Mass Refi Plan Unveiled for Non-GSE Borrowers
A massive refinance program for borrowers who don't have conventional agency mortgages was one of several initiatives announced Wednesday by President Obama. But the multi-billion-dollar tab for the program will be picked up by the nation's lenders.

Default Service Providers Step Up Offerings
While many providers of services for distressed mortgages focus on unloading and managing real-estate-owned properties, an emerging group is helping servicers comply with quickly escalating regulations. Technology is becoming a growing tool in the sector.

FHA Mortgagees Face Stiffer Requirements
Federal Housing Administration mortgagees will be subject to more rigorous peformance standards under new regulations that will also revise the process of reimbursing the cost of insurance claims when FHA rules weren't followed. Another change is being proposed that will reduce the incentive to inflate values on appraisal reports.

CFPB Outlines Procedures for Non-bank Mortgage Examinations
A new examination manual for mortgage origination firms was unveiled this week. The procedures cover the origination process from advertising to closing.

Banks Recruiting Mortgage Employees Despite Layoffs
While many banks have been cutting their staffs, hirings are still happening -- and many are in mortgage lending.

Time to Plan for 2012 Conferences
Several upcoming mortgage conferences and meetings will deal with compliance, sales and technology, among other issues. Nearly two dozen events are planned so far for March.

CFPB Director: Shadow Banking System Didn't Work Much of the blame for the financial crisis can be ascribed to financial service providers who were not regulated, according to the new director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

CFPB Chief Warns Lenders
The financial industry played a big role in the financial crisis, and the new director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is already busy warning lenders and investigating alleged violations of the law.