Don Layton applauded FHFA’s plans to reform the FHLBanks, arguing that it will take strong, independent supervision to prevent them from exploiting their government subsidy for private gain.

Industry trade groups as well as analysts believe the proposed waiver pilot is purely a political gesture and will, in fact, expose borrowers and lenders to financial risk.

The FHLBanks, like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have a public/private structure that can incentivize private profits at public cost. Don Layton, former Freddie CEO, said the banks are ripe for reform.

The approaching expiration of Treasury’s warrants on Fannie and Freddie stock and the possibility of a second Trump administration have revived debate on the potential end of the conservatorship of the GSEs.

The new program will help reduce the number of buyback requests lenders receive for loans that are defective but still performing.

Both Democrats and Republicans have little interest in GSE reform, according to discussions this week at the SFVegas conference.

Dramatic reversals in provisions for credit losses drove profits at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac during the fourth quarter of 2023.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco becomes the first FHLBank to allow members to use mortgage loans based on VantageScore 4.0 as collateral for advances.

While FHFA didn’t provide details, lenders believe the agency wants the GSEs to coordinate their mortgage repurchase request policies.

The MBA is taking its concerns about rising costs associated with obtaining credit scores to the FHFA, CFPB and FTC. A CFPB official said the regulator is willing to consider looking into the issue.