NAFCU Compliance Blog

Interagency Statement on Flood Insurance; NAFCU's April Compliance Monitor; Go Blue!

Written by Steve Van Beek

On Friday afternoon, the Office of Comptroller Currency posted an Interagency Statement on the impact of the Biggert-Waters Act. NCUA is a part of the interagency group and I expect that they'll issue an announcement early this week. According to the statement, "this guidance discusses the effective dates of certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (the Act), enacted July 6, 2012, and the impact of the Act on the Agencies’ proposed Interagency Questions and Answers."

Specifically, the Interagency Statement discusses:

• Force Placement
• Civil Money Penalties
• Private Flood Insurance
• Escrow of Flood Insurance Premiums
• Interagency Q&As

The full Interagency Statement is here.

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April Compliance Monitor. The April 2013 NAFCU Compliance Monitor is now available for download (NAFCU members only). The April issue includes a detailed article on new Mortgage Loan Originator Requirements as well as an article outlining the New Homeownership Counseling Disclosure Requirement. If you've missed any Compliance Monitors in 2013, head to this link where you can find the 2013 issues as well as direct links to the main articles.

Additionally, the April 2013 edition of NAFCU's Compliance Calendar & Pending Regulations Chart is also available.

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Final Four Bound. In case you missed Michigan's domination of Florida yesterday, I've conveniently included a link to the highlights here. And, who can forget Friday's outstanding comeback against Kansas. If you were wondering my reaction to Trey Burke's three-pointer late in regulation, this video pretty much sums it up (if you need a refresher on the 1998 World Cup and Dennis Bergkamp, I've got you covered).

Go Blue!

Finding the New Reg Z & Reg X Requirements in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations

Written by Steve Van Beek

A couple weeks back, we looked at finding the new homeownership counseling disclosure requirements in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR).  Now that all the final rules have been published, I thought it would be good to link to all the new and amended regulatory texts so that you have a central location for finding the future regulatory language. 

Note:  Below are links to the major changes - but there are tons of other little changes and tweaks to other sections of Regulation Z and Regulation X.  Additionally, some of the link names have the same citations but they go to a different regulatory text.  For example, there are numerous links to "Appendix I" but they all go to different staff commentary.   

Regulation Z (Truth in Lending Act) - 12 CFR 1026

• New Interest-Rate Adjustment Notices - 12 CFR 1026.20

• New Points & Fees Test - Closed-end Credit - 12 CFR 1026.32

• New High-Cost APR Thresholds & Expansion of High-Cost to Open-end Credit - 12 CFR 1026.32

• New Prohibitions & Requirements for High-Cost Mortgages - 12 CFR 1026.34

• Changes to Escrow Requirement for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans - 12 CFR 1026.35

• New Appraisal Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans - 12 CFR 1026.35

• New Negative Amortization Counseling Requirement - 12 CFR 1026.36(k)

• Changes to Prompt Payment Crediting & Payoff Statements - 12 CFR 1026.36(c)

• New Mortgage Loan Originator Compensation, Qualifications, Training, Disclosures & More - 12 CFR 1026.36

• Periodic Statements for Mortgage Loans - 12 CFR 1026.41

• Ability-to-Repay Requirements & Qualified Mortgage Standards - 12 CFR 1026.43

Appendices to Regulation Z

• New Model Forms for Adjustable-Rate Mortgages and Periodic Statements - Appendix H

• Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan Appraisal Safe Harbor Review - Appendix N

• Illustrative Written Source Documents for HPML Appraisal Rules - Appendix O

• Standards for Determining Monthly Debt and Income - Appendix Q

Official Staff Commentary to Regulation Z - Appendix I

• New Staff Commentary for Points & Fees Test; Ability-to-Repay Requirements & Qualified Mortgage Standards - Appendix I

• New Staff Commentary for High-Cost Mortgages; Negative Amortization Counseling Requirement - Appendix I

• New Staff Commentary for Appraisals on Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans - Appendix I

• New Staff Commentary for ARM notices; Payment Crediting & Payoff Statements; and Periodic Statements - Appendix I

• New Staff Commentary for Mortgage Loan Originator Requirements (all of them) - Appendix I

Regulation X (Real Estate Settlements Procedures Act) - 12 CFR 1024

• Changes to Escrow Accounts - 12 CFR 1024.17

• New Homeownership Counseling Disclosure - 12 CFR 1024.20

New Subpart C to 12 CFR 1024

The CFPB reorganized Regulation X - including a new Subpart C with Mortgage Servicing Requirements.  Sections 1024.30 through 1024.41 can all be found at this link.  Below are the new sections under Subpart C:

Subpart C—Mortgage Servicing

1024.30   Scope.

1024.31   Definitions.

1024.32   General disclosure requirements.

1024.33   Mortgage servicing transfers.

1024.34   Timely escrow payments and treatment of escrow account balances.

1024.35   Error resolution procedures.

1024.36   Requests for information.

1024.37   Force-placed insurance.

1024.38   General servicing policies, procedures, and requirements.

1024.39   Early intervention requirements for certain borrowers.

1024.40   Continuity of contact.

1024.41   Loss mitigation procedures.

The language of those new sections is available here.

Appendices to Regulation X

• New Model Language for Force-placed Insurance Notices - Appendix MS-3

• New Model Language for Early Intervention; Loss Mitigation; and Housing Counselor Notices - Appendix MS-4

• Official Bureau Interpretations to Reg X - Supplement I (link goes to Federal Register)

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Wow - that is a lot of links and a long blog post.  I know I've been running down some rabbit holes in my research and I'm sure some blog readers have as well.  Hopefully this blog post helps organize the confusion.  A bit.  Have a great weekend!

NAFCU's Regulatory Compliance School Just Got Better - Regulatory Update Day

Written by Steve Van Beek

We've heard you!  For the past couple of years, we've received the following feedback about NAFCU's Regulatory Compliance School (paraphrased, of course):

"School is great and provided a solid foundation for understanding the regulatory requirements credit unions face on a daily basis.  BUT, the rules are changing so fast that it would be great to receive updates on what has just changed and what is changing next."

With this in mind, we've created Regulatory Update Day at NAFCU's 2013 Regulatory Compliance School (March 18-23 in National Harbor, Maryland).  

Regulatory Update Day (Thursday, March 21st) will provide:

• A clear understanding of what changes NCUA has in store for 2013 – including their Exam Focus

• An overview of the scope and applicability of the CFPB’s seven new mortgage regulations*

• A detailed look at the CFPB’s Qualified Mortgage/Ability-to-Repay requirements*

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on the mortgage rules from NAFCU’s compliance team*

• Insight from credit union attorneys and practitioners on how best to set up your implementation strategy

You can find more information on Regulatory Update Day here.  The three sessions with the "*" are sessions that are also part of NAFCU's Mortgage Reform Webcast Series.

The other 4 days of Compliance School will remain the same as will the opportunity to take the NAFCU Certified Compliance Officer (NCCO) exams.  Good luck!  

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And, all attendees at NAFCU's 2013 Regulatory Compliance School will receive NAFCU's 2013 GPS (coming soon!) as well as NAFCU's Scope & Applicability Charts.

Remember:  You do not need to be a NAFCU member credit union to attend NAFCU's conferences or webcasts.  In fact, you don't even need to work at a credit union.  Each School usually features a handful of consultants, vendors and other credit union "peeps" who support credit unions - in one way or another - on a daily basis.      

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Mortgage Headache Areas; Upcoming Mortgage Reform Webcasts

Written by Steve Van Beek

Yesterday was NAFCU's first webcast as part of our Mortgage Reform Webcast Series.  I provided an overview of the seven new mortgage regulations - focusing specifically on the scope & applicability of the new requirements.  

I also provided some insight on "Headache Areas" and included this list at the end of the presentation:

• Determining Exemption Applicability

• New Notices – Content-Rich and Strict Timelines

• Error Resolution & Information Request Procedures

• Loan Originator Compensation Determinations

• Implementing So Many Changes At One Time

And, there will be many additional headaches as credit unions work toward implementing the new requirements.  Even self-induced ones.  

There is some hope on the horizon as the CFPB issued their best press release of their history which highlights their Implementation Plan for New Mortgage Rules.  The CFPB's plan indicates they are listening to NAFCU and credit union concerns regarding the overwhelming burden of reading, understanding, interpreting and implementing numerous requirements simultaneously.  Of course, we'll have more information on the CFPB's plan in future blog posts.

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Upcoming Mortgage Reform Webcasts.  As I mentioned, yesterday's webcast was the first of our series and registration for the next three is now open.

• CFPB's Ability to Repay and Qualified Mortgage Requirements - March 6, 2013 - 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

On March 6, Andy Keeney from Kaufman & Canoles will be examining the details of the CFPB's Ability-to-Repay Requirements and Qualified Mortgage Standards.  Andy will walk through the new underwriting guidelines - including the debt-to-income requirements - and explain how these rules will impact credit union mortgage lending.  And, importantly, the steps your credit union needs to take to comply by January 10, 2014.  

• Digging Deeper: CFPB's Mortgage Rules - March 27, 2013 - 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

I'll be joined by my colleagues JiJi Bahhur, Bernadette Clair and Mike Coleman as we explore details of the CFPB's new mortgage requirements.  We'll provide answers to Frequently-Asked-Questions that our team has fielded from NAFCU member credit unions.  And, we'll take a look ahead at what other areas the CFPB is likely to address in 2013.  

• Which New Requirements Apply to HELOCs? - April 10, 2013 - 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

I'll provide a detailed look at which requirements apply to home equity lines of credit and - just as importantly - which do not apply so that your credit union can best position your implementation strategy.  If your credit union makes HELOCs, this is one you'll want to attend as the new requirements are sprinkled throughout the CFPB's 3507 pages!

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Programming Note:  NAFCU's offices will be closing early tomorrow and will be closed on Monday for the Federal holiday.  We'll have a blog post tomorrow and then start back up again on Tuesday.   

NAFCU's Scope & Applicability Charts for the New Mortgage Rules; NAFCU Calls for CU Reg Relief

Written by Steve Van Beek

The CFPB's 3507 pages of new mortgage regulations has everyone wondering where to start and how to best handle the new requirements.  One of the best first steps is to determine which requirements apply to which types of mortgage loans.  To help with this, NAFCU has put together the following Scope & Applicability Charts:

• Regulation Z (TILA) Mortgage Servicing Requirements

• Regulation X (RESPA) Mortgage Servicing Requirements

• Loan Originator Compensation, Qualifications, Training and Disclosure Requirements

• Regulation B Appraisal Requirements

• Appraisal Disclosure Requirement for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

• Appraisal Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

• New Escrow Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

• New Requirements for High-Cost Mortgage Loans

• New Homeownership Counseling Disclosure Requirement

• Ability-to-Repay Requirements and Qualified Mortgage Standards 

Now, you might be wondering how you gain access to those charts.  There are Five Ways:

• NAFCU members have access directly via NAFCU's CFPB Mortgage Rules webpage.

• Registrants for today's webcast on The CFPB's Final Mortgage Regulations (registration is still open) will be able to download the charts during the webcast.

• Attendees at NAFCU's Regulatory Compliance School will hear a similar presentation to today's webcast and will receive access to the charts at School in March (of course, NAFCU members can access the charts here).

• Purchasers of NAFCU's Credit Union Compliance GPS will receive access in mid-March when the 2013 GPS is available.

• Non-NAFCU member registrants of NAFCU's Regulatory Compliance Seminar will receive access in the next week.  If you sign-up for Seminar after today, we'll get the charts to you within a week of your registration.   

A Note on Sharing of Charts.  We put a ton of time and effort into researching and creating these charts.  And, we've made the accessible - in one way or another - to any credit union or organization that is interested.  Please do not share these outside of your credit union.  Of course, if you have any questions - just shoot me an email.  

Hope to see you on today's Mortgage Rules Webcast.

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NAFCU Calls for Regulatory Relief.  Yesterday morning, NAFCU sent a letter to Senate and House leaders calling for a five-point plan on providing regulatory relief for credit unions through administrative, capital, structural, operational and data security reforms.  You can find the letter here.  For additional details, check out the NAFCU Today.

Finding the New Requirements in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations

Written by Steve Van Beek

On Friday, I inquired as to whether the CFPB would make available a full version of Reg Z and Reg X as they would be in January 2014.  The seven new regulations are very much related and, in fact, cross-reference each other.

Luckily, the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations links to amendments - including the new mortgage rules. If you are researching a particular regulatory section, you are alerted that there are upcoming changes and the effective date of those changes.  

An example may work best to explain.  Section 1024.20 of Regulation X (RESPA) includes the new Homeownership Counseling Disclosure Requirement that must be provided to any applicant of a "federally related mortgage loan" (don't be fooled by the fact that this requirement was part of the "high-cost" final rule).    

Note: The rules need to be published in the Federal Register before they'll start showing up on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.  As we indicated in last Tuesday's blog post, all but one of the rules will be published by the end of this week.

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On to the screen shots.  The main Regulation X - 12 CFR 1024 - in the e-CFR is below.  You can see the 1024.20 followed by XXX which simply means there will be a future requirement placed in this section.

If you click on the 1024.20 link you'll be taken to the place holder page below.  This means there is not a current requirement under 1024.20 but there is an amendment - the Homeownership Counseling Disclosure Requirement - that will be effective in the future.

If you click the link to the the amendment - you'll be taken to future text of 1024.20 as well as a reminder of the effective date.

The same approach will work for Regulation Z - provided the rules have been published in the Federal Register - and this also works for the Official Staff Commentary (click here and you can see two amendments to the OSC of Reg Z). 

Hope this helps - have a great week!

Where is the Full Regulation Z (and Regulation X)?

Written by Steve Van Beek

It has been almost a month since the CFPB started finalizing their new mortgage rules.  And, credit unions still don't have a full picture of what Regulation Z and Regulation X will look like come January 2014.  

I blogged about this issue back in September 2012 - when credit unions were trying to understand the proposals and how they would impact their credit union:

"The response in the joint letter is to strongly request that the CFPB publish a complete version of Regulation Z (i.e., as the regulation would be if all the proposals were adopted):

'Finally, there are several outstanding proposed rules making changes to Regulation Z.  These proposals cross-reference provisions in each other, making it difficult to tell what each references and what Regulation Z would look like if all of these proposals are finalized.  In addition, there are conflicts among the proposals.  For example, the proposed Ability to Repay rule would remove § 1026.35 because Dodd-Frank made it obsolete, but the proposed HOEPA rule would retain it.  We respectfully request that the CFPB publish a single version of Regulation Z as it would be amended by all of the pending rulemakings as soon as possible.  This would improve our ability to provide input that CFPB will need before the comment periods close.'

I don't think it is too much to ask that the CFPB provide a complete version of the proposed Regulation Z.  Only with a complete version will credit unions be able to analyze and review the all the proposed changes together and provide substantive comments to the CFPB about how the proposals will impact their mortgage operations."  

The CFPB never did provide a full Regulation Z or Regulation X of the proposed rules.  

Now, that the rules are finalized - the CFPB needs to take steps to help credit unions understand the new regulations.  Considering there are seven inter-related new regulations, it would be extremely helpful if the CFPB put together a full Regulation Z and Regulation X - as they will look in January 2014 - so that credit unions can see the total picture rather than having to review the requirements piecemeal through each of the final rules.  Hopefully the CFPB is listening this time.

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NAFCU Webcast on Final Rules.  The first webcast of our Mortgage Reform Series will be Wednesday, February 13 on The CFPB's Final Mortgage Regulations.  Registration is still open and, as always, you don't have to be a NAFCU member to participate.  In fact, you don't even have to be a credit union.  Our conferences and webcasts are open to everyone.

CFPB Mortgage Rules in Federal Register; NAFCU Rule Summaries; Upcoming NAFCU Mortgage Webcasts

Written by Steve Van Beek

CFPB's Mortgage Regulations.  The CFPB's mortgage regulations are starting to be published in the Federal Register.  Below are the links to the rules that have been published so far as well as links to rules that are at the Public Inspection Desk (waiting to be published).

Published in Federal Register

• Escrow Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans - Regulation Z

• Disclosure and Delivery Requirements for Copies of Appraisals and Other Valuations - Regulation B

• HOEPA/High-Cost Mortgages and Homeownership Counseling Amendments - Regulation Z & Regulation X

• Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage Standards - Regulation Z

• Concurrent Proposal - Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage Standards - Regulation Z

• Mortgage Servicing Rules (02/14) - Regulation Z (TILA)

• Mortgage Servicing Rules (02/14)- Regulation X (RESPA)

• Loan Originator Compensation Requirements (02/15) - Regulation Z

• Interagency Final Rule on Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgages.

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NAFCU Resources.  Yesterday, we mentioned our new mortgage rules webpage.  That page includes tons of resources to help credit unions comply and it will be growing each day.  Included are summaries of the new rules from NAFCU's Regulatory Affairs team, such as:

• Final Regulation:  Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgages
• Regulatory Alert:  Concurrent Proposal for Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgages
• Final Regulation:  Escrow Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgages
• Compliance Monitor Article:  Escrow Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgages
• Final Regulation:  HOEPA/High-Cost Mortgage Loans and Homeownership Counseling Amendments
• Final Regulation:  Mortgage Servicing Requirements (Both Reg Z and Reg X)

Note:  The resources linked above are for NAFCU members-only.  However, the new mortgage rules webpage has additional resources that are available to everyone - including webcasts, conference sessions and links to blog post categories.   

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Upcoming NAFCU Mortgage Webcasts.  The first two webcasts of NAFCU's Mortgage Reform Webcast Series are quickly approaching:

• The CFPB's Final Mortgage Regulations - February 13, 2013 - Special Two-Hour Webcast - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

I'll be providing an overview of the new regulations - including specifically the scope and applicability of each regulation.  I'll also be zeroing-in on the finalized exemptions and how credit unions determine if they qualify for the exemptions.  For a taste of the resources I'll be providing, check out this Scope & Applicability Chart for the Escrow Final Rule. 

• CFPB's Ability to Repay and Qualified Mortgage Requirements - March 6, 2013 - 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

On March 6, Andy Keeney from Kaufman & Canoles will be examining the details of the CFPB's Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage Requirements.  Andy will walk through the new underwriting guidelines - including the debt-to-income requirements - and explain how these rules will impact credit union mortgage lending.  And, importantly, the steps your credit union needs to take to comply by January 10, 2014.  

                     

Cordray Nominated for Full 5-Year CFPB Term; Scope of Mortgage Servicing Exemptions; NAFCU Mortgage Reform Webcast Series

Written by Steve Van Beek

Cordray Nominated.  Yesterday, President Obama nominated current CFPB Director Richard Cordray for a full 5-year term as Director of the CFPB.  Under Cordray's current recess appointment, his term expires at the end of 2013.  This full appointment - if confirmed by the Senate - would result in Cordray having a full 5-year term.  For additional information, check out the NAFCU Today (you can sign-up for the NAFCU Today here).    

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Mortgage Servicing Exemptions.  Last Friday, we blogged a little bit on the mortgage servicing exemptions.  Today, I wanted to help clarify which of the new requirements the 5000 or less mortgages exemption will apply to and, more important, which will not be eligible for the exemption

There are nine major requirements in the new mortgage servicing requirements (and tons of minor requirements).  Of the nine, the "small servicer exemption" will apply to five (and, only in limited situations, to a sixth):

• Mortgage Periodic Statements - Eligible for Small Servicer Exemption

• Interest Rate Adjustment Notices (for ARMs) - Not Eligible

• Prompt Crediting of Payments & Payoff Statements- Not Eligible 

• Force-Placed Insurance - Not Eligible (except in very limited situations)

• Error Resolution Procedures & Information Requests - Not Eligible

• General Servicing Policies & Procedures - Eligible for Small Servicer Exemption

• Early Intervention with Delinquent Borrowers - Eligible for Small Servicer Exemption

• Continuity of Contact with Delinquent Borrowers - Eligible for Small Servicer Exemption

• Loss Mitigation Procedures - Eligible for Small Servicer Exemption (but there are certain requirements that still apply)

Additionally, keep in mind that the "small servicer exemption" only applies to the CFPB's mortgage servicing regulations.  The other six regulations do not have similar exemptions.  

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NAFCU's February 13th Webcast.  On Wednesday, February 13th, I'll be presenting a 2-hour webcast on The CFPB's Final Mortgage Regulations.  Specifically, I'll be providing an overview of the scope and applicability of each of the new regulations and how your credit union's products will be impacted.  I'll run through which requirements apply to first mortgages, which to just principal dwellings, which to subordinate liens, which to HELOCs.  I'll also go in more detail about the mortgage servicing exemptions above and explain which transactions you need to consider when you "count to 5000."  You can find the additional key takeaways here.

For the full description and information on registering, click here.

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NAFCU's Mortgage Reform Webcast Series.  Also, be sure to check out our full listing of webcasts for our Mortgage Reform Webcast Series.  My February 13th webcast will be followed by Andy Keeney's March 6th webcast on the CFPB's Qualified Mortgage/Ability-to-Repay regulation (registration will be available soon - if you want to be notified when registration is open, just shoot us an email).   

Effective Dates for New Mortgage Regulations: The CFPB and "Issue Dates"

Written by Steve Van Beek

With all the new regulations, I thought it would be useful to list the effective date of each new regulation along with a link to the corresponding regulation page on the CFPB's website.

• June 1, 2013 - Escrow Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

• June 1, 2013 - Prohibition on Mandatory Arbitration and Financing of Credit Insurance Premiums (from MLO Compensation Regulation)

• January 10, 2014 - Qualified Mortgage and Ability-to-Repay Requirements

• January 10, 2014 - Mortgage Servicing Requirements - Reg Z (TILA) and Reg X (RESPA)

• January 10, 2014 - Loan Originator Compensation and Training, Certification and Identifier Disclosure

• January 10, 2014 - High-Cost/HOEPA Mortgage Loans and Homeownership Counseling Disclosures

• January 18, 2014  - Disclosure and Delivery of Free Copies of Appraisals - Regulation B

• January 18, 2014 - Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

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CFPB and "Issue Date."  The CFPB likes to make up its own rules.  Including their recent announcement that their rules are considered "issued" when they are posted on the CFPB's website rather than the normal Administrative Procedure Act timeframe of when the rules are published in the Federal Register.  

Well, as chance would have it, the CFPB's mortgage rules are slated for publication in the Federal Register for the following dates:

• January 22nd for Escrow Final Rule (link goes to actual Federal Register document)

• January 30th for Qualified Mortgage/Ability-to-Repay Final Rule (link goes to Public Inspection Desk)

• January 30th for High-Cost/HOEPA and Homeownership Counseling Disclosures (link goes to Public Inspection Desk)

The other regulations will be in the Federal Register at an even later date.  

Why does this matter?  The CFPB gave 12 months (and sometimes less) from the "issue date" to implement the majority of the new requirements.  Because the CFPB considers the "issue date" as the date of publication on the CFPB's website - rather than publication in the Federal Register - your credit union will have less time to comply with the final rules.  

Summary.  If the CFPB would have followed the normal Administrative Procedures Act process, your credit union would have 12 months - from the date of publication in the Federal Register - to comply.  

Unfortunately, Dodd-Frank gave the CFPB very strict deadlines for issuing their final regulations and the CFPB chose to alter long-standing rulemaking practices instead of using its exemption authority (like it did for other Dodd-Frank requirements) to ease the impact of these regulations.