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Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues guidance to mortgage servicers
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial Regulation, Division of Banking and Division of Financial Institutions (Department), issued guidance to Illinois-licensed mortgage servicers and exempt mortgage servicers urging support for borrowers impacted by Covid-19. The Department urges all servicers of nonconforming and private mortgages to implement policies at least as helpful to borrowers as those offered for conforming loans, including, among others: (i) forbearing mortgage payments for at least 90 days without incurring additional interest or fees; (ii) refraining from reporting late payments to credit rating agencies and, when payments are deferred or modified, coding those payments as deferred with the applicable disaster order; (iii) offering loss mitigation options to borrowers; and (iv) waiving late payment fees and online payments fees; and (v) postponing foreclosures and evictions for at least 90 days. Prudent actions taken during this period will be considered to be consistent with safe and sound banking practices and will not be subject to examiner criticism.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues notice to currency exchange and money transmitter licensees
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Department) issued a notice encouraging currency exchange and money transmitter licensees to provide the Department with advance notice of any changes to their usual business practices. The Department expects all licensees to act responsibly and proactively to address any consumer harm that may arise.
Texas Department of Banking issues business continuity planning recommendations
On March 30, the Texas Department of Banking, in conjunction with the Independent Bankers Association of Texas and the Texas Bankers Association, issued a set of recommendations for banks to consider as they develop business continuity plans during the Covid-19 crisis. The guidance specifically notes that the recommendations do not constitute required action.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues notice to title insurance licensees and registered agents
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Department) issued a notice encouraging title insurance licensees and registered agents to provide the Department with advance notice of any changes to their usual business practices. If a registered agent application has been submitted, it will be processed as quickly as possible.
Illinois Department of Financial Regulation issues guidance to Illinois banks and credit unions
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial Regulation, Division of Banking and Division of Financial Institutions, issued guidance to Illinois banks and credit unions regarding support for consumers and businesses impacted by Covid-19. Illinois banks and credit unions are encouraged to use their capital and liquidity buffers as they respond to financial challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, such as to lend and undertake other supportive actions in a safe and sound manner. Illinois banks and credit unions also are encouraged to: (i) provide affected borrowers with payment accommodations to work through short-term setbacks; (ii) respond to borrowers from industry sectors particularly vulnerable to the volatility of the current economic environment; and (iii) work with small businesses, hourly workers, and independent contractors that have less financial flexibility to weather the economic decline.
The guidance further encourages Illinois banks and credit unions to assist affected borrowers by, among other things, waiving certain fees (e.g., ATM fees, overdraft fees, late fees), increasing ATM daily cash withdrawal limits, increasing credit card limits for creditworthy borrowers, and providing new loans on favorable terms. Prudent efforts to help consumers and businesses will not be subject to examiner criticism.
Minnesota Commerce Department issues statement on working with customers
The Minnesota Commerce Department released a statement encouraging financial institutions to work with customers affected by Covid-19. In particular, the Department encourages institutions to take various actions, including: waiving fees such as ATM, overdraft, and late fees; increasing ATM daily cash withdrawal limits; easing restrictions on cashing checks; increasing credit card limits for creditworthy borrowers; offering payment accommodations like forbearances; and easing terms for new loans to affected borrowers. Separately, the Department affirmed that it will consider these circumstances when reviewing an institution’s financial condition, and in working with institutions that encounter difficulty meeting regulatory reporting requirements or filing requirements for financial statements.
Nebraska publishes depository office closure form
On its website, the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (Department) published a Request for Proclamation to Authorize Office Closure form. If a financial institution decides to close any or all of its offices for an emergency, it must notify the Department. If the closure will last longer than 48 hours, the financial institution must receive Department approval. Financial institutions are instructed to submit the form to the Department via e-mail to the institution’s review examiner, and the Department will respond as soon as possible.
Montana governor issues executive order prohibiting evictions, foreclosures, and utility and internet cancellation
On March 30, Montana Governor Steve Bullock issued an executive order prohibiting residential foreclosures, evictions, and utility and internet service cancellations. In addition, no borrower may be reported to a credit bureau for failure to pay for the duration of the directive. Citing the requirement for residents to stay at home, Bullock provided that having habitable homes that possess the ability to communicate externally via phone and internet services are paramount to public health and human safety. The directive went into effect immediately and limits the foregoing actions through April 10.
Massachusetts Division of Banks updates extensions for licensee filings
On March 30, the Massachusetts Division of Banks (DOB) issued an update for licensees to clarify the filing deadlines for financial statements and call reports in light of the NMLS policy decision. The DOB is providing a 60-day extension to file financial statements, a 30-day extension to submit Call Reports and the MCR Standard Financial Condition Report, and a 60-day extension for Annual Reports.
Louisiana regulator permits remote annual meetings
On March 30, the Louisiana Commissioner of Financial Institutions issued an emergency declaration permitting shareholders or members of a financial institution to participate in annual meetings by means of remote communication and permitting institutions to hold virtual annual meetings. The declaration is effective until April 13 unless renewed.