Topic
GSEs
Some of the first — and still largest — casualties of the housing crisis were the government sponsored enterprises. The Federal Housing Finance Agency — the new GSE regulator created on July 30 — placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship on Sept. 7. The agency replaced their chief executive officers and said it would deemphasize the pursuit of profits. Since placed in conservatorship, the two companies have taken government-directed steps to help encourage more loan modifications even while they continue to suffer massive losses. The future of the companies is wide open. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has said the charters need to be rewritten, and Democrats could take such steps next year as part of regulatory restructuring. Following are a collection of articles on policy issues surrounding the government-sponsored enterprises.
GSEs Find Seized Homes Easier to Empty than Rent
American Banker | Oct 14The foreclosure crisis has turned Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into big property owners, but neither has become a significant landlord.
Republicans Cast GSEs as a Key to Reg Overhaul
American Banker | Oct 09As if the drive to reform the financial regulatory system did not have enough moving parts, Senate Republicans pressed Thursday to include the future of Fannie and Freddie in the debate.
Fed Moves Will Shape GSEs' Future
American Banker | Oct 08The mortgage market could lose vital support from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac early next year if the Federal Reserve Board goes forward with plans to stop buying GSE securities ...
Two Options for GSEs Get Single Bad Grade
GAO: privatization, public utility ideas are unworkable
American Banker | Sep 11The Government Accountability Office entered into the debate over the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Thursday, blistering some of the most widely discussed options for ...
Bad Bank for GSEs Seen as a Bad Idea
American Banker | Aug 07Support for carving up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into separate good and bad banks lasted less than 24 hours, with the Obama administration insisting this is not ...
GSE Politics to Fore as Official Eyes Exit
American Banker | Aug 06Federal Housing Finance Agency Director James Lockhart's imminent resignation will force the Obama administration to confront the tricky politics of reforming the GSEs ...
FHFA: Conservatorship a 'Serious' Test
American Banker | Jul 10Releasing its first five-year strategic plan, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said Thursday that the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie ...
In Finance Agency's Birth, a Lesson for Obama Plan
American Banker | Jul 08The merger of two GSE regulators to form the Federal Housing Finance Agency offers a cautionary tale as policymakers consider combining banking agencies and creating a new consumer protection supervisor.
Long Tussle Over GSEs Just Starting
American Banker | Jun 02Nearly nine months after the government seized Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, lawmakers are poised to take their first steps this week toward determining the future of the GSEs.
Plans for Allison Reflect Dwindled Role of GSE CEO
American Banker | Apr 15Herbert Allison's expected move from Fannie Mae's executive suite to the Tarp is raising questions about how the Obama administration views the top positions at the government-sponsored enterprises.
