Industry News

FEMA: President Trump Directs FEMA Support Under Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 Coronavirus

The federal government continues to take aggressive and proactive steps to address the COVID-19 threat as the health and safety of the American people remain a top priority. Today, President Trump declared a nationwide emergency pursuant to Sec. 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the “Stafford…

HUD: Over $118 Million Awarded to Local Homeless Programs

Funding will support service providers and non-profits across the Nation Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced over $118 million in grants to support local homeless assistance programs across the country. This round of HUD’s Continuum of Care grants will provide critically needed support to approximately 630 local programs on…

SBA: Disaster Assistance Loans Available for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza issued the following statement today in response to the President’s address to the nation: “The President took bold, decisive action to make our 30 million small businesses more resilient to Coronavirus-related economic disruptions. Small businesses are vital economic engines in every community and state, and they have helped make our economy the strongest…

FHFA: Evaluation Criteria Strengthened for Duty To Serve Program

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced it is strengthening the evaluation criteria of the Duty to Serve (DTS) Underserved Markets program through the Evaluation Guidance for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises).  The updated guidance will ensure the Enterprises’ DTS programs have a significant impact in underserved communities. See the updated Evaluation…

CDFI Fund: Important Reminders for FY 2020 CDFI Program and NACA Program Round Applicants

As a reminder for fiscal year (FY) 2020 Community Development Financial Institutions Program (CDFI Program) and Native American CDFI Assistance Program (NACA Program) applicants, the deadline for online submission of the SF-424 through Grants.gov for this year’s CDFI Program and NACA Program funding rounds is March 23, 2020 at 11:59 PM ET.  Applicants must also have created…

Agencies Encourage Financial Institutions to Meet Financial Needs of Customers and Members Affected by Coronavirus

Federal financial institution regulators and state regulators today encouraged financial institutions to meet the financial needs of customers and members affected by the coronavirus. The agencies recognize the potential impact of the coronavirus on the customers, members, and operations of many financial institutions and will provide appropriate regulatory assistance to affected institutions subject to their supervision….

FFIEC: Updated Guidance on Pandemic Planning Issued

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) today updated guidance identifying actions that financial institutions should take to minimize the potential adverse effects of a pandemic. Pandemic preparedness is an important part of a financial institution’s business continuity planning. The guidance provides the Council’s prudent expectations that regulated institutions should periodically review related risk management…

OCC: Comptroller Tours Memphis to Discuss Community Reinvestment

Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting and Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer John Hope Bryant today led a community tour of Memphis to highlight successful examples of and opportunities for financing community reinvestment, economic revitalization, and financial empowerment. The community tour brought together more than 60 bankers and community leaders, including Memphis…

CFPB: Key Steps to Prevent Consumer Harm Announced Including Proposed Whistleblower Award Program

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today announced three steps to advance its strategy on one of its key priorities: preventing consumer harm. The Bureau is: Implementing an advisory opinion program to provide clear guidance to assist companies in better understanding their legal and regulatory obligations through advisory opinions; Amending and reissuing its responsible business…

HUD: Additional $1.1 Million Announced to Public Housing Authorities to Assist Young People Aging Out of Foster Care

Funding supports youth aging out of foster care to avoid homelessness Today, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced an additional $1.1 million in funding for HUD’s new Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative. Ten housing authorities will receive this funding, continuing HUD’s efforts to assist young adults transitioning out of foster care…