On October 22, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an aggressive new initiative, in collaboration with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country, to combat the practice of redlining. Three days prior, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was said to be hiring up to 30 new enforcement attorneys to focus on redlining and […]
Mortgage Loans
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Extension of COVID-19 Foreclosure Moratorium
A&B Abstract: Today, the Biden Administration announced an extension of the foreclosure moratorium for federally-backed mortgage loans (the “Presidential Announcement”). To implement the Presidential Announcement, the federal agencies (i.e., HUD/FHA, USDA, and VA) and GSEs (i.e., Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) have announced (or are anticipated to announce) extensions of the foreclosure moratorium until July […]
Juneteenth Holiday Raises Tricky TRID Disclosure Issues
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth National Independence Day a federal national holiday. The first observance of the holiday is Friday, June 18, 2021. While the enactment of this new federal holiday is a notable and welcome national event, its first observance has immediate consequences for the timing of certain disclosures […]
Highlights of Washington Department of Financial Institutions’ Recent Mortgage Industry Webinar
A&B ABstract: In a webinar earlier this month, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions provided updates on licensing, rulemaking, and recent examination findings. On June 2, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”) held a webinar covering mortgage industry updates in the state. Among the topics discussed were: Licensing Updates Between May 2020 and May […]
The CFPB is Sending Mixed Messages on COVID-19 Flexibility
A&B ABstract: The CFPB’s inconsistent statements about the need for flexibility to address the pandemic suggest a deeper game afoot. CFPB warns that continued COVID flexibility for financial institutions is not prudent… On March 31, 2021, the CFPB announced it would be rescinding seven policy statements issued last year that provided financial institutions with flexibilities […]