Even as the regulator rolls out some FHLB reforms, it knows Congress will have the final say on many of its objectives.

The regulator’s plan to refocus the FHLBanks on housing finance may take some time to get underway. Changing the eligibility requirements for membership, though, doesn’t seem to be likely.

A new white paper released by the FHLBank San Francisco outlines the causes and possible solutions to the racial gap in homeownership. The bank’s CEO Bazemore identifies the highlights of the report.

Stakeholders claim the plan to expand the suspended counterparty program is too broad and FHFA has failed to justify the expansion.

The shifting market for FHLB advances has reshuffled the list of the largest FHLBank borrowers. (Includes three data charts.)

The controversial proposed capital rule for large banks sets a 75% loss given default rate for GSE debt issued but not guaranteed by the GSEs. For the debt guaranteed by the GSEs, the LGD rate will be 25%.

New Chair Joel Motley replaces Jonathan Scott, who has retired after 19 years at the helm.

Consolidating FHFA’s authority to support fair housing and fair lending laws under the umbrella of the GSEs’ equitable housing finance plans will improve access to mortgage credit for underserved communities, supporters say. The GSEs, however, see key problems.

FHLB San Francisco CEO Teresa Bazemore argues that the system’s dual mandates of supporting housing and providing liquidity for FHLBank members are related.

Outstanding FHLBank advances have only surpassed $1 trillion one other time. Banks and thrifts — including now-failed institutions — boosted their advance usage in the first quarter. (Includes three data charts.)