FHFA's Lockhart to step down

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director James Lockhart, who oversaw last year’s federal takeover of mortgage-finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, said he plans to leave the agency later this month.

“The timing is appropriate,” Lockhart said. Freddie Mac hired a new chief executive last month and the housing market is starting to show some signs of recovery, the regulator said in an interview today.

A watchful eye over Fannie, Freddie, et. al.

Bloomberg News is reporting that the Federal Housing Finance Agency plans to propose new requirements next week for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks. The Agency may place new restrictions on Fannie and Freddie's investments and revamp capital requirements for the home loan banks. The new minimum capital requirements would be just the latest example of a tightening regulatory environment for banks and financial services firms.