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FAIR LENDING OVERSIGHT

   
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is committed to careful fair lending oversight of the regulated entities. Fair lending is central to the principles under which the U.S. housing finance system operates and is a requirement of law. FHFA will never tolerate illegal discrimination by the regulated entities. In 2018, FHFA created the Office of Fair Lending Oversight (OFLO) to ensure that the regulated entities operate consistently with the public interest and with sufficient overall risk management by providing fair, equitable, and nondiscriminatory access to credit and housing. OFLO also works to advance equity through its Equitable Housing Finance Program and internal policy assessments.

We want to hear from you. Questions and feedback on FHFA’s fair lending program can be directed to FairLending@fhfa.gov.

Resources



Policy Analysis

Mortgage Application Approval Rates Charts

As conservator of the Enterprises, FHFA conducts both fair lending and equity assessments of Enterprise programs, initiatives, and policies.

OFLO provides technical assistance and policy-related oversight to the FHLBanks.

OFLO contributes to FHFA's Insights Blog by providing commentary on new developments impacting fair lending and information about FHFA's fair lending approach.

FHFA also announces policy updates and clarifications on the regulated entities' programs, products, and activities.

Listening Sessions

listening sessions icon

Data and Reporting

FHFA monitors fair lending data and risk presented by regulated entity activities.  Our Fair Lending Data page presents information on single-family automated underwriting system applications and loans acquired by the Enterprises subset by race and ethnicity, as well as primary market lender aggregate approval rates subset by race and ethnicity.  Information on our data methodology and definitions is located on the Data Notes section of the dashboard.

Fair Lending Reporting Orders

FHFA has also issued Orders on Fair Lending Reporting to the Enterprises. The orders require the Enterprises to submit quarterly reports to FHFA with fair lending information and data to improve the Agency's fair lending supervision and monitoring capabilities.   

Equitable Housing Finance Program Overview


Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac submitted their Equitable Housing Finance Plans (EHFPs) for 2022. The Enterprises will update these plans annually. The plans identify and address barriers to sustainable housing opportunities, including the Enterprises' goals and action plans to advance equity in housing finance for the next three years. FHFA also will require the Enterprises to submit annual progress reports on the actions undertaken during the prior year to implement their plans. FHFA has a statutory duty to ensure that the Enterprises operate in a manner consistent with safety and soundness and the public interest.

"For generations, discriminatory practices like redlining have prevented communities of color from building wealth through homeownership," said FHFA Acting Director Sandra L. Thompson. "By identifying the barriers to equitable and sustainable housing finance opportunities and setting goals for addressing those barriers, the Enterprises, consistent with safety and soundness, can responsibly reduce the racial and ethnic disparities in homeownership and wealth that still exist today."

Last year, FHFA issued a Request for Input (RFI) that sought public input to aid the Enterprises in preparing their first plans and to aid FHFA in overseeing the plans. FHFA also hosted a public liste​ning session to allow for additional public input.

Latest on the EHFPs

currentproposedplans (1).png Fannie Mae Equitable  Housing Finance Plan 2022 - 2024​

                  

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currentproposedplans (1).png Freddie Mac Equitable  Housing Finance Plan 2022 - 2024​

                  

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Social Bond Program Policy

Social impact investing can be defined as a subset of ESG investing, and is distinguished in that it seeks to create social value, rather than minimize adverse impacts. These “impact investments” provide explicit opportunities to fund activities intended to benefit a specific class of persons or the environment. An Enterprise labeled Social Bond should positively impact borrower sustainability, affordability, and/or equity. A cornerstone of any social bond program is the specific outcomes that the program is attempting to achieve.

FHFA is seeking public input and information through a Request for Input (RFI) on the Enterprises’ social bond policy and program design. FHFA is soliciting input to comprehensively understand the opportunities and potential risks associated with single-family social bond issuances by the Enterprises.

On March 28, 2023, FHFA will also host a public listening session to allow for additional input. Registration link forthcoming.

Supervision Program


FHFA’s fair lending oversight program is committed to effective, appropriately tailored supervisory measures to ensure that the regulated entities adhere to applicable fair lending compliance standards. FHFA has broad statutory authority to supervise the regulated entities, including authority to monitor and gather information, conduct supervisory examinations, and enforce compliance with law where appropriate. FHFA as a supervisor monitors regulated entities for fair lending risk, conducts supervisory examinations, and, when necessary, takes enforcement action to ensure compliance with fair lending laws.

Guidance


Mortgage Interest Rate Disparity (MIRD) Program 


FHFA’s statute provides for a  program to assess whether loan pricing by lenders results in disparities for minority borrowers compared with non-minority borrowers of similar creditworthiness. If FHFA makes a preliminary finding that a pattern of disparities exists for a lender, FHFA must refer that finding to the appropriate regulatory or enforcement agency for further review.

In 2021, FHFA finalized its policy approach and began referring its preliminary findings to regulatory or enforcement agencies with jurisdiction to conduct examinations or investigations into potential pricing discrimination.



 

Meet the Team

James Wylie

Associate Director

Jonathan Liles

Senior Financial Analyst

Annalyce Shufelt

Attorney Advisor

Scott Susin

Senior Economist

Coordination and Compliance Branch

Leda Bloomfield

Branch Chief

Chandra Broadnax

Senior Examination Specialist

Brandon Chin

Financial Analyst

Sarah Friedman

Examination Specialist

Denise Lorenzen

Program Analyst

Page last updated: February 16​, 2023​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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