveness. That’s why a new proposal from the Senate Banking Committee for the massive budget bill now quickly moving through Congress (H.R. 1) to eliminate this source of funding for the Consumer Bureau is […]

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If the CFPB axes the LO comp rule, what happens?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau under the Trump administration is eyeing revisions and a possible rescission to a number of rules governing the mortgage industry. The consumer watchdog sent five rules to the Office of Management and Budget for review on June 4. Rules on the queue include the Loan Originator Compensation Requirements under the

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Bowman’s reform agenda targets ratings, supervision, capital

Bowman’s reform agenda targets ratings, supervision, capital

Federal Reserve Gov. Michelle Bowman, who was confirmed as the central bank’s next vice chair for supervision this week.Bloomberg News Bank ratings, examination practices and capital requirements are all poised for reforms under the Federal Reserve’s new chief regulator. In her first speech since being confirmed as Fed vice chair for supervision, Michelle Bowman outlined

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Senators ask FHFA to pause plans to privatize Fannie, Freddie

A group of Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Chuck Schumer, asked the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to pause any efforts to privatize mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. President Donald Trump said on social media last month that he’s considering a public stock offering for the two government-backed enterprises,

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Jobs numbers dash hopes for rate cut, mortgage hiring rises

May’s slightly stronger than anticipated employment data dampened lenders’ hopes for further downward pressure on rates in the immediate future, as they added incrementally to payrolls for the spring homebuying season. U.S. employers overall added 139,000 jobs last month, above consensus expectations for around 130,000. Unemployment remained stable at 4.2%. Nonbank mortgage employment, which is

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Senators scrutinize Rocket’s Redfin, Mr. Cooper deals

Five U.S. Senators have called into question the lack of federal antitrust oversight of Rocket Companies’ proposed acquisitions of Redfin and servicing powerhouse Mr. Cooper. Lawmakers, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, and Cory Booker, D-N.J.,sent a letter to the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission demanding to know why the agencies did

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HUD memo reportedly warns of staff cut impact on mortgages

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s own counsel is reportedly concerned that Trump administration-induced staff cuts could disrupt mortgage operations and increase fraud and litigation risks.  The revelations stem from an internal HUD document seen by Bloomberg Citylab, according to an article published Thursday. Staff departures at the regulator could allegedly “greatly delay”‘ or

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Fed’s Kugler not ready to look past tariff inflation

Fed’s Kugler not ready to look past tariff inflation

Federal Reserve Board NEW YORK — At least one Federal Reserve official expects tariffs to lead to higher inflation, and she is worried the effects could be long lasting.  Speaking before the Economic Club of New York on Thursday, Fed Gov. Adriana Kugler said she sees ways in which higher trade barriers could lead to

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Bowman confirmed as top regulator at Fed

Bowman confirmed as top regulator at Fed

Federal Reserve Gov. Michelle BowmanBloomberg News WASHINGTON — Michelle Bowman has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the Federal Reserve vice chair for supervision.  The Senate confirmed Bowman’s nomination in a 48-46 vote, split along party lines. Once she is sworn in, Bowman will serve as the top bank regulator at the Fed,

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Wells shed its asset cap — but it isn’t clear why

Wells shed its asset cap — but it isn’t clear why

Bloomberg News In 2018, the Federal Reserve Board’s total growth restriction on Wells Fargo established a new tool for dealing with large banks with broken compliance cultures. Many in and around the banking space viewed the $1.95 trillion asset cap — imposed in response to Wells Fargo’s cross-selling and fake accounts scandals — as a

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