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Federal Reserve Board files reports with Congress on newly established lending facilities
On March 25, the Federal Reserve Board filed three reports to Congress pursuant to Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act on the Primary Dealer Credit Facility, the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, and the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility. Each report provides Congress with details on the facilities, including the structure and basic terms of the facilities. The announcement of the lending facilities was previously covered here.
NCUA issues FAQs regarding Covid-19 and credit union operations
On March 25, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) issued FAQs regarding the impact of Covid-19 on the NCUA and credit union operations. The FAQs answer questions regarding, among other things, flexibility for federal credit unions in planning annual meetings and monthly board of director meetings, restrictions on access to or closure of facilities, the impact of Covid-19 on the NCUA’s examination and supervision program, and deadlines for submission of certain filings (e.g., Call Reports, annual capital plan and/or stress testing, Bank Secrecy Act reports).
NMLS extends deadline for reports and SAFE MLO test enrollment
On March 25, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the NMLS Policy Committee extended the deadline for certain reporting obligations satisfied through NMLS, and the enrollment window for taking the SAFE MLO test.
Companies required to submit financial statements, the Mortgage Call Report, and the Money Services Businesses Call Report will have an additional 60 days from pre-established deadlines to submit such reports. Individuals will have the testing window on their test appointments extended 180 days.
The NMLS Resource Center has been updated with additional resources to provide updates on state agency operating status. In addition, the NMLS Policy Committee is encouraging states to accept documentation electronically that otherwise may have been required in hard copy.
The full announcement can be found on the NMLS Resource Center.
OCC issues bulletin to community banks on filing of Call Reports
On March 25, the OCC issued Bulletin 2020-24, which encourages institutions to file March 31 call reports by the filing deadline, but recognizes that Covid-19-related disruptions may cause filing delays. As such the OCC will not take action against institutions affected by Covid-19 for submitting in good faith the March 31 call report within 30 days of the filing deadline. Further, institutions may amend the filing to correct for unintentional and incidental reporting errors within 30 days of the filing deadline without penalty. Institutions affected by Covid-19 that expect a delay in their March 31 call report submission or anticipate challenges in obtaining director attestations before submission of the call report are encouraged to contact their supervisory office.
New York Fed releases FAQs on the Commercial Paper Funding Facility
On March 25, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released FAQs to address programmatic inquiries about the newly-created Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF), which will provide a liquidity backstop to U.S. issuers of commercial paper through a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The FAQs address, among other things, how the CPFF will work, when the CPFF will become operational, which issuers will be eligible to sell commercial paper to the SPV, whether issuers are required to register with the CPFF, and what types of commercial paper will be eligible for purchase by the SPV.
FFIEC issues statement regarding Call Report filing delays
On March 25, the FFIEC issued a statement providing that the federal banking agencies will not take action against any institution for submitting March 31, 2020, Reports of Condition and Income (Call Reports) after the respective filing deadline, as long as the report is submitted within 30 days of the official filing date. Institutions are encouraged to contact their primary federal regulator in advance of the official filing date if they anticipate a delayed submission.
Connecticut governor extends administrative deadlines during Covid-19 pandemic
On March 25, the governor of Connecticut issued an executive order suspending or extending numerous state administrative deadlines. The order authorized the head of each administrative department, agency board or commission to suspend any statutory or regulatory time requirements or deadlines as they deem necessary to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Freddie Mac issues bulletin on servicing requirements and relief related to Covid-19
On March 25, Freddie Mac released Bulletin 2020-7, which sets forth servicing requirements and relief related to Covid-19 for Freddie Mac servicers. The bulletin does the following: (i) requires servicers to report to Freddie Mac any borrower who has a Covid-19 related hardship using a specific default reason code; (ii) provides temporary relief from certain property inspection and property preservation requirements; (iii) clarifies requirements for streamlined Flex Modification evaluations for borrowers with a Covid-19-related hardship, including outreach techniques; (iv) extends the current reporting deadline for annual certifications and delivery of financials from March 31, 2020, to April 30, 2020; (v) provides guidance on the use of electronic records and signatures in connection with the origination and closing process; and (vi) sets forth expectations regarding seller and servicer business continuity plans.
California governor extends tax, licensing deadlines
On March 25, the governor of California issued an executive order intended to provide relief to small businesses. The order provides businesses filing a return of less than $1 million in taxes with a 90-day extension to file first quarter returns and make tax payments. The order also extended by 60 days deadlines for submitting applications, paying fees, and submitting audited financial reports for a number of business licensees, including card rooms and online payer services. The order also suspends the requirements to request and receive the consent of shareholders for shareholder meetings to be held by electronic transmission or by electronic video screen communication.
Fannie, Freddie develop payment deferral program
On March 25, Fannie Mae announced the release of a new payment deferral program developed with Freddie Mac at the direction of the FHFA. Fannie Mae issued Lender Letter LL-2020-05 and Freddie Mac issued Bulletin 2020-6 to introduce the new workout option which “enables servicers to assist eligible borrowers who have resolved a temporary hardship and resumed their monthly contractual payments but cannot afford either a full reinstatement or repayment plan to bring the loan current.” The lender letter and the bulletin cover, among other things: (i) criteria necessary to be eligible for a payment deferral; (ii) terms of payment deferral; (iii) steps to complete a payment deferral; (iv) applicable fees; (v) reimbursement for expenses; and (iv) servicer incentive fees. Servicers may begin to evaluate borrowers for the deferral payment program on July 1, but no later than January 1, 2021.