FHFA also requiring the Enterprises to submit fair lending reports
Today, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued a Policy Statement on Fair Lending. The Policy Statement communicates FHFA’s commitment to comprehensive fair lending oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), and the Federal Home Loan Banks (together, the regulated entities) and provides a foundation for building out FHFA’s fair lending program. The Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (fair lending laws) are central to a just and inclusive U.S. housing system. The Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act empowers FHFA to help effectuate the fair lending laws through monitoring and information-gathering, conducting supervisory examinations, and engaging in administrative enforcement activities.
“Illegal discrimination has not and will not be tolerated by FHFA,” said Acting Director Sandra L. Thompson. “FHFA is committed to fair mortgage lending because it ensures that all Americans have equal access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. FHFA’s Policy Statement on Fair Lending clearly communicates the Agency’s fair lending expectations for the regulated entities and outlines the Agency’s fair lending oversight and enforcement to ensure compliance with the law.”
FHFA invites comments on the application of the Policy Statement within 60 days of its publication in the Federal Register. Comments on the Policy Statement should be submitted electronically or via mail to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Fair Lending Oversight, 400 7th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20219.
FHFA has also issued Orders on Fair Lending Reporting (the orders) to the Enterprises. The orders require the Enterprises to submit quarterly reports to FHFA with fair lending information and data to improve the Agency’s fair lending supervision and monitoring capabilities.