The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines has received regulatory approval to accept one- to four-family construction loans as collateral for advances at a time when many members have stepped up their borrowings from the bank.For many community banks, "construction loans are an important part of their lending portfolio," said Richard Swanson, president and chief executive of the Iowa-based FHLBank. Expanding the list of eligible collateral will help to "maximize their borrowing capabilities," he said. In August, members of the Des Moines bank borrowed $2 billion in advances. During the first six months of 2007, the Des Moines bank's advance business grew by only $700 million. Mr. Swanson noted that several other FHLBanks take construction loans as collateral, and his members expressed an interest. So an application was filed with the Federal Housing Finance Board six months ago. "We have determined that the proposed activity has sufficient controls that minimize the risk to the Bank," the approval letter says.
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A federal judge in Texas dismissed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's medical debt rule and prohibited states from passing their own laws prohibiting medical debt on credit reports.
6h ago -
Dr. Mark Calabria takes on the additional role of chief statistician of the United States; retired Ally Bank executive Diane Morais has joined First Citizens Bancshares' board of directors; MainStreet Bank has promoted Alex Vari to chief financial officer; and more in this week's banking news roundup.
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While refinances are behind the latest increases, the pace of purchase activity may be a stronger indicator of where the housing market sits.
11h ago -
The share of economists expecting a September rate reduction grew in the July Wolters Kluwer survey, but the October or later percentage also increased.
11h ago -
Rising home prices and softening sales offer a mixed view of a market that some say is shifting to favor buyers.
11h ago -
The notes are backed by home improvement installment loans originated by approved dealers in Foundation Finance Company's network.
11h ago