The CFPB recently issued some final changes to its mortgage rules to help foster responsible lending by small creditors, especially those operating in rural and underserved areas. The new rule, which was proposed in January, aims to increase the number of community banks and credit unions that are able to offer certain types of mortgages in rural and underserved areas. It also gives small creditors time to adjust their business practices to comply with the rules. “The financial crisis was not caused by community banks and credit unions, and our mortgage rules reflect the fact that small institutions play a vital role in many communities,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “These changes will help consumers in rural or underserved areas ...