Mortgage industry observers increasingly argue that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be regulated as utilities. But conservative critics say, “Not so fast.”

Fannie Mae CEO Hugh Frater violated conflict of interest rules not once but at least three times, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Office of Inspector General.

GSE watchers criticized FHFA Director Mark Calabria’s failure to acknowledge the agency’s role in the mortgage meltdown in 2008.

Independent mortgage bankers continue to argue that GSE caps on risk-layering and limits on mortgages for second homes and investment properties will harm borrowers and lenders alike.

KBW analysts believe it will take 15 years for the two government-sponsored enterprises to meet FHFA’s capital requirement to exit conservatorship. KBW reduced its target price on Fannie and Freddie stocks to $1.00 each.

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-PA, the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, this week indicated the GOP may be ready to compromise on key issues related to GSE reform.

Critics argue the GSEs’ resolution plans must acknowledge the PSPAs and the government’s contractual obligation to support.

Treasury’s stake in the GSEs should be used to create a joint venture focused on affordable housing. Also, to ensure success, Fannie and Freddie should be converted into utilities, two industry pros recommend.

New Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has yet to pick who will lead housing policy and GSE reform in the Biden administration. However, liberal think tanks may be a good place to look.

Newly installed SBC Chair Sherrod Brown lambasted FHFA for ignoring the spirit of the CARES Act by allowing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to sell nonperforming and reperforming loans during the pandemic.