Industry News

FDIC: New FDIC Ombudsman Appointed

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has appointed M. Anthony Lowe to the post of FDIC Ombudsman and Director of the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s office interacts extensively with bankers, other industry representatives, community groups, and members of the public to answer questions and hear concerns about FDIC policies and regulations. The office…

FHFA: 2016 Report to Congress Released Including Exams of Freddie, Fannie & FHLBs

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today released its 2016 Report to Congress.  The statutorily-required report provides information about FHFA’s 2016 examinations of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), 11 Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) and the FHLBanks’ Office of Finance.  The report also describes FHFA’s actions as conservator of Fannie Mae…

CFPB: Effective Financial Education – Five Principles and How to Use Them

We’re offering five broad principles that support financial well-being through effective financial education. By Janneke Ratcliffe Everyone has goals. You want to learn a new language. You want to learn to bake. You want to read more books. But, how we move from those goals or intentions to action and results can be a difficult…

FDIC: FDIC Consumer News Issues Warning About 10 Scams Targeting Bank Customers

The FDIC often hears from bank customers who believe they may be the victims of financial fraud or thefts. The Summer 2017 FDIC Consumer News alerts the public to common scams and provides basic tips for protecting personal information and money. Topics include: An overview of 10 schemes bank customers need to be aware of,…

CFPB: Bureau Encourages Credit Card Companies to Consider More Transparent Promotions

Bureau Notes that Deferred-Interest Promotions May Lack Transparency, Carry Risks to Consumers WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today announced it has sent letters to top retail credit card companies encouraging them to consider using more transparent promotions. Many retailers use credit cards with deferred-interest promotions – offers of no interest for a…

SBA: Call for Comments on NAFTA Modernization and Economic Impact Panel Participants

On May 18, President Trump formally launched the re-negotiation of NAFTA.  The SBA wants small businesses to get involved by commenting on how NAFTA has impacted your businesses.  The deadline to submit comments is June 12, 2017. Submit written comments or written notification of intent to testify along with a summary of your testimony to…

HUD: June is National Healthy Homes Month

WASHINGTON – In an effort to help families keep their kids healthy and to reinforce the connection between a family’s health and their home, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is kicking off the second annual National Healthy Homes Month. Throughout the month, the goal is to raise awareness for what makes…

SBA: Veterans Small Business Advisory Committees to Host Public Meetings June 7th and 8th

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development (IATF) and Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs (ACVBA) will hold their second public meetings of 2017 on June 7 and 8 at SBA headquarters in Washington, D.C. “These meetings are critical in helping us understand veterans’ workforce opportunities and…

HUD: National Homeownership Month Kicks Off

WASHINGTON – The Trump Administration proclaimed June as National Homeownership Month, a time to reflect upon the impact owning a home has on household wealth, neighborhood stability and the nation’s broader economic health. The theme of National Homeownership Month 2017 is “Find Your Place in a New Era of Homeownership.”  Read the President’s Homeownership Month Proclamation….

SBA: $18 Million in Funding Announced to Support Small Business Trade Growth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Administrator Linda McMahon, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, today announced an $18 million funding opportunity to support export growth among U.S. small businesses.  The funding opportunity will be awarded through SBA’s competitive State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).   States interested in putting in proposals should go to Grants.gov and download the funding opportunity…