Policy & Regulation

Although overall lending was a bright spot in the Federal Reserve Board's report on economic activity released Wednesday, some bankers surveyed said excessive regulation is crimping commercial lending.

Federal Reserve Board Chair Janet Yellen sounded at least open to the idea that new regulations have contributed to potential liquidity problems, but said more study is needed.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's massive collection of consumer data continued to raise concerns with lawmakers on Wednesday despite assurances from the agency's director that the data is anonymized. Lawmakers also voiced worries that the agency is inappropriately targeting auto dealers.

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats unveiled a bill Wednesday that would require banks and debt buyers to ensure that a consumer's credit report is updated when debt is extinguished through bankruptcy.

Federal Housing Administration endorsements continue to rise following the 50-basis point cut in January.

Nobody wants a big-bank bailout, but compared to the risk of contagion, it's the lesser of two evils.

Banks often complain that the Federal Reserve's zero percent interest rate policy has been hard on profits. But they may not be as informed about the long-term negative effects of the Fed's annual inflation target of 2%.

Three Democratic members of Congress called on the Department of Housing and Urban Development to reissue the proposal for public comment with changes.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Sherrod Brown called for continued vigilance to counter efforts to undermine the 2010 law.

The onetime track star was a fixture at the Mortgage Bankers Association for nearly 20 years and a familiar face at industry conferences.