In an Agency ceremony, Sandra L. Thompson was sworn in today to a five-year term as the third Senate-confirmed Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Thompson was appointed to head the Agency by President Joe Biden. FHFA, created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, is the regulator and conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the regulator of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, and is responsible for oversight of the $7.5 trillion mortgage finance market.
“As a seasoned financial regulator, I understand how critical a time it is to serve in this role. I am committed to ensuring our nation’s housing finance systems and our regulated entities operate in a safe and sound manner. There is a widespread lack of affordable housing and access to credit, especially in underserved communities of color. It is FHFA’s duty, through our regulated entities, to ensure that all Americans have equal access to safe, decent, and affordable housing,” said Thompson.
Before her nomination to lead FHFA, Thompson served as Deputy Director of the Division of Housing Mission and Goals (DHMG). As the Deputy Director, Thompson oversaw FHFA’s housing and regulatory policy, capital policy, financial analysis, fair lending, and all mission activities for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. She had served in this position since March of 2013. Prior to joining FHFA, Thompson worked at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), for more than 23 years in various leadership positions, most recently as Director, Division of Risk Management Supervision. During her time at FDIC, Thompson led the Agency’s examination and enforcement program for risk management, and consumer protection at the height of the financial crisis. She also led the FDIC’s outreach initiatives in response to a crisis of consumer confidence in the banking system. Her experiences range from supervision to consumer protection, risk management and consumer outreach activities. Thompson is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C.