Washington

WASHINGTON — After three regulatory relief bills sailed through the U.S. House of Representatives last week — two of which were written specifically for credit unions — industry insiders are cautiously optimistic.

WASHINGTON — The Financial Stability Oversight Council on Wednesday expanded its transparency policies in an attempt to address criticism that it is a secretive group with minimal oversight.

Washington Federal (WAFD) in Seattle negotiated a discount on its recent purchase of Bank of America (BAC) branches after deposits levels at those locations fell.

WASHINGTON — The Senate Banking Committee continued negotiations over the weekend on landmark legislation to overhaul the mortgage finance system, but it remains unclear when, or if, panel leaders will reschedule a key vote on the bill.

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Numerica Credit Union is the first financial institution in the state of Washington that will accept business from recreational marijuana processors and producers, according to the Washington Liquor Control Board.

WASHINGTON — As a bill that could bring monumental changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac works its way through the Senate, some credit union executives are concerned that larger players would have too many advantages at the expense of small lenders.

WASHINGTON — The indications from Congress are clear: there will be reforms made to the secondary mortgage system that long has relied on government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — but the $9.4-trillion question is: what will the new system look like?

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed several changes to its biggest mortgage rules on Wednesday which would effectively allow lenders to get more loans defined as "qualified mortgages."

WASHINGTON — The future of housing finance reform remains in limbo after Senate Banking Committee leaders postponed a key vote on legislation to unwind Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

WASHINGTON — The Senate Banking Committee voted Tuesday to advance the nomination of J. Mark McWatters to join the board of the National Credit Union Administration.

HomeStreet (HMST) in Seattle has filed to sell up to $125 million in securities.

Multiple bidders are the new normal in bankruptcy auctions of banks. Case in point is Banner Corp., which anticipates at least one competing offer for Idaho Banking in Boise. Some banks are increasingly letting an initial bidder bear the preparatory expense before swooping in with a higher price.

WASHINGTON — CUNA and NAFCU recently asked NCUA — for a second time — to extend the comment period on the proposed risk-based capital rule another 90 days, and once again the agency said no.

LONGVIEW, Wash. — Cowlitz CU here has announced that it will merge with Red Canoe CU.

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau unveiled a new pilot program Wednesday designed to allow consumers the ability to electronically review and file mortgage closing documents.

WASHINGTON — In a move that will surprise no one, Sen. Elizabeth Warren pulls no punches calling out bankers and Washington insiders in her just-released memoir.

WASHINGTON — Congress is still out for recess, but the credit union lobby is gearing up for two important hearings in the Senate when members return next week.

Washington Federal (WAFD) in Seattle reported higher quarterly profit because of an improved deposit mix, increased fee income and loan growth.

WASHINGTON — Questions are being raised about whether Senate Banking Committee leaders will delay a pending vote on their mortgage finance reform bill as they struggle to secure additional votes.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — NCUA's Central Liquidity Facility showed positive performance trends during the first quarter of 2014, with stock dividend rates increasing to 0.25%, the regulator announced Friday.