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.)

The GSEs say the spike in repurchase requests simply reflects the historic volume in 2020 and 2021. Lenders argue there should be something short of a repurchase request for performing loans with minor defects.

FHFA is seeking input on the return on capital standards that apply to the GSEs and components of g-fees, among other issues.

FHFA Director Sandra Thompson noted that the GSEs have yet to seek approval for new products under a new FHFA initiative.

The new tool is expected to help first-time homebuyers and borrowers from underserved communities who might not have qualified under old-school underwriting.

The rescinded fee would have added $1,250 in cost to the purchase of a $300,000 home. Or, borrowers could have elected to pay an extra $24.75 per month on their mortgage.

The ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee has demanded that the FHFA director meet with committee staff to prove the GSEs’ new pricing grids don’t amount to more cross-subsidy.

Concerns voiced by Senate Democrats appear to have prompted an FHFA review of how the GSEs sell their nonperforming and reperforming loans.

Fannie and Freddie modified their policies to support lower-income borrowers by allowing greater use of downpayment assistance and equity-sharing programs.

The chair of the Senate Banking Committee wants FHFA to examine the implications of the Federal Home Loan Banks becoming the lender of last resort for struggling financial institutions.