A regulatory interpretation released this week by FHFA involving cooperativas in Puerto Rico may begin the formal implementation of key recommendations in its review of the FHLBank system.

The FHLBanks and their members may benefit to the tune of $8.4 billion from their status as government-sponsored enterprises.

All 11 regional FHLBanks boosted profits in 2023, largely due to increased borrowing from member institutions during the banking crisis.

Small depositories warn changes at the FHLBs could increase members’ costs and reduce access to FHLB funding. Worse, these changes could take place without formal rulemaking.

Conservatives argue that the government subsidy of the FHLBanks doesn’t support housing and mostly benefits large banks rather than homeowners.

Under the terms recommended in FHFA’s review of the Federal Home Loan Banks, 85 current members would fail to meet the 10% mortgage-related asset rule.

The Council of the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Federal Housing Finance Agency find themselves on opposite sides in a debate over the mission of the FHLBanks.

After a strong run-up in earnings spanning more than a year, the Federal Home Loan Banks posted a modest decline in quarterly income in the third quarter. (Includes three data tables.)

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.