Fannie and Freddie CRT programs shift into high gear as FHFA allows more capital relief.

FHFA acting director says the GSE capital rule shouldn’t change every time the agency gets a new director.

Critics say FHFA’s proposed changes to the enterprise regulatory capital framework are a move in the right direction, but the agency still hasn’t addressed the procyclicality of the rule or explained how the new provisions were calculated.

Comments from AEI and the Cato Institute say, rather than reduce the capital requirements for the GSEs, FHFA should increase them.

Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have now completed tender offers on seasoned CRT notes to reduce interest expense on seasoned deals.

Critics say the amendments correct some of the flaws in the rule finalized last December, but it’s still far too conservative when compared to historic losses at the GSEs.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s proposed amendments to the capital rule bring the mortgage giant back to the CRT table.

Fannie issues its first CAS deal in nearly a year and a half, following a decision by FHFA Acting Director Sandra Thompson to double the capital relief available for CRT transactions.

Housing stakeholders liked FHFA’s plan to require Fannie and Freddie to develop equitable housing finance plans, but they also recommended changes.

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-PA, and NAMB President Kimber White each grade the brief performance of FHFA’s acting director.