Digital Mortgage Direct Page

Second liens have landed in the spotlight thanks to a recent Freddie Mac proposal, as well of record amounts of tappable home equity.

From updates in mortgage-related court cases, to developments in AI and policy, here are the most-read stories from National Mortgage News over the past week.

Samuel Deane is a financial advisor and president of Deane Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor for founders and tech employees.

The wealth management firm specializes in equity compensation, financial planning, investment management and tax planning. After spending some time working in an industry traditionally reserved for wealthy retirees, he realized that he could provide wealth management and financial planning services more efficiently for his generation.

Borrowers still sought opportunities in the homebuilder market with activity trending upward for over a year, even as existing inventory showed signs of expanding.

Newrez wants all three of OneTrust's claims to be dismissed.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra touted the bureau's work on data privacy and open banking, and asked that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle pursue legislation to further consumer protections.

Catherine Stihler (OBE, FRSE) is a distinguished international leader and open technology specialist who served on the Governor of Pennsylvania's AI task force. She has also collaborated with the World Economic Forum's AI Alliance, and provided valuable insights to the US National AI committee, establishing her as a key figure at the intersection of AI development and governance, among other notable achievements. With a career including two decades at the forefront of European policy creation and decision-making, she uniquely bridges regulation and innovation - helping organizations understand compliance and achieve goals.  Catherine seamlessly combines an insider's knowledge of international institutions and business with a results-driven approach, showcasing a unique and practical perspective. She is also acting advisor for Vero AI, the new innovative AI startup behind the Iris platform and VIOLET Impact Model.

President Joe Biden also nominated fellow Commodity Futures Trade Commission board member Kristin Johnson to a top bank regulatory post at the Treasury Department.

Dan Chu is the executive director of the Sierra Club Foundation.

Pegine Grayson, JD, CAP, is a senior vice president and director of Whittier Trust's Philanthropic Services department, leading a team of 14 in providing philanthropic advice to the company's high net worth clients and management services for their foundations and donor-advised funds. 

Grayson advises clients on issues such as formalizing their philanthropy, charitable giving strategies, impactful grant-making and involving the next generation in philanthropic activities. She and her team also provide turn-key, comprehensive foundation and DAF management services, shouldering all the administrative responsibilities, so clients can simply experience the joy of giving and the positive impact it has on their families.

Grayson received her law degree from the University of Southern California Law School, her chartered advisor in philanthropy designation from The American College, and her bachelor's degree from Middlebury College. She is also trained as a mediator through the Los Angeles County Bar Association.