Project to tackle appraisal bias continues with Nov. 1 hearing

The public is invited to join leaders from the American Bankers Association and mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a hearing on tackling appraisal bias. Continue reading

ACI paying another $20M to settle mortgage payments debacle

In settling with state regulators, the Miami-based electronic payment processor is looking to close the books on a 2021 test that triggered $2.3 billion in erroneous mortgage payments. Continue reading

Credit repair companies settle ‘hot swapping’ allegations for $2.7B

Lexington Law and CreditRepair.com parent Progrexion filed for bankruptcy protection in June after the court ruled collection of upfront fees violated the Telemarketing Sales Rule. Continue reading

Freedom Mortgage to pay $1.75M to settle agent kickback scheme

Regulators claim lenders’ marketing agreements with more than 40 real estate brokerages, including Realty Connect USA, were a conduit for kickbacks that generated more than 1,000 mortgage referrals. Continue reading

Test triggering $2.3B in mortgage payments leads to $25M fine

ACI admits no wrongdoing in settling CFPB’s first-ever enforcement action over the handling of consumer data in the processing of mortgage payments. Continue reading

Regulators are tracking complaints about ‘deficient’ financial chatbots

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warns of reputational and legal risks of relying on “deficient chatbots” as the primary mode of interacting with customers. Continue reading

Quality control standards for AVMs may cover discrimination

Proposed standards would include random sample testing and reviews to ensure a “high level of confidence” in the estimates produced by AVMs. Continue reading

Mortgage rate gap among lenders wider than previously understood

A homebuyer taking out a $300,000 loan could end up overpaying by $1,200 a year — and even more if they’re in the market for a jumbo, FHA or VA mortgage, according to a new CFPB analysis. Continue reading

Wells Fargo agrees to pay $1B to settle shareholder lawsuit

Investors claimed they were misled about bank’s progress in fixing governance and oversight issues that came to light in wake of 2016 “fake accounts” scandal. Continue reading

New video explores potential for AI bias in mortgage lending

Experts participating in BAD INPUT argue technology could expand access to credit, but also perpetuate discriminatory lending unless it is closely overseen. Continue reading