Regulation and compliance

Amid looming layoffs, CFPB is hiring attorney-advisors

Key Insight: A higher volume of litigation necessitates the hiring of more defense and appellate counsel. What’s at Stake: A shortage of attorneys could delay rulemakings and weaken the agency’s defense in federal courts.  Supporting Data: By some estimates, about 500 employees have left the agency since the Trump administration took over and Vought told […]

Amid looming layoffs, CFPB is hiring attorney-advisors Read More »

Critics question HUD fair housing boss’ civil rights record

The National Fair Housing Alliance and a top Democrat are criticizing the new leader of a federal fair housing office over his alleged troubling record regarding civil rights. Craig Trainor was confirmed Wednesday as the assistant secretary for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Senators

Critics question HUD fair housing boss’ civil rights record Read More »

Democrats urge full D.C. Circuit to hear CFPB court case

What’s at Stake: A three-judge panel already ruled in August that the Trump administration can fire up to 1,500 employees of the CFPB. Forward Look: Allowing the Trump administration to dismantle the agency would represent “a blatant disregard for Congress’s constitutional role,” Democrats claim. Expert Quote: “Only Congress has the power to shutter the CFPB,”

Democrats urge full D.C. Circuit to hear CFPB court case Read More »

Former FDIC board member confirmed to top Treasury role

Key Insight: McKernan’s confirmation comes as the Trump administration’s deregulatory financial agenda begins in earnest, positioning a seasoned industry ally in a key Treasury post. Supporting data: McKernan was confirmed in a 51–47 vote. McKernan was nominated to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau earlier this year but his nomination was withdrawn in May. Forward

Former FDIC board member confirmed to top Treasury role Read More »

Loandepot faces claims of ‘smoke and mirrors’ rate scheme

Borrowers suing Loandepot are sharing alleged evidence of the lender’s scheme to steer borrowers to higher rates and deprive its loan officers of their full compensation.  The latest filing in a Truth in Lending Act lawsuit cites emails, screenshots and the testimony of three LOs discussing the company’s actions to circumvent the loan officer compensation

Loandepot faces claims of ‘smoke and mirrors’ rate scheme Read More »

Exclusive: Waters presses bank regulators on shutdown relief

Key insight: Bank regulators typically offer supervisory relief for banks so they can offer credit during temporary hardships like shutdowns and natural disasters.  What’s at stake: Thousands of government workers and contractors could go without paychecks depending on how long the shutdown lasts. Forward look: It’s not clear if the White House will try to

Exclusive: Waters presses bank regulators on shutdown relief Read More »

OCC to dramatically reduce community bank regulation

Key insight: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is paring down nearly all community bank regulatory measures not required by law, leaving it up to examiners to determine applicable requirements.  Expert quote: “Community banks have an outsized impact on lending and are vital to the strength of the U.S. economy. Today’s actions relieve

OCC to dramatically reduce community bank regulation Read More »

Flagstar mortgage escrow ruling upheld by Ninth Circuit

An appellate court has ruled against Flagstar Bank in a California case which had been mentioned in connection with a New York escrow interest case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The ruling in Kivett v. Flagstar was the second against a bank in recent weeks. A Sept. 22 First Circuit ruling sent a similar

Flagstar mortgage escrow ruling upheld by Ninth Circuit Read More »

Even as shutdown halts BLS data, hiring appears to be slowing

Key Insight: Payroll firm ADP showed that employers lost 32,000 jobs in September, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not release its scheduled jobs report Friday because of the federal government shutdown. Forward look: The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points in September as a “risk management” move. The absence of a key

Even as shutdown halts BLS data, hiring appears to be slowing Read More »

HUD accused of violating Hatch Act over shutdown message

A message on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website blaming “the Radical Left” for the government shutdown has prompted legal complaints and accusations of a Hatch Act violation. HUD officials Wednesday pushed back on criticism of the pop-up window and banner on their home page stating “The Radical Left in Congress shut down

HUD accused of violating Hatch Act over shutdown message Read More »