SFA today released the following statement after the benchmark administrator for the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) announced its intentions, subject to confirmation following an early December consultation, to cease the publication of the one week and two month U.S. Dollar (USD) LIBOR immediately following the December 31, 2021 publications, and the remaining USD LIBOR tenors immediately following the June 30, 2023 publications.

SFA supports the ultimate goal of releasing the GSEs from conservatorship and increasing the role of private capital in a responsible manner. However, a hastily thrown together exit from conservatorship based on the political calendar risks undoing the positive work that has been accomplished and is currently underway.

The Structured Finance Association (SFA) today released the results of a market-wide survey on the extent environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are incorporated within the $13 trillion structured finance market that provides capital to large segments of credit in the housing, credit card, automobile, corporate and other asset-backed borrowing markets.

Growing ESG in securitization: 81% of issuers incorporate ESG in their overall business operations, 73% within asset origination/underwriting practices, and 56% sponsoring or developing ESG-focused ABS/MBS programs. “Client Demand” is #1 factor motivating ESG for Institutional Investors in securitization. View the results and takeaways of SFA ESG Engagement survey.

On Wednesday, November 18, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced a consultation asking market participants to comment on how they intend to use some of the powers granted to them under the U.K.’s Financial Services Bill.

On Wednesday, November 18, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released its final capital rule that establishes a new regulatory framework for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

On November 17, the day after announcing he would step down as Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at the end of 2020, Chairman Jay Clayton made what is likely to be his final appearance testifying before the Senate Banking Committee.

After meeting with businesses and labor groups about the state of the economy, President-elect Biden called on Congress to pass a broad stimulus package similar to the $3.4 trillion "HEROES Act" passed by the House Democratic majority in May.

On Monday, November 16, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Jay Clayton released a statement indicating that he would be stepping down from his position at the end of 2020.

Testifying before the House Financial Services Committee last week, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chair Jelena McWilliams indicated that she would not be stepping down from her position until her term expires in 2023.