July 07, 2008

FDIC Issues HELOC Warning

Free Article of the Week

Banks working their way through the subprime crisis face a compliance problem — how to comply with the law while reducing or suspending credit limits on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). The FDIC has issued guidance.

Agency Provides ORE Guidance

The FDIC has issued guidance on other real estate (ORE)

State Authorities Challenge Countrywide Financial’s Practices

A country-wide array of lawsuits face the big mortgage lender.

Duke Confirmed as Fed Governor

After a long wait, the Senate approves Elizabeth Duke to be on the Federal Reserve Board.

FinCEN Proposal Panned

Looking a gift horse in the mouth, banks say they don’t want FinCEN’s idea of a regulatory relief measure.

Briefs, July 7 — 11, 2008

• Basel Alert
• Fraud Alert
• HELOCs

Quote of the Week, July 7 — 11, 2008

 

June 30, 2008

Regulators Propose Alternative Capital Rule

The regulators have proposed an alternative capital framework based on Basel II.

ABA To HUD: Try Again

The biggest banking trade association is unhappy with HUD’s RESPA reform proposal.

Minor Regulatory Relief Bill Clears House

The House passed what can only be called a minor regulatory relief bill.

House Committee Rejects Internet Gambling Relief

Despite protests from the industry and regulators, legislation requiring banks to block Internet gambling payments remains in force.

No Rate Change — Yet

Inflation and recession vie for the Fed's attention.

HOPE NOW Implements Changes

Stung by criticism, the HOPE NOW alliance agrees to a standard response to troubled mortgage borrowers.

Briefs, June 30 — July 4, 2008

• Deposit Ratios
• Public relations Campaign
• S Corporations
• MSBs

Quote of the Week, June 30 — July 4, 2008

 

June 23, 2008

Bair, Paulson Warn of “Too Big To Fail” on Wall Street

In separate speeches, the FDIC Chairman and the Treasury Secretary call for action to deal with brokerage firms that post systemic risk to the financial markets.

FDIC Prepares for Big Bank Failure

The FDIC is preparing for a really big bank failure — just to be on the safe side, you understand.

Veto Threat Targets Senate Mortgage Bill

The mortgage-relief bill that the Senate Banking Committee passed on a 19-2 vote last month isn’t as popular as first believed, especially not with at the White House.

FHA Takes Activist Stance

Congress is considering legislation to greatly expand the FHA’s role in the foreclosure crisis. But the agency isn’t waiting, it’s using the authority it already has to move forward on several fronts.

Bank Economists Expect Slow Growth

Expect slow growth to continue this year and into early 2009, the Economic Advisory Committee of the American Bankers Association warns.

Briefs, June 23 — 27, 2008

• Help for Minority and Start-Up Banks
• CDFI Grants Announced
• Mortgage Fraud

Quote of the Week, June 23 — 27, 2008

 

June 16, 2008

Enforcement Actions Charge Unfair, Deceptive Practices

Enforcement Actions Charge Unfair, Deceptive Practices

Second Bill Targets Interchange Fees

Supplementing an earlier bill to regulate interchange fees, a Vermont Congress member has filed a bill to mandate disclosure.

OCC Report Challenges HOPE NOW Figures

HOPE NOW’s reported success in helping troubled mortgage borrowers may be exaggerated.