A&B ABstract: On December 10, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued an innovative final rulemaking that creates a pathway to “safe harbor” Qualified Mortgage (QM) status for performing non-QM and “rebuttable presumption” QM loans that meet certain performance criteria portfolio requirements over a seasoning period of at least 36 months and that […]
Mortgage Loans
DOJ Trustee Program Settles with Servicers
A&B ABstract: On December 7, the Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program (“USTP”) announced that it has entered into agreements with three servicers to address mortgage servicing deficiencies impacting borrowers in bankruptcy. Issues Addressing allegations that the entities failed to comply with the Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, the agreements reflect […]
CFPB Retires the “QM Patch” and Revises QM Rules
A&B ABstract: In a significant final rulemaking with potentially far-reaching consequences for the residential mortgage markets, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) is terminating the “QM Patch” and significantly revising the criteria for what constitutes a qualified mortgage (“QM”) loan. Notably, in this rule, issued on December 10, 2020, the CFPB replaces the dreaded Appendix […]
CSBS Proposes Prudential Standards for Servicers
A&B Abstract: The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (“CSBS”) proposed regulatory prudential standards (the “Standards”) to develop a consistent regulatory structure of nonbank mortgage servicers. Comments on all aspects of the Standards are encouraged by December 31, 2020. Background: Since the financial crisis, the rapid growth of mortgage bank mortgage servicers has led regulators to […]
Maryland Issues Executive Order Restricting Foreclosure Actions and Prohibiting Evictions During COVID-19 Emergency
A&B ABstract: Maryland’s Governor has issued an Executive Order providing that until the COVID-19 state of emergency is terminated: (1) foreclosure sales will only be valid if the servicer had notified the borrower of their rights to request a forbearance, and (2) residential and commercial evictions are prohibited if the tenant can show they suffered […]