Policy & Regulation

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.

The Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility was brought back to inject $100 billion into the pandemic-battered economy, but only a fraction has been disbursed. Yet experts, pointing to its calming effects on markets, recommend that it be extended into next year.

The Trump administration said it has picked Brian Brooks, who has led the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in an acting capacity, to be considered by the Senate for a five-year term. But it is unclear whether he would stay on during the incoming administration of Joe Biden.

Judy Shelton's nomination to the Federal Reserve Board was blocked in the Senate Tuesday, a stunning defeat for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and a blow to President Donald Trump's drive to reshape the U.S. central bank before he leaves office.

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., who would likely chair the Banking Committee if the GOP retains control of the chamber, signaled support for helping banks serve marijuana businesses. But he is skeptical of an anti-money-laundering bill backed by the industry and extensions of the Fed's pandemic programs.

Global regulators are preparing to tighten restrictions on companies believed to have threatened the financial system at the height of pandemic-fueled volatility.

If the GOP can hold its majority in the chamber, Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., will likely become the panel's chairman. His ardent support for free-market principles could set up partisan clashes with Democrats over pandemic relief, money laundering rules and more.

Among the core changes in the regulation, more national banks will be able to use the agency's expedited review process to approve certain corporate transactions.

Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander joined Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine in disapproving of Judy Shelton's nomination to the Federal Reserve Board, adding drama to a confirmation vote that had been targeted for this week.

Jobs will be harder to find for graduates, and there are new underwriting platforms that can better predict students' future income in their chosen field.