FHFA Proposes Ban on Lender-Placed Insurance Sales Commission and Reinsurance Activities

Freddie Mac Fannie Mae FHFA

On March 26, the FHFA released a notice seeking comment on certain restrictions it expects Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will put in place with regard to lender placed insurance practices. The FHFA anticipates that the Enterprises will (i) prohibit sellers and servicers from receiving, directly or indirectly, remuneration associated with placing coverage with or maintaining placement with particular insurance providers; and (ii) prohibit sellers and servicers from receiving, directly or indirectly, remuneration associated with an insurance provider ceding premiums to a reinsurer that is owned by, affiliated with or controlled by the sellers or servicer. The final restrictions will be issued by the Enterprises as aligned guidance to sellers and servicers four months after the close of the comment period, which will run for 60 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Federal Register. Pursuant to that timeline, a final policy could be expected in late September or early October.