REFinBlog

Editor: David Reiss
Cornell Law School

April 18, 2013

Judiciary’s Take on the Subprime Zeitgeist

By David Reiss

The 2nd Circuit’s opinion in FHFA v. UBS Americas Inc. et al. (April 5, 2013, No. 12-3207-cv) offers an interesting window into how at least some members of the judiciary understand the Subprime Crisis. On its face, the case was … Continue reading

April 17, 2013

Are Baby Steps Enough for Fannie and Freddie?

By David Reiss

S&P issued a research report, The Implementation Of The FHFA’s Plan For Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Still Has A Long Way To Go. The report addresses a number of recent events that will impact any reform program for the … Continue reading

April 3, 2013

S&P’s Coy-ful Analysis of Basel Securitization Framework

By David Reiss

S&P has long taken the public position that ratings from an NRSRO (like S&P or Moodys) should not be required.  This position would seem to be against its own interest and thus be quite public spirited. Its recent Response to … Continue reading

April 2, 2013

Reiss on CFPB Complaint Database

By David Reiss

E-Commerce.com has a story on this tempest in a teapot, Finance Companies Bristle at Public Airing of Consumer Complaints.  It reads in part as follows: The angst of the finance industry isn’t universal, however. This database is evolutionary — not … Continue reading

March 29, 2013

Rating Agency Reform

By David Reiss

Emily McClintlock Ekins and Mark A. Calabria have recently posted a policy analysis to SSRN, Regulation, Market Structure, and Role of the Credit Rating Agencies.  They argue, as others have before them, that the major rating agencies are an oligopoly.  … Continue reading

March 25, 2013

Building a Model for Housing Finance

By David Reiss

Following up on Friday’s post, I want to discuss Chambers, Garriga and Schlagenhauf’s draft that they recently posted to SSRN (free here).  It presents some interesting historical analogies to the issues we face as we attempt to chart a new … Continue reading

March 22, 2013

Goldilocks Homeownership

By David Reiss

It has only been since the housing bust have we had a serious conversation about how much homeownership is just the right amount.  Mostly, the federal government (under both Democrats and Republicans) has pushed for more, more, more without regard … Continue reading