FHFA

Many have assumed the high court would rule that presidents can fire the Federal Housing Finance Agency director at will. But during oral arguments in a case challenging the agency’s structure, some justices suggested they could stop short of such a decision.

Adolfo Marzol came to the agency after a stint at HUD and a 30-year career in the mortgage industry. He will depart on Dec. 18.

Fannie hasn't completed any credit risk transfers to private investors since the second quarter. Some experts worry the decision — likely spurred by the company’s concerns about a recent capital regulation — could put the mortgage giant on unsteady footing.

The new capital framework for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is a prelude to letting the mortgage giants potentially retain all their earnings. But efforts to privatize the companies could face pushback from the Biden administration.

Freddie Mac representatives would not comment on the sudden resignation of Brickman. Interim CEO Michael Hutchins has served as Freddie’s executive vice president of investments and capital markets since January 2015.

The teams include people who previously worked for the Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency as well as HUD.

The oversight council’s statement on the FHFA’s proposed capital rule raises questions for market participants trying to anticipate a post-conservatorship secondary mortgage market.

The former FDIC chief oversaw the resolution of hundreds of failed banks during the financial crisis and knows how to build relationships with regulators. Those skills could be crucial in helping Fannie exit federal control.

One of the top banking regulators during the 2008 financial crisis could have a hand in nudging Fannie Mae out of conservatorship.

The proposed best practices would be modeled after federal servicing standards and be used to supervise nonbanks firms subject to state regimes.