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District of Columbia permits mortgage brokers and originators to work from home, delays reporting deadlines
On March 27, the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking issued guidance to mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers and mortgage loan originators permitting them to work from non-licensed branches or locations during the Covid-19 outbreak. The guidance requires the maintenance of appropriate data protection and cybersecurity measures when working remotely. The department also extended the deadline for filing annual reports from March 31 to June 1. Finally, the guidance notes that all evictions of tenants and foreclosed homeowners on or before May 1 are stayed, and required mediation hearings are extended from 90 days to 120 days following the date of mailing of the notice of default.
West Virginia creates regulatory sandbox program
On March 24, the West Virginia governor signed HB 4621, which creates a state fintech regulatory sandbox program through the state’s Division of Financial Institutions (Division) that allows participants to temporarily test innovative financial products or services on a restricted basis without requiring a license under West Virginia law. Under the program, approved applicants will have 24 months from the date an application is approved to test their product or service within the state without being subject to state laws and regulations that normally would regulate such products or services, unless the Division determines otherwise. HB 4621 outlines requirements for participants, which include specific state consumer protection laws, time limitations, and reporting requirements. Additionally, the Division, upon written notice, may end a participant’s participation in the program at any time and for any reason. The program allows participants to request an extension of time up to 12 months after the end of the regulatory sandbox testing period in order to obtain a license or other authorization required by the law to continue to offer the product or service. The act takes effect on June 5.
Michigan Secretary of State issues FAQs on available services during Covid-19 crisis
On March 26, the Michigan Secretary of State (SoS) issued FAQs detailing what SoS services are available during the Covid-19 crisis and how to access them. The FAQs provide responses to questions regarding office closures, driver’s licenses, state identification cards, and vehicle registrations.
Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner issues bulletins regarding Covid-19 to regulated lenders, credit access businesses, tax lenders, and motor vehicle sales finance licensees
On March 26, the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) issued four bulletins directed at regulated lenders, credit access businesses, property tax lenders, and motor vehicle sales finance licensees in light of Covid-19. The bulletins urge these entities to work with borrowers during the crisis, including through taking the following measures:
- Increasing communication with borrowers regarding Covid-19.
- Working out modifications with borrowers to help ensure successful repayment, including deferred or partial payments, which would avoid delinquencies and negative credit reporting.
- Waiving certain fees or charges (e.g., late charges, additional finance charges, deferment charges, nonsufficient fund fees) during the disaster declaration.
- Suspending charging off accounts.
- Suspending repossession of vehicles, repossessions of collateral, foreclosure of real property, as applicable
The bulletins also provide guidance on the use of electronic signatures, which the bulletins note are generally allowed under Texas and federal law. The bulletins also provide that the OCCC will not take enforcement actions against regulated lenders, credit access businesses, property tax lenders, or motor vehicle sales finance licensees that conduct business activities from unlicensed locations, if conducted in accordance with certain data security, safe record keeping, and protection of personal information requirements set forth in the bulletins.
Minnesota Department of Commerce designates banks and credit unions as critical sectors
On March 26, the Minnesota Department of Commerce clarified that banks, credit unions, and other financial services entities within the state are designated as critical sectors and will remain open during the Covid-19 crisis. Kelly’s remarks followed an executive order from Governor Tim Walz, which officially labeled financial services entities as critical sectors.
Indiana posts statement regarding remote notary technology vendors
On March 26, the Indiana secretary of state posted a statement providing that there are currently no approved remote notary technology vendors. Individuals are encouraged to check the announcement regularly as the secretary of state is working on approving vendors.
Idaho Department of Finance issues memorandum to money transmitter licensees and applicants
On March 26, the Idaho Department of Finance issued a memorandum to Idaho money transmitter licensees and applicants regarding agency operations and communications due to Covid-19. The memorandum includes information on the Department’s teleworking arrangements and notes that routine examinations of registered entities and agents have been suspended. Registration staff continues to process licensing/registration applications through the CRD/IARD/NMLS systems and U.S. mail. In line with the NMLS Policy committee’s decisions and recommendations, the Department has also extended deadlines by 60 days for the filing of certain reports and statements.
Alabama governor issues proclamations addressing notary services and remote shareholder meetings
On March 26, the Alabama governor issued a proclamation permitting remote notarization through videoconferencing, provided that certain requirements are met. A subsequent proclamation, issued on April 2, extended permission for remote notarization to unsupervised, non-attorney notaries and added a record-keeping requirement for such notarizations. Additionally, the proclamation permits remote shareholder meetings pursuant to guidelines and procedures adopted by the corporation’s board of directors, provided that certain requirements are met.
Florida Office of Financial Regulation issues emergency order to extend financial statement deadlines
On March 26, the Commissioner of the Office of Financial Regulation issued an emergency order extending the filing deadlines for annual financial condition reports, financial statement filings, first quarter Call Reports or financial reports or first quarter capital equivalency, and asset maintenance reports for a period of 45 days unless extended by order. The guidance further provides that deadlines for internal audit completion and related reporting deadlines as well as annual and special meetings are suspended and tolled for a period of 45 days unless extended by order.
Massachusetts Division of Banks supports NMLS policy changes to provide relief to licensees
On March 26, the Massachusetts Division of Banks issued guidance adopting the policy changes proposed by the NMLS to provide a 60-day extension to all licensees to submit Call Reports and financial statements. Additionally MDB is temporarily instituting a policy to extend the Annual Report deadline by 60 days for regulated entities that cannot meet the original deadlines due to the Covid-19 crisis.