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Heather M. Morris

Partner

Spencer Fane attorney Heather Morris

T 816.292.8387
F 816.474.3216
hmorris@spencerfane.com

Supreme Court Issues Opinion on TILA Rescission Rights

We previously provided an update on developments concerning the right of rescission granted under the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”). The United States Supreme Court recently issued a consumer-friendly decision regarding the rescission process.

CFPB Proposes Changes to Increase Mortgage Lending in Rural Markets

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently proposed amendments to regulations that would broaden the definition of “small creditor” in an attempt to increase mortgage lending to rural and underserved markets. Currently, small creditors are able to make loans with slightly less restriction than larger creditors. The proposed changes would make this exemption available to a greater number of creditors.

Potential Liability for Quoting LIBOR Rates

In drafting loan documents, banks frequently cite to an index rate as the source of the interest rate governing a particular loan. One of the most commonly cited rates is LIBOR.

Commercial Receivership Bill Introduced to Missouri Senate

On January 12, 2015, the Missouri Commercial Receivership Act was introduced to the Missouri Senate as SB 216.

Legislation Introduced to Limit Operation Choke Point

Missouri Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer recently introduced legislation to the U.S. House of Representatives seeking to require the Federal Reserve and FDIC to provide a material reason to support any order to terminate a banking relationship.

Missouri’s Implied Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing

The Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District issued a lender-friendly decision earlier this year regarding the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing regarding a promissory note.

Missouri Supreme Court Rules that Lenders and Servicers are Subject to the MMPA

The Missouri Supreme Court recently issued two decisions (Conway v. Citi Mortgage, Inc. and Federal National Mortgage Association and Watson v. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc.) holding originators and servicers of mortgage loans may be subject to causes of action for unfair or deceptive practices under the Missouri Merchandise Practices Act (MMPA).

Eighth Circuit Issues ECOA Decision

The Eighth Circuit recently issued a decision regarding the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”) that may change your bank’s approach to spousal guaranties.

CFPB Issues Policy Regarding Same-Sex Marriages

CFPB Director Richard Cordray recently issued a memorandum clarifying the CFPB’s policy with respect to same-sex marriages. The memorandum clarifies that the CFPB recognizes all lawful marriages that were valid at the time of the marriage in the jurisdiction where the marriage was celebrated.

How Small is Small?

Lenders that participate in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loan programs should be aware that the SBA recently issued an interim final rule to increase monetary based small business size standards.  These standards are based on criteria such as receipts, assets, net worth and income.