Financial services trade groups called upon federal banking regulators to reinstate the 100 percent risk-weighting for mortgage servicing rights and to implement other changes as they move forward with the new Basel III risk-based capital rules. In a recent joint letter to bank regulatory agencies, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America warned that inaction could seriously affect the availability and cost of mortgages to consumers. The trade groups believe...
Two large banks got a break recently as the Securities and Exchange Commission agreed to grant penalty relief to one bank while a New York federal judge dismissed certain claims against the second bank because they were overly speculative. In the first case, the SEC cleared the way for Bank of America to close a $16.7 billion global settlement after SEC commissioners voted to waive additional sanctions that would have taken effect when the settlement is entered into court, according to a report by Bloomberg. The commission agreed...
Prior to FHFA’s new directive, Fannie and Freddie required homeowners who have been through foreclosure and want to buy their home back to pay the entire amount owed on the mortgage.
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act allows homeowners who received principal reductions or other forms of debt forgiveness to avoid paying taxes on the amount forgiven.