Federal Housing Finance Agency March 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is issuing a final rule to restrict the regulated entitiesthe Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (collectively, the Enterprises), and the Federal Home Loan Banks (Banks)from dealing in mortgages on properties encumbered by certain types of private transfer fee covenants and in certain related securities. This final rule is intended to protect the regulated entities from exposure to mortgages with certain features that may impair their value and increase risk to the financial safety and soundness of the entities. FHFA intends that the regulated entities develop reasonable means and appropriate methods to implement the rule in consultation with FHFA.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has adjusted the cap on average total assets that defines a ``Community Financial Institution'' based on the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) as published by the Department of Labor (DOL). These changes took effect on January 1, 2012.