Research

Allowing the Federal government to purchase illiquid mortgage-backed securities (MBS) has been presented as a comprehensive solution to the economic crisis, but it has a serious flaw. This plan will NOT increase loan modifications that prevent foreclosures. Large-scale loan modifications—adjusting the terms of a loan to make it affordable—is the only way to prevent massive foreclosures still ahead. Under the...

Over 700 payday lenders charging up to 459% annual percentage rate (APR) for a two-week loan are located throughout Arizona; with the highest concentrations per capita in Pinal, Mohave, and Maricopa Counties. A typical Arizona borrower pays an estimated $516 in fees for a $325 payday loan and still owes the $325 in principal. Overall, payday lending costs Arizona families...

CRL has uncovered substantial evidence that IndyMac Bank engaged in unsound and abusive lending during the mortgage boom, routinely making loans without regard to borrowers' ability to repay. CRL interviews with former employees and lawsuits in 10 states indicate that IndyMac: pushed through loans based on bogus appraisals and income data that exaggerated borrowers' finances, worked hand-in-hand with mortgage brokers...

HR 6076: Home Retention and Economic Stabilization Act Why is H.R. 6076 needed? Approximately 20,000 subprime foreclosures are starting every week, and the situation is projected to get worse. The rate of foreclosures continues to accelerate, despite the efforts of programs like HOPE NOW, which encourage lenders and servicers to avoid unnecessary foreclosures by voluntarily modifying loan terms to make...

Read the executive summary (pdf) >> Unfair bank practices threaten to shred the safety net of Social Security for older Americans New CRL research finds that unauthorized overdrafts strip fees from Americans 55 and older at the level of $4.5 billion per year. Nearly $1 billion of that comes from people who are heavily dependent on Social Security income. CRL's...

A new CRL survey finds respondents prefer that their bank or credit union deny debit card purchases that are not covered by the funds in their checking account, whether their purchase is for $5, $20 or $40. More consumers are enrolled in the most expensive option than any other option for covering overdrafts, the survey also finds.

"Steered Wrong" Executive Summary In recent years, a majority of subprime loans made in the United States have been originated by mortgage brokers, who can properly be characterized as the "engine" of the subprime market. The rapid growth of subprime lending was fueled by thousands of mortgage brokers across the country delivering billions of dollars of subprime loans to mortgage...