In a recent speech, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director Melvin Watt discussed key FHFA initiatives for 2016. Watt stated that the common Securitization Platform (CSP) and Single Security efforts will be launched in two stages. Watt stated, “In the first stage, which we are calling Release 1, the CSP will begin issuing and administering only Freddie Mac’s securities. In the second phase, Release 2, the CSP will begin issuing and administering securities for both Enterprises and will do so using the new Single Security for the first time.”

Regarding credit risk transfers, Watt stated that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are on pace to exceed the 2015 Conservatorship Scorecard objectives. In terms of next steps, Watt stated, “we want to refine and further standardize the Enterprises’ debt, reinsurance and upfront offerings. This will help broaden liquidity. We will continue to work with the Enterprises on other innovative transaction types, such as credit-linked notes. We will also aggressively continue our work to analyze, assess, and define upfront credit risk transfers. We are committed to engaging stakeholders as part of this process.”  Speech.