As the GSE recap-and-release avalanche continues, there’s increasing chatter in the market that Treasury is open to a legal settlement with Fannie/Freddie shareholders. A crazy idea? Maybe not.
FHFA Director Mark Calabria said any revised qualified mortgage rule introduced by the CFPB should be applicable to all lenders. Industry participants are unsure how the regulator will address the issue.
FHFA Director Mark Calabria said he would be willing to wipe out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shareholders if needed to ensure taxpayers don’t have to bail out the mortgage giants again.
According to analyst Jaret Seiberg, the risks posed by the Supreme Court’s decision explains why FHFA is considering releasing Fannie and Freddie from conservatorship via a consent decree.
The Supreme Court has agreed to review a case challenging the constitutionality of the CFPB. Regardless of its decision, it likely will not be the end of the controversy surrounding the bureau’s leadership structure.
To reach their statutory minimum capital levels, Fannie and Freddie may only need to accrue an extra $16 billion and $14 billion respectively, based on the size of their current capital buffer plus retained second-quarter earnings.
The bank had more than 200 violations of a five-year limit for holding REO properties, according to a consent order. Citi was warned repeatedly of the violations before the OCC moved to fine the bank.