CSBS is taking a close look at loan officer education compliance; CFPB fines Global Tel Link $3 million; CFPB releases details from student loan survey; pilot study by CFPB finds differences in how lenders treat minorities that own small businesses; Comerica Bank files lawsuit challenging CFPB investigation; Fifth Circuit denies request to reopen case against CFPB’s payday lending rule.

Mortgage industry stakeholders speculate about who Trump will nominate to oversee Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and determine whether they remain in conservatorship or are re-privatized.

The reduction in fees for mortgages on homes that qualify for the GSEs’ housing goals are estimated to increase Fannie and Freddie acquisitions by 37,000 loans in 2025.

Industry trade groups noted that the increase comes on top of a 400% price hike over the past two years. They also argued that the credit re-porting bureaus will inevitably add additional price hikes.

Freddie Mac failed to win a complete summary judgment against an insurer who declined to pay claims related to a 2008 SEC investigation. The judge’s ruling makes it more likely the case goes to trial and discovery.

The GSEs hope FHLBanks can raise awareness of their programs to improve access to mortgage credit for Native Americans.

Victoria Nahrwold, a 25-year NCUA veteran, is now heading FHFA’s Division of Enterprise Regulation.

Scott Stowell, who serves on the board of homebuilding giant Toll Brothers, is now a member of the Fannie Mae board.

The mortgage finance and housing communities are hopeful of strong housing affordability policies from a second Trump term, but expect the approach to differ from efforts under the Biden administration.

Regulators warn that there is no exemption in fair lending laws for advanced technology.