Politics

Speculation has mounted that Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending, is under consideration to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency. His nomination would be an endorsement of proposals to treat Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in a similar way as publicly regulated power or water companies.

The industry opposes expanded IRS reporting and other tax-related provisions that Congress would use to pay for the overhaul. But the bill could also boost funding for small businesses and affordable housing.

If confirmed, Alanna McCargo would be the first Senate-approved president at Ginnie Mae since January 2017.

Bankers worry the proposed reporting requirements on small-business loans will be used to shame lenders for neglecting minority-owned firms. Community groups are already preparing to use the data to point out racial disparities.

Congress is considering whether to fund Biden administration spending priorities by forcing tax evaders to pay what they owe. Banks are intensifying efforts to kill a related provision requiring them to share more account data with the Internal Revenue Service.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency made good on a promise to rescind Community Reinvestment Act reforms finalized by ex-Comptroller Joseph Otting as part of talks with other regulators on an interagency overhaul of the law.

It started with an email suggesting there would be consequences for lenders that failed to use the Small Business Administration’s website to handle forgiveness applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans. Then lawmakers got involved.

Some progressive lawmakers argue the Federal Reserve’s deregulatory moves under Jerome Powell should disqualify him for a second term as chair. But the Biden administration could let him keep his job because of monetary policies that helped low-income workers.

Hoping to slow the pace of deals, the Independent Community Bankers of America is urging lawmakers to impose a tax on credit unions that acquire small banks. One credit union CEO called the proposal a "gimmick."

Community banks have played and will continue to play a key role in supporting local economies across the country. Join us in a lively conversation with Dennis E. Nixon, President & CEO of International Bank of Commerce (Laredo, Texas) & Chairman, International Bancshares Corporation and Eddie Aldrete, Senior Vice President at International Bank of Commerce as we discuss: (1) the need for bankers and the business community to become involved in political issues. From minimum wage and issues that affect small businesses to regulatory issues that directly affect the banking industry, banking and business leaders need to be thought leaders in the public conversation and (2) how bankers can play a pivotal advocacy role in the free trade process.

The home purchase target for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would set a new 10% benchmark for qualified single-family lending in census tracts that meet certain demographic and income targets.

The agreement will allow the state-backed investment fund to meet surging financing demand for renewable energy projects. It is the largest-ever private fundraising deal by a green bank in the U.S.

A hike in guarantee fees charged to lenders for the companies’ backing of loans was due to expire this year, but lawmakers now want to extend it to raise $21 billion for the bipartisan package.

According to the latest Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)’s “How America Banks” report, there is an estimated 7.1 million unbanked households in 2019. Given the record levels of unemployment, the pandemic has brought on the FDIC expects this number to rise. Join Joe Adler, American Banker’s Washington Bureau Chief and Leonard Chanin, Deputy to the Chairman of the FDIC as they discuss the FDIC’s stance on financial inclusion and how banks can get millions of unbanked Americans into the traditional banking system.

In "Antitrust," former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar offers little nuance in weighing the costs and benefits of concentrated economic power.

In this Leaders episode, Daniel Wolfe of PaymentsSource sits down with Chris Giamo, head of commercial bank at TD, to discuss the next phase of small business stimulus and how banks can play a more active role with the small business community.

Municipal bonds have a direct effect on the social and cultural character of cities, metropolitan areas, counties, and states. Munis and the initiatives they support such as public education, housing subsidies, public transit systems, and more, can often be linked to local or regional politics. Join Lynne Funk, Executive Editor at The Bond Buyer and Destin Jenkins, Neubauer Family Assistant Professor of History at the University of Chicago as they explore how municipal bond mismanagement can have contrasting influences on the different ethnic groups in our cities.

NCUA Chairman Todd Harper has reiterated his call for CUs not to garnish members' econimic impact payments, while the industry's largest PAC has resumed campaign contributions after a brief pause.

Credit scores have an effect on almost every aspect of a person's financial life. A less-than-ideal credit score can make it much harder to get a house or car loan, start a business, or even get a job. President Biden plans to change credit reporting So what does the new administration's plan mean for consumers and lenders? In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of the Biden proposal, what it means for consumers, and how it will impact lending institutions' strategy and operations.

Election-reform advocates say the American Bankers Association and other organizations should take into account candidates’ commitment to democracy, not just their stances on issues, in directing donations.