The Trump administration should consider putting much of the subsidized mortgage lending done by the federal government under the government-sponsored enterprises to improve efficiency and transparency.
The unique approach Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are each taking with their credit-risk transfer products is quickly becoming a key point of differentiation that's rekindling competition between the government-sponsored enterprises.
When the mortgage giant will be released from government control is anyone's guess, but the company's third-quarter report shows signs of an easier transition.
Despite recriminations about how the crisis and ensuing regulations have tightened loan access, an actual assessment of mortgage credit availability is more complicated.
Donald Layton, who has run the mortgage giant since 2012, discussed the busy agenda leading up to his departure and says Freddie can serve as a "technical adviser" in GSE reform talks.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have launched an online clearinghouse with resources to assist lenders in serving borrowers with limited English proficiency.
The House Financial Services Committee is examining sexual harassment charges against FHFA director Watt. American Banker reporter Hannah Lang offers her take.
