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Fannie Mae updates Covid-19 servicing guidance
On April 8, Fannie Mae updated its guidance to single-family servicers regarding the impact of Covid-19 on servicing. In particular, the guidance revises prior guidance on offering forbearance plans to comply with the recent enactment of the federal CARES Act. Among the updates to the servicer guidance are: (i) clarifying responsibilities relating to achieving “quality right party contact” for borrowers in a forbearance plan; (ii) providing a specific delinquency code for use in reporting to Fannie Mae; (iii) granting flexibility for inspections; (iv) extending deadlines for submission of financial statements and Form 582 to April 30; (v) clarifying forbearance plan terms; (vi) eliminating the requirement that the servicer determine occupancy status prior to evaluating a borrower for a workout option; (vii) requiring that the servicer comply with FCRA and report borrowers affected by Covid-19; and (viii) requiring servicers to suspend all foreclosure related activities to comply with the CARES Act and suspend filing motions for relief in bankruptcy cases.
Texas regulator, industry groups warn of increased cyber risk
On April 8, the Texas Department of Banking, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas and the Texas Bankers Association issued a joint notice warning that cybercriminals and nation state actors use times of crisis to exploit financial institutions. The notice urged institutions to warn employees and customers of social engineering, remind them of when online/virtual meeting platform links are expected and legitimate, and inform them of scams that are preying on Covid-19 fears. The notice also suggested institutions redistribute IT policies to employees and remind them about security expectations, and maintain secure connections for remote workers.
SEC announces temporary, conditional relief for certain business development companies
On April 8, the SEC announced an order providing temporary, conditional exemptive relief for business development companies (BDCs) to enable them to make additional investments in small and medium-sized businesses, including those with operations affected by Covid-19. Among other things, the relief will provide additional flexibility to BDCs to issue and sell senior securities to obtain capital. The relief is subject to certain investor protection conditions.
SEC issues statement on importance of disclosures for investors, markets, and the fight against Covid-19
On April 8, the SEC issued a statement regarding the importance of disclosure for investors, markets, and the fight against Covid-19. Companies are encouraged to issue disclosures that respond to investor interest in the company’s standing, operationally and financially, describe the company’s Covid-19 response, and discuss how the company’s operations and financial condition may change as efforts to fight Covid-19 progress. The guidance also provides specific considerations for quarterly earnings statements and calls, and forward-looking disclosures.
Arizona authorizes remote online notarization
On April 8, Arizona issued an executive order authorizing the use of remote online notarizations. The state had passed legislation legalizing remote online authorization in 2019 and the law was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2020, but is now in effect due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Washington securities regulator provides relief to franchisors
On April 8, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions, Securities Division, announced that it would reduce filing fees for franchisors who are unable to timely submit audited financial statements in their year-end disclosure documents due to Covid-19. Fees for the registration of a franchisor that has not included audited financial statements for the most recent year in their required year end franchise disclosure documents are reduced from $600 to $100 in recognition that Covid-19 may impact the ability to obtain or finalize audited financial statements.
Colorado banking regulator will not criticize “any” efforts to adjust loan terms
On April 8, the Colorado Division of Banking issued guidance to state-chartered banks encouraging them to take measures to assist borrowers impacted by Covid-19, including halting foreclosures and providing a 90 day deferment on payment for all consumer loans. The division noted that while state-chartered banks are not required to comply with these requests, any efforts to modify existing loan terms will not be subject to examiner criticism.
Maine issues executive orders relating to remote notarizations
On April 8, the Maine governor issued an executive order permitting remote notarization, provided that certain requirements set forth in the order are met. On April 24, the Maine governor issued a subsequent executive order that extends the time period required for certain steps in the remote notarization process. The executive orders will remain in effect until 30 days after the termination of the Covid-19 state of emergency, unless amended or rescinded at an earlier time.
Ohio regulator provides guidance for credit unions
On April 8, the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Financial Institutions issued updated guidance for credit union operations during Covid-19. Among other things, the guidance addresses accommodations for annual and board meetings, branch closures, filing deadlines for call reports, liquidity challenges, and conducting supervisory examinations.
Michigan governor issues temporary order enabling remote notarization
On April 8, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order enabling remote notarization in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Whitmer’s order allows for the use of electronic signatures, remote notarization, remote witnesses and attestations, and remote visitations in necessary transactions and interactions. The order took effect immediately and will be in place through May 6.