On January 10, the CFPB published a report containing the results of its assessment of the Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage Rule (“ATR/QM Rule”) issued in 2013. The assessment was conducted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires the Bureau to review each significant rule it issues and evaluate whether the rule is effective in achieving its intended objectives, and the purposes and objectives of Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act, or whether it is having unintended consequences.… Continue Reading

As we previously addressed, the CFPB issued a final rule to expand the definition of “rural areas” under Regulation Z with regard to the authority of small creditors to make certain qualified mortgage loans under the ability to repay rule and avoid the escrow account requirement for certain higher priced mortgage loans.… Continue Reading

The CFPB has issued a final rule that revises the definitions of “small creditor” and “rural areas” under Regulation Z of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). The final rule is effective January 1, 2016. We previously reported on the CFPB proposal to adopt these amendments.

The CFPB believes that small creditors play an important role in the mortgage industry because they generally try to maintain ongoing relationships with customers in a single community.… Continue Reading

On January 29, the CFPB proposed amendments to the portions of Regulation Z governing mortgages made by small creditors.  In the same notice, the CFPB also proposed amendments to Regulation Z’s definition of the term “rural,” which controls certain special permissions for small creditors operating predominately in areas that satisfy the definition. … Continue Reading

On October 22 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., the FDIC’s Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection will host a teleconference as part of its periodic series of events for bankers on important banking regulatory issues in the compliance and consumer protection area.  According to the announcement, the upcoming teleconference will focus on common questions and answers regarding the implementation of the Ability-to-Repay/Qualified Mortgage and the Loan Originator Compensation Final Rules.… Continue Reading

On July 8, 2014 the CFPB provided guidance on the application of the Regulation Z ability to repay rule (section 1026.43) to assumptions of residential mortgage loans for purposes of clarifying the application of the rule in cases in which a relative acquires title to a security property upon the death of the borrower and wants to assume the loan, and also in similar situations. … Continue Reading

As expected in light of Director Cordray’s comments last week, on Friday, the CFPB finalized several amendments and clarifications to the mortgage rules, proposed on June 24, 2013 (see our previous Legal Alert outlining the amendments as proposed).  The amendments include revisions to the CFPB’s mortgage servicing rules, loan originator compensation rules, and ability-to-repay rules. … Continue Reading

On August 14th, the CFPB released an update to the Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage Rule, incorporating the changes made in the June 2013 Concurrent Final Rule and July 2013 Final Rule. The updated guide includes a new section detailing the exemptions added by the June 2013 Concurrent Final Rule for certain creditors and loan programs, such as designated community development organizations, certain nonprofit organizations, and loans made pursuant to housing finance agency programs.… Continue Reading

On Wednesday July 11, 2012 the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing addressing consumer and market perspectives of mortgage reforms made by The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Both consumer and industry members provided testimony, including the Mortgage Bankers Association [PDF] and American Bankers Association [PDF].Continue Reading