FHFA Publishes Final Rule on Fair Lending, Fair Housing

FHFA recently published its final rule addressing fair lending, fair housing, UDAP, and Equitable Housing Finance Plans.

Under the final rule, regulated entities are required to comply with fair housing and fair lending laws, along with the prohibition on unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and their board members are required to direct the operation in conformity with the laws.  FHFA may require the regulated entities to submit to FHFA regular and special reports concerning fair housing and fair lending and use their enforcement powers to ensure compliance with the new requirements, including through adverse examination findings or supervision.  Among other things, the final rule also requires GSEs to adopt Equitable Housing Finance Plans and issue public reports on its plan and progress and requires Federal Home Loan Banks to issue public reports on actions taken to overcome barriers to sustainable housing opportunities.

The final rule is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, except the provisions on the Federal Home Loan Banks’ reporting requirements are effective February 15, 2026.