Regulatory Updates

FHFA: Final Capital Rule Announced for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Today, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sent to the Federal Register for publication a final rule that establishes a new regulatory capital framework for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises). The final rule makes certain changes to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on June 30, 2020 (proposed rule).[1] ​That proposed rule…

SBA: Small Business Size Standard Revisions Proposed in Three Industrial Sectors

Public Comments Due January 12; Change Targeted at Increasing Eligiblity for Contracting and Loan Programs The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking public comments on a proposed rule that would revise the small business size standards for businesses in three North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) sectors to increase small business eligibility for SBA’s loan and contracting…

OCC: Key Provisions of the June 2020 CRA Rule and Frequently Asked Questions

Summary The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) published in the Federal Register on June 5, 2020, a final rule1 (June 2020 rule) that strengthens and modernizes the agency’s regulations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). This bulletin summarizes key provisions of the June 2020 rule, which became effective October 1, 2020. This bulletin provides responses…

CFPB: Final Rule Issued to Implement the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today issued a final rule to restate and clarify prohibitions on harassment and abuse, false or misleading representations, and unfair practices by debt collectors when collecting consumer debt. The rule focuses on debt collection communications and gives consumers more control over how often and through what means debt collectors…

CFPB: Agencies Propose Regulation on the Role of Supervisory Guidance

Five federal financial regulatory agencies today invited comment on a proposal outlining and confirming the agencies’ use of supervisory guidance for regulated institutions. The proposal would codify the statement, as amended, that was issued in September 2018 by the agencies that clarified the differences between regulations and guidance. Unlike a law or regulation, supervisory guidance…

OCC: Final True Lender Rule Issued

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued a rule that determines when a national bank or federal savings association (bank) makes a loan and is the “true lender,” including in the context of a partnership between a bank and a third party. Banks’ lending relationships with third parties can facilitate access…

OCC: New CRA Modernization Resources Released

Summary The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued three items required to support the implementation of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule the agency issued on June 5, 2020 (2020 rule). Note for Community Banks The “Community Reinvestment Act 2020 Rule Small Bank Compliance Guide” and other supporting materials pertain to…

FDIC: Agencies Adopt Final Rule on Certain Real Estate Transactions for Financial Institutions and Consumers Affected by Coronavirus

Summary: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (collectively, the agencies) adopted as final the interim final rule that allows institutions supervised by the agencies to defer obtaining an appraisal or evaluation for up to 120 days after the closing…

HUD: Section 3 Rule Revision Finalized to Advance Economic Opportunity

New rule will advance economic opportunity through streamlined processes and a more targeted approach The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today the release of the final rule implementing the “Section 3” statute. Section 3 requires that recipients of certain HUD funds make economic opportunities available for low- and very low-income individuals, especially recipients…

Federal Reserve: ANPR Issued on Approach to Modernize CRA Regulations

The Federal Reserve Board on Monday issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) that invites public comment on an approach to modernize the regulations that implement the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) by strengthening, clarifying, and tailoring them to reflect the current banking landscape and better meet the core purpose of the CRA. The ANPR…