In a plan that began at least as far back as 2016, the FHLBanks actively considered buying one of the government-sponsored enterprises. Even senior staff at Treasury and FHFA were involved.

2019 was a banner year for warehouse mortgage providers, thanks to strong nonbank originations in the primary market. And now it appears that 2020 could be even better.

If a Democrat wins the presidential race, industry analysts expect regulatory changes in the mortgage industry. If Trump is reelected, GSE reform efforts will continue to gather pace.

Asked what levels of capital would be necessary in order to release Fannie and Freddie from conservatorships, Treasury and FHFA said it is “premature” to comment on specific levels.

For allowing FHLB membership, FHFA wants to know what specific financial requirements should be enforced and how existing members would be impacted.

Supreme Court next week will hear arguments on the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s leadership structure.

If billionaire Mike Bloomberg starts looking like a front-runner in the 2020 presidential elections, putting out stock offerings on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could prove difficult.

The future looks particularly bright these days for non-qualified-mortgage shops looking to sell or go public. One lender that can take down the for-sale sign is Citadel Servicing Corp.

Concerned about relaxed appraisal standards for mortgage originations, two senior members of the House Financial Services Committee want the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study.

Mortgage service providers are seeking a clarification from the Federal Communications Commission on the definition of an “automatic telephone dialing system” in light of differing court interpretations.