Policy and Regulation

Democratic lawmakers are objecting to acting CFPB Director Mick Mulvaney's decision to strip the fair-lending office of enforcement powers.

Despite a legislative push by some senators and other stakeholders to jump-start housing finance reform, efforts to form consensus over a bill once again are stuck in neutral.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., would essentially reverse a court ruling that marketplace lenders say has blocked them from helping more consumers access credit.

Lenders should be encouraged to hold more credit risk in the mortgage market, rather than having it foisted on Fannie and Freddie.

Continuing to pull back the reins on the aggressive approach taken under former Director Richard Cordray, the agency's new five-year plan values consumer choice over heavy-handed enforcement.

There could be a pause in new issuance as CLO managers wait to see if the government will appeal; longer term, the pace will pick up as the playing field is leveled for smaller managers.

Fintech firms and industry watchers hope the pilot program will help fix a balkanized chartering system, but getting enough states on board to expand the plan's reach could be a challenge.

A three-judge panel for the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has sided with the LSTA in its lawsuit seeking to reverse rules requiring CLO managers to hold "skin in the game" under Dodd-Frank.

If the Fed order is lifted quickly — a big if — then the impact on Wells should be minimal. But if it lingers past 2018, then the bank could find itself on the losing end of the battle for customers and top talent.

Housing finance reformers are pushing full steam ahead to get a bill introduced before the political calendar makes passage nearly impossible.