CDFI Fund: Update on the CDFI Fund’s Certification Application Review Process
Additional Time Needed for CDFI Fund to Consider Robust Response to Recent Application Revisions The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) will update its timeline for rolling out the new CDFI Certification Application and anticipates revising the version that was released for public comment in the Federal Register on November 4, 2022. To ensure sufficient time…
ABA: Foundation Launches 2023 Financial Education Campaigns, Three-Year Initiative to Reach 5 Million Americans
The theme for this year’s campaigns is ‘Protecting Your Financial Future’ The American Bankers Association Foundation today launched its 2023 financial education campaigns, calling on America’s banks and their more than two million employees to participate in these important industry programs and help more consumers achieve long-term financial stability. It also announced a three-year industry-wide…
FHFA: Updates to the Enterprises’ Single-Family Pricing Framework Announced
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced further changes to Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s (the Enterprises) single-family pricing framework by introducing redesigned and recalibrated upfront fee matrices for purchase, rate-term refinance, and cash-out refinance loans. “These changes to upfront fees will strengthen the safety and soundness of the Enterprises by enhancing their ability…
FHFA: Enhancements Announced to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s Radon Standards for Multifamily Properties
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced enhancements to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s (the Enterprises) multifamily radon standards. The Enterprises’ aligned radon standards will require additional radon testing for multifamily properties with loan applications received after June 30, 2023. “The Enterprises’ adoption of enhanced radon testing requirements during National Radon Action Month will help ensure…
CFPB: Guidance Issued to Root Out Tactics Which Charge People Fees for Subscriptions They Don’t Want
New circular addresses dark patterns and other tricks used by companies to confuse and deceive consumers enrolled in subscription services The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a new circular affirming that companies offering “negative option” subscription services must comply with federal consumer financial protection law. Negative option programs include subscription services that automatically renew…
HUD: Step Announced Towards Addressing Bias in the Home Appraisal Process for People Seeking FHA Financing
A preview of the policy update is available for public feedback on FHA’s Drafting Table web page Today, at an event at the Brookings Institute, HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced that HUD, through the Federal Housing Administration, is creating a process that people seeking FHA financing can use to request a review of their appraisal…
HUD: First-Ever Blueprint to Decarbonize America’s Transportation Sector Released
Landmark Blueprint Will Advance the President’s Clean Transportation Agenda, Slashing Consumer Costs, Improving Public Health, and Increasing the Nation’s Energy Security The Biden-Harris Administration today released the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Developed by the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Blueprint is a landmark strategy…
OCC: Registration for OCC Symposium on Bank Mergers Opened
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced registration is open for its symposium on bank mergers February 10, 2023, at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The symposium will include panel discussions among thought leaders, academics, community groups, and the banking industry on bank mergers and is open to the public for…
OCC: Revisions to Fair Lending Booklet Issued
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued a revised version of the “Fair Lending” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook. The “Fair Lending” booklet provides information and examination procedures to assist OCC examiners in assessing fair lending risk and evaluating compliance with the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), and…
SBA: Applications for the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program Now Open
Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)began accepting applications through the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to expanding access to resources for Veterans and other underserved populations. The improvements in the customer experience for Veteran entrepreneurs and business owners made by VetCert will build upon the $25 billion in government contract…