proposal

CFTC Approves Proposed Amendments to Margin Requirements for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants

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On August 14, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) approved two proposed amendments to margin requirements for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants (the “CFTC Margin Rule”). The first proposal would, among other changes, revise the method for determining whether an entity comes within the scope of the initial margin requirements under the CFTC Margin Rule and the timing for compliance. The second proposal would permit the application of separate minimum transfer amounts for initial and variation margin, as well as a minimum transfer amount of up to $50,000 for separately managed accounts. Each proposal will be subject to a 30-day comment period following publication in the Federal Register. Release.

Housing Finance Reform: House Hearing and Administration Proposal

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On February 9, the House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on GSE reform with a focus on immediate steps to protect taxpayers and end the bailout. On February 11, the Obama administration released a white paper on housing finance reform, outlining its plan to: (i) reduce government support for housing finance and wind down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on a responsible timeline; (ii) address fundamental flaws in the mortgage market to protect borrowers, ensure transparency, and increase the role of private capital; and (iii) target the government’s support for affordable housing in a more effective and transparent manner. The proposal also sets forth longer-term reform choices for structuring the government’s future role in the housing market. Congressional Hearing Link. Treasury Release. White Paper.  HFS Testimony and Archived Webcast.