Monika McCarthy moderated a panel at the California MBA Legal Issues and Regulatory Compliance Conference in December 2024, in Irvine, CA. The panel focused on Enforcement, Litigation, and Fair Lending Trends, providing valuable insights into critical issues shaping the mortgage industry.
In December 2024, Heidi Wier and Rebecca Escario presented a webinar in collaboration with the CCA: Let’s See Now, an Update on Reg C and Reg CC – a Primer on HMDA and Expedited Funds Availability. This double-feature session explored key updates on HMDA compliance and the Expedited Funds Availability Act (Regulation CC), providing practical tips and best practices to enhance compliance efforts.
November 12, 2024 Rebecca Escario presented a webinar for the American Bankers Association (ABA) Fair Lending and UDAAP Working Group on the topic of Small Banks and Section 1071: Preparing for Small Business Data Collection and Reporting. Rebecca shared insights and strategies to help small banks navigate the small business data collection and reporting requirements under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Rebecca Escario shared her insights on Fair Lending at the Tri-State League of Financial Institutions Annual Training Meeting on October 30th, 2024 at Union Savings Bank in Cincinnati, OH.
Monika McCarthy and John Pace spoke at the Utah Bankers Association Fall Compliance Conference at Zermatt Utah Resort, October 28-30, 2024. Monika covered “Hot Topics in Fair Lending” and “Doing More with Less: Selecting and Working with Outside Counsel,” while John discussed “Dodd-Frank Section 1071: Objects in Mirror are Closer than They Appear,” focusing on the CFPB’s Small Business Lending Rule and its impact on small business lenders. CrossCheck Compliance was proud to sponsor the event.
The November/December 2024 issue of ABA Risk and Compliance includes a column by Jim Treacy titled “Adverse Action Disclosures and the Intersection with ECOA.” Jim highlights Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) requirements for adverse action notices in credit decisions, as both regulations are often applied together. The column also notes CFPB guidance on using AI for credit decisions. Read on to learn practical steps for aligning your adverse action notices with FCRA and ECOA requirements.
At the CCA’s Annual Conference on October 3rd, 2024 Sara McGinnis, CRCM, CAMS, CAFP and Tracey Levandoski, CRCM spoke on the topic of Compliance Risk Management for the Future, offering insights into compliance management system tips and reminders for addressing evolving risks and increased regulatory expectations.
This column by John Pace, CRCM in the ABA Risk and Compliance September/October 2024 issue covers the fundamentals of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) focusing on identity theft presenting an escalating threat to both consumers and financial institutions (FIs). The FCRA requires FIs to establish a robust Identity Theft Prevention Program (ITPP) to identify, detect, and respond to red flags, such as unusual account activity or alerts from credit reporting agencies. Proactive measures like placing fraud alerts or credit freezes can help consumers safeguard their credit information and mitigate the risks of identity theft. Read the article to learn more about how to protect your institution and customers.
Monika McCarthy’s session on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 at the Mortgage Bankers Association Compliance and Risk Management Conference in Washington, DC, titled “Compliance Conversations: Fair Lending, LEP, and SPCPs,” featured a facilitated discussion where attendees asked questions and exchanged information on how peers were addressing compliance challenges related to Fair Lending, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCP). Monika facilitated this session alongside Daniella Casseres and Joshua Weinberg.
Heidi Wier spoke at the America’s Credit Unions’ Compliance & Risk Council Conference in Chicago on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Heidi presented “Fair Lending for Credit Unions Approaching $10 Billion,” focusing on the DOJ’s Combatting Redlining Initiative and strategies for effective fair lending programs. Attendees learned what to include in their fair lending programs, what types of data analytics to perform, and how to assess risk related to underwriting, pricing, levels of service, and redlining.
The CrossCheck team was honored once again to collaborate with the American Bankers Association in authoring the 34th edition of the Reference Guide to Regulatory Compliance. The guide is updated annually to provide the most up-to-date guidance for compliance professionals and those preparing to take the Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) exam. The guide is […]
Ryan Addabbo conducted a CFCA webinar on Fair Lending Analysis: How to Use Data Analysis as Part of a Strong Fair Lending Compliance Program on July 17th, 2024. Ryan covered essential topics such as building a robust fair lending compliance program, strategies for data monitoring to assess fair lending risk, understanding HMDA data, identifying disparities and outliers, and reviewing for redlining risk.
The July/August 2024 issue of ABA Risk and Compliance features the insightful column titled Obtaining Information and Sharing Among Affiliates by Tracey Levandoski. This column delves into FCRA fundamentals, offering guidance on how financial institutions can navigate complex information-sharing requirements. Tracey breaks down exceptions and compliance strategies, making this a must-read for compliance professionals. Ensure your institution stays ahead of regulatory requirements by exploring this resource for mastering FCRA and Regulation P intersections.
On April 24th, 2024 Monika was featured on the Compliance and Coffee Webinar hosted by Melissa Grindel for ActiveComply. The theme of the discussion was “Spring Compliance Cleaning,” offering insights and actionable tips on ensuring marketing and website compliance.
Jim Treacy’s column titled Permissible Purpose and Use of Prescreened Solicitations is published in the May/June 2024 issue of ABA Risk and Compliance. FCRA remains a key focus for bank regulators; in this column, Jim focuses on FCRA rules on permissible purpose for obtaining consumer reports, use of prescreened lists for delivering firm offers of credit/insurance to consumers, and managing consumer responses.
On Monday, May 6th, 2024, Monika joined a panel at the Mortgage Bankers Association Legal Issues and Regulatory Compliance Conference to discuss how to select and work with outside counsel. Other participants included Michael Briggs, John Grissom, and Carlos Pelayo.
Todd Krell spoke on trends in mortgage fraud at the Mortgage Bankers Association Legal Issues and Regulatory Compliance Conference in San Diego on May 5th, 2024. Todd, Katherine Hollister, and Bridget A. Berg discussed the latest fraud schemes and trends impacting the industry and how companies can be safeguarded.
CrossCheck Compliance is thrilled to announce that Monika McCarthy, its General Counsel, has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Corporate Counsel Committee of American Bar Association’s Business Law Section. This Committee, which also includes Dredeir Roberts as Co-Chair, is comprised of in house counsel, outside counsel and representatives of agencies that regulate corporate activity. It […]
Sara McGinnis spoke at the Chicagoland Compliance Association’s Breakfast Meeting on April 12, 2024. Sara discussed Marketing Compliance, covering deposit and lending compliance, digital marketing, social media, regulatory ad requirements, diversity representation, AI use, and fair banking risks.
Monika McCarthy moderated a panel at the American Bar Association Business Law Spring Meeting in Orlando on April 5, 2024 about how to Do More With Less: Exploring Alternative Outside Counsel Engagement and Fee Arrangements.
Heidi Wier taught at the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Residential Mortgage Lending School on March 25-28, 2024 at the Wisconsin Bankers Association Office in Madison. The program equipped attendees with essential knowledge and skills for success in the competitive field of residential mortgage lending, covering topics such as finance basics, compliance regulations, product knowledge, sales skills, and networking opportunities through collaborative case study work.
Heidi Wier and Jim Treacy taught at the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Loan Compliance School on March 11-15. The 2024 WBA Loan Compliance School, which incorporated the Real Estate Compliance School, was held in person at the Wisconsin Bankers Association office in Madison. This school offered a comprehensive overview of lending regulations, including federal and Wisconsin state laws, covering topics such as ECOA, Fair Housing, UDAAP, and more, and was recommended for compliance officers, loan officers, legal counsel, and other banking professionals.
Tracey Levandoski authored an article for the March/April 2024 issue of ABA Risk and Compliance on the topic of Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which outlines the rules a bank must follow for obtaining and using consumer reports and provides tips for effective FCRA compliance management.
CrossCheck Compliance LLC proudly announces a strategic alliance with Gate House Compliance, led by former HUD deputy secretary Brian Montgomery, civil rights attorney Paul Hancock of K&L Gates, and Michael Waldron, founder and partner of Compliability Solutions LLC. More details can be found in the BusinessWire press release, and in articles by HousingWire and National […]
In 2023 Issue 4 of Utah Banker, CrossCheck Compliance LLC Manager Keenan Neal authored an article titled Meeting the Credit Needs of the Community Through Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCP). Homeownership is crucial for building wealth and achieving upward mobility; implementing slight adjustments to underwriting criteria or down-payment assistance programs could facilitate increased homeownership, strengthen your institution’s fair lending compliance management program, and meet community credit needs. See this article to learn more on the topic of establishing an impactful SPCP.
On January 30th, 2024 Monika McCarthy participated in a webcast hosted by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) on the topic of Debt Collection & Loan Servicing – Fundamental and Emerging Issues. Topics included key regulations such as the FCRA, FDCPA, TCPA, Arbitration issues, RESPA, and fair servicing; with Monika speaking about fair servicing risks and best practices. The program was geared to both newcomers and seasoned professionals with practices in debt collection, loan servicing, compliance, and related fields.
On December 14th, 2023 Ryan Addabbo presented a webinar hosted by the Tri State League of Financial Institutions on the topic of Emerging Issues in Fair Lending.
On December 15th, 2023 Heidi Wier participated in a webinar hosted by the Chicagoland Compliance Association (CCA). Common HMDA reporting errors and challenges were discussed, as well as HMDA data integrity tips, transaction testing standards and tolerances, recent enforcement actions, and best practices to consider.
Is internal audit top of mind in your institution? A well established audit function should provide management and key stakeholders with ongoing assurance of the effectiveness of the company’s control environment and risk management processes. Learn how to establish an independent, effective internal audit function that promotes good corporate governance in Heidi Wier and Sara […]
On November 1st, 2023 Monika McCarthy spoke at the Utah Bankers Association’s Fall Compliance Conference on Fair Lending and Redlining Developments impacting banks.
On October 27th, 2023, Sara McGinnis, CRCM, CAMS, CAFP conducted a training on flood insurance compliance for the Tri-State League of Financial Institutions. Other resources on flood insurance include an article authored by Sara on this topic, published in ABA Bank Compliance, and the ABA’s Reference Guide to Flood Compliance, First Edition.
On October 5th, Liza Warner, Partner at CrossCheck Compliance LLC, and Karen Cullen, Senior VPs at Landmark Credit Union, lead a session at the 2023 Chicagoland Compliance Association Annual Conference. They covered key considerations for conducting compliance related investigations, analyzing complaints for further investigation, and monitoring social media for compliance issues.
Ryan Addabbo presented at the Central Florida Compliance Association’s 2023 Annual Conference on October 19, 2024 on the topic of Social Learning and the Department of Justice – lessons learned from recent fair lending enforcement actions. The presentation explored trends in recent DOJ fair lending actions, helping attendees compare their institution to the identified risk factors in these recent actions, and explain how consent orders help to identify fair lending risk.
On October 24th, 2023 Heidi Wier and Ryan Addabbo participated in an MBA Education webinar titled Using Data Analysis as Part of a Strong Fair Lending Compliance Program. Other panelists were industry experts Tony Villarreal from Nations Lending, and Fedor Kamensky and Brian Serafin from Weiner Brodsky Kider PC. Accurate and consistent risk reporting helps board and senior management make informed decisions and mitigate risk. View the webinar recording to learn how data analysis helps to assess fair lending risk in various areas including underwriting, pricing, service levels, steering, redlining, and marketing.
Wendy McMillan spoke at the Central Florida Compliance Association Annual Conference on October 20th, 2023 on the topic of High-Risk Customer Reviews. Customer risk-rating models are one of the primary tools available to financial institutions to detect money laundering. Wendy discussed regulatory expectations and best practices to consider when conducting high-risk customer reviews.
The CrossCheck Compliance team was honored once again to collaborate with the ABA in authoring the 33rd edition of the Reference Guide to Regulatory Compliance. This Guide is updated annually and is the ideal resource for compliance managers, department staff, product managers, retail branch banking managers and anyone who is preparing to take the Certified […]
On September 10, 2023 Monika McCarthy co-moderated a panel on the topic of Fair Lending. Monika and Feder Kamensky, Partner at Weiner Brodsky Kider PC, discussed serving Limited English Proficiency (LEP) consumers and the when, what, and hows of disclosures, translation requirements, charging LEP borrowers for translation, and much more.
On September 8, 2023 Monika McCarthy moderated a panel – See Her, Hear Her: Historical Evolution, Advocacy, and the Path Ahead. This panel discussed the history of women in the legal profession, highlighted the importance of advocacy and activism for advancing the rights and opportunities of women in the field, and explored the future of the legal profession and the role women would play in shaping it. The other panelists included Danielle Hall, Litigation Associate at Bilzin Sumberg, Valerie L. Hletko, Partner at Covington, Lynette Hotchkiss, Partner at McGlinchey Stafford, and Jonice Gray Tucker, Partner at Paul Hastings.
On Monday, September 11th, Mike Forester spoke on a panel on the topic of mortgage fraud – Fraud Prevention Track: Strategies for Detecting and Preventing Fraud Panel. Through case studies and examples from real fraud reviews, industry practitioners recommended strategies to better detect, prevent, and manage suspicious activities. Attendees received tips on how to use QC and LOS reports to monitor fraud. They learned about emerging fraud risks and gained insight into meeting the expectations of federal and state regulators on fraud prevention practices, including SARs and self-reporting.
In Issue 2 of Utah Banker, CrossCheck Compliance LLC Manager John Pace, CRCM authored an article titled Dodd-Frank Section 1071: Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear. This article explores the compliance impacts for financial institutions since the passage of Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which requires small business loan data collection. Learn more about the key considerations to help your institution prepare for a smooth implementation.
On July 27th, 2023, Ryan Addabbo presented during the CCA Fair Lending and CRA Symposium on the topic of Fair Lending Analysis. This session covered fair lending analysis institutions should consider conducting to identify and mitigate risks.
