Financial Institutions Advisory
Published by Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC

  
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February 13, 2014

Greetings! 

  
Thank you for taking the time to read this Howard & Howard Financial Institutions Advisory.  We think it is beneficial to provide our financial institution clients and friends with periodic updates on issues, industry developments, and regulatory changes to help you address the challenges facing the banking industry.  As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the Howard & Howard Financial Services Practice Group.

Understanding the Scope of the CFPB's

Integrated Mortgage Disclosures 

  

On November 20, 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued its long-awaited final rule combining the mortgage disclosures required by the Truth in Lending Act and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.  A key initial step is determining which mortgage loan products will be covered by the new rules - which go well beyond the new disclosure requirements. For example, the new rules amend definitions such as "application" and "business day," adjust timing requirements, and tighten tolerance levels. By understanding which loans are covered, lenders will have a better idea of the resources needed to comply with the new requirements. 

 

No Exemptions

There are no lender exemptions from the new rules. The rules apply to all mortgage lenders regardless of asset size and do not depend on the pricing of the mortgage (i.e., higher-priced or high-cost). A lender originating 20 closed-end home equity loans each year will need to comply to the same extent as a lender originating 800 purchase-money mortgage loans per year.  All covered mortgage loan applications received by lenders on or after August 1, 2015 are subject to the new rules.

 

Covered Mortgage Loans

The new rules apply to closed-end consumer transactions secured by real property. This includes both first lien and subordinate liens. The rules will apply to loans for: purchases; refinances; closed-end home equity loans; second homes; vacation homes; loans on 25 or more acres; vacant-lot loans; and construction-only loans.

  

Excluded Loans

There are loans specifically excluded from coverage. Those include: home-equity lines of credit (HELOCs); reverse mortgages; and chattel-dwelling loans.  The existing regulatory requirements will continue to apply to these excluded loans. However, the CFPB indicated that it will address integrated disclosure requirements for such excluded loans in future rulemakings.

 

Key Advice

The new requirements will require countless hours of review, analysis, interpretation, implementation, training, and testing. Mortgage lenders should create a strong implementation team comprised of lending, compliance, IT, legal, vendors and HR/training to understand the impact of the new rules.  By starting now, lenders will have a better understanding of the required changes and the steps they will need to take to comply by August 1, 2015. 

 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact Donna GoelzJoseph Hemker or Steve Van Beek.

About Howard & Howard
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Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm with a national and international practice that provides specialized legal services to businesses and business owners. Our focused expertise provides us with a solid understanding of the industries we serve, and our results-oriented approach to practicing law is a beacon for business owners in search of intelligent counsel that aligns with their business goals. Howard & Howard has assembled experts from all legal disciplines who have the sound judgment, creativity and vision to assist businesses with their projects from conception to completion.  We work as a team -- and win for you.  Learn more about Howard & Howard here

  
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In This Issue
Understanding the Scope of the CFPB's Integrated Mortgage Disclosures
- About Howard & Howard
Attorney Spotlight
  
 Donna Goelz photo 

Donna M. Goelz is a Member of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC and concentrates her practice in regulatory and compliance matters for financial institutions.
Attorney Spotlight
  
 Joe Hemker  

Joseph B. Hemker is a Member of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC and concentrates his practice in mergers and acquisitions and securities law, with an emphasis on financial institutions.
Attorney Spotlight
  
     

Steven M. Van Beek is a Member of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC and concentrates his practice in the area of financial regulations.
This Advisory is intended for informational purposes only, and is not offered as legal advice.  Please call a qualified attorney for counsel related to your particular situation.