Archive

CFPB RULES WILL SIMPLIFY/STRANGLE MORTGAGE POINTS AND FEES

On May 9, 2012 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) outlined rules it is considering that would simplify (or strangle) mortgage points and fees. These rules, which the CFPB expects to propose this summer and finalize by January 2013, would make it easier for consumers to understand mortgage costs and compare loans so they can choose the best deal. The CFPB is considering proposals, required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act […]

MANAGING SERVICE PROVIDER RISKS

On April 13th the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a bulletin clarifying that financial institutions may be held responsible for the actions of the companies with which they contract. The other federal bank regulatory agencies have held the same position for years. Banks and nonbanks contract with service providers for a number of reasons. They may use service providers to develop and market additional products or services or to provide expertise. Banks may also […]

CFPB – A CONTINUATION OF THE SAME OLD STORY

It is not that often that a new federal financial institution regulatory agency is created, but when it happens one can only hope for something better than what existed before. But the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) continues to disappoint. The latest disappointment is relatively minor. In their regulatory agenda published last fall the CFPB stated that final rules revising Regulation Z provisions dealing with the borrower’s ability to repay would be published in April […]

SERVICING RULES – PREVIEW

Recently the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau outlined major new rules that impact mortgage loan servicing. The rules, which revise the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, are required by the Dodd-Frank Act. Under the rules servicers must: Provide periodic statements for all residential mortgage loans; Provide a new notice 6 months prior to interest rate reset on ARM loans; Provide notices and establish other requirements for force-placed insurance; Credit payments […]

TALK ABOUT BEING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

Recently two members of Congress, Neugebauer (R-TX) and Capito (R-WV), asked Richard Cordrey, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), for assurances that the CFP will conduct a cost-benefit analysis for each rule it enacts, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act. Section 1022 of the Dodd-Frank Act requires the CFPB to consider the potential benefits and costs of any proposed rule. Congress passes the law that requires the CFPB to adopt a new rule. […]