Wertheimer’s replacement previously served as chair of CIGIE, the independent agency that excoriated the departing IG for fostering a culture of intimidation.

As the first Senate-confirmed head of domestic finance in nearly a decade, the former Fed economist could play a vital role in renegotiating the PSPAs between Treasury and FHFA.

Fannie and Freddie are likely to have raked in more than $5 billion combined in adverse market fees on refinances before FHFA Acting Director Sandra Thompson decided to shut the program.

Changes to Fannie’s loan agreements allow the company to more closely monitor compliance with OFAC rules and anti-money laundering and anti-corruption statutes.

FHFA and other federal financial regulators are still grappling with issues like whether the definitions of QMs and QRMs should remain identical.

One unintended consequence of the court ruling: The Biden administration got the greenlight to reform the GSEs without the help of Congress.

With the end of forbearance in sight for millions of borrowers, FHFA adds more protections for homeowners impacted by the pandemic.

Lenders, real estate agents and condo boards lambaste the GSE for using vague and undefined terminology to determine whether it will purchase mortgages from projects with significant short-term rental activity.

Besides using its own enforcement powers, FHFA will be referring cases to other appropriate agencies, including the Department of Justice.

Laura Wertheimer to depart in the wake of claims she fostered “a culture of witness intimidation.”