SIFMA warned that Freddie’s proposal to acquire second liens could pose risks to the to-be-announced, credit-risk transfer and consumer-loan markets. SFA said the proposal, if approved, should be limited.

Banks are looking for capital relief, regulators are making issuance of credit-risk transfers easier for banks to complete and investor demand for the deals is strong.

Originations of government-insured mortgages increased by 11.0% in the first quarter of 2024 compared with the previous quarter. Conventional-conforming and nonconforming products lost share during the quarter. (Includes two data tables.)

The private market is providing adequate liquidity for closed-end second liens, according to the American Bankers Association. The trade group also questioned Freddie Mac’s motivations for a proposal to acquire seconds.

Those opposed include the American Bankers Association, the Housing Policy Council, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the Structured Finance Association and U.S. Mortgage Insurers.

Sales of existing homes declined by 1.9% on a monthly basis in April.

Pete Mills, a senior vice president of residential policy and strategic industry engagement at the MBA, wrote that the proposal has theoretical benefits but they’re impossible to assess given the limited details FHFA included in the request for comments.

“Purchase activity continues to lag despite this recent decline in rates,” said Joel Kan, a vice president and deputy chief economist at the MBA.

The CFPB is considering rulemaking or guidance aimed at improving competition, choice and affordability.

The proposed increases range between about 17% and 25%, depending on the fee.