Loan Think

From the largest banks to the smallest independents, policymakers want to hear the mortgage industry speak with one voice in the critical efforts to reform the government-sponsored enterprises.

A key question for the future of housing finance is whether large and small lenders will both be able to compete, or will a new system favor Wall Street giants?

The Financial Choice Act contains many positive reforms for community banks, but a provision affording benefits for holding loans on balance sheet poses risk for small lenders.

As long as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac exist, they must have adequate capital so taxpayers will never again be compelled to help them meet their financial obligations.

There is a great opportunity this year to show the world that Congress can still pass bipartisan, common-sense legislation that helps lift the U.S. economy.

The expansion of the Federal Reserve’s portfolio of Treasury debt and mortgage-backed securities has a bigger impact on the credit markets than paying banks interest on excess reserves.

This is a good time for bank risk managers and bank regulatory examiners to evaluate the effects of a deepening retail crisis on the financial services sector.

Some believe that increased bank regulation is to blame for overall slower growth in commercial and industrial loans. Yet that assessment misses some important details.

Congressional action to reform housing finance is ultimately needed, but we must confront the risk of continued drift and inaction if Congress is unable to act.

Congressional action is necessary to give financial regulators the tools they need to promote responsible innovation.