Policy & Regulation

Banks had an opportunity to delay compliance with the new accounting standard, but many opted to move forward to get ahead of credit issues that could arise from the coronavirus outbreak.

The Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending Program is meant to be a lifeline for midsize businesses, but two weeks after its unveiling, those firms and their lenders remain on edge about what strings will be attached.

The FHFA will allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, for a limited time, to purchase loans for which the borrower has sought to postpone payments because of the economic effects of the coronavirus.

The bill, which includes $310 billion in new funding, is expected to pass the House on Thursday; Chase has no timeline for returning but plans to bring back employees to offices in stages.

Efforts to calm lenders’ fears about coronavirus-related forbearance may not offset tightening standards, and the FHA is less likely to boost volume than it was during the financial crisis.

The Los Angeles regional bank recorded the $1.5 billion noncash charge after its stock price ended March below its tangible book value.

The agency said it is aligning policies for Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-backed loans in forbearance so that servicers are only responsible for advancing four months of missed payments.

The administration and Congress are said to be close to adding $310 billion to the small business loan program; the department is looking at whether it can prevent banks from seizing government checks.

Federal backing for firms facing a deluge of missed mortgage payments is still on the table despite recent comments by an official who questioned the need to help the industry.

Lawmakers are considering a plan to reserve Paycheck Protection Program funds for lenders with $50 billion in assets or less, a figure that would include nearly all credit unions.