Economy

The planned Altos Bank in Los Altos cleared a big hurdle this week when state regulators approved its application to open a startup bank. Organizers are hoping for a soft opening before year-end.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York paid its departing director of diversity and inclusion $561,600 after an external review found "oversight issues" that led to a shake-up of the bank's human resources department; CDFI Friendly America launches an online mapping system to spotlight growth opportunities nationwide; global law firm A&O Shearman expands its U.S. debt finance team; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

Vice President Kamala Harris outlined a raft of populist economic proposals in her first major economic speech since securing the Democratic presidential nomination, including some aimed at lowering housing costs and boosting supply.

Sellers of contract-for-deed home financing deals must provide disclosures, financing terms and assess a borrower's ability to repay, the CFPB said in an advisory opinion.

Fortuna Bank in Columbus would be the third U.S. bank specifically formed to be women-owned, according to its organizers. Supporters say it's another win toward obtaining gender-equitable capital access.

Beneficial State Bank — which was joined by various civil rights groups — said in an amicus brief that the regulatory reforms are much-needed and that banking groups' legal challenge to the Community Reinvestment Act rules should be dismissed.

Democrats Ritchie Torres and Gregory Meeks called on the New York Home Loan bank to follow the lead of its peers and use alternative credit scoring models for collateral to improve consumers' access to homeownership.

The 30-year fixed rate loan was down 26 basis points as investors reacted early in the week to the employment numbers, according to Freddie Mac.