Early interest in the VantageScore 4.0 pilot has been strong, but participants note that the new score can be up to 100 points different from Classic FICO.

Economists have dialed back their more optimistic expectations for mortgage rates this year after Iran war-triggered inflation undid the rate boost from MBS purchases by the GSEs.

The final rules clarify that the National Bank Act preempts state interest-on-escrow laws and codify national banks’ powers to maintain mortgage escrow accounts and to set their terms and conditions.

Industry members expect that the Basel III re-proposal could offer a modest boost to the mortgage industry over time, but seems unlikely to bring banks back to the business in droves.

Credit history was cited less by lenders last year as a reason for denying an application for a refinance, while debt-to-income ratio persisted as the top reason for rejecting applications for a purchase mortgage. (Includes data table.)

Members of a CFPB task force established during the first Trump administration are asking the bureau to consider implementing several of their recommendations tied to closing costs, internal reorganization and the bureau’s overall structure.

The changes are part of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors’ ongoing efforts to improve the NMLS user experience and respond to user feedback.

The Washington Supreme Court has issued a ruling restricting lenders’ ability to complete non-judicial foreclosures on HELOCs.

The CFPB said certain questions concerning barrier analysis, special emphasis programs and workforce demographics were contrary to President Trump’s executive orders.

CFPB appeals its funding argument to the Ninth Circuit; CFPB leadership planning to direct staff to return to office; Senate Republicans block efforts by Democrats to roll back some of the Trump administration’s CFPB changes.