A new executive order directs federal agencies to consider changing several major mortgage regulations in part to increase mortgage lending by smaller banks. Consumer advocates raised alarms.

The proposals would reduce capital requirements of banks in terms of mortgages held in portfolio and for mortgage servicing. Federal banking regulators said the goal is to help banks better compete with nonbanks.

Senate last week passed a revised version of legislation aimed at easing housing affordability. House leaders aren’t fully happy with the bill.

Rocket is now the largest subservicer in the industry. Pennymac is poised to acquire Cenlar, the second-largest subservicer. (Includes data table.)

Shrinking margins in the retail space are pushing loan officers to chart their own path in the wholesale channel.

The executive order directs federal agencies to revise and, in some cases, eliminate clean energy homebuilding requirements.

Radian Group is in the process of closing its non-agency conduit rather than selling the unit.

CDFIs are exploring avenues to achieve economies of scale and enable mortgage access to underserved communities and low-income borrowers.

Two Harbors seeking more votes in favor of acquisition by UWM; GSEs to ease standards for condo insurance; DOJ subpoenas to Fed rejected.

The Senate is set to vote on legislation aimed at addressing housing affordability. MBA had supported earlier versions of the bill in the House and Senate.