FHFA IG Releases Results of Three Reviews
On March 22, the Office of Inspector General for the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA IG) released the results of the following audit and surveys: (i) an audit of Fannie Maes single-family underwriting standards, (ii) a survey of FHFAs oversight of the charitable activities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and (iii) a survey of FHFAs oversight of Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs expenses related to the 2011 Mortgage Bankers Association Convention. The FHFA IG found that FHFAs oversight of Fannie Maes underwriting is limited, so FHFA should strengthen and formalize its processes for reviewing underwriting standards and variances. With regard to charitable contributions, the FHFA IG found that there is no need to conduct further evaluations because these contributions are scheduled to end by 2015. Similarly, the FHFA IG concluded that FHFAs new directive on conference sponsorships and expenditures for food will be sufficient if properly implemented.