Treasurys Surprise Revision of PSPA Accelerates Fannie, Freddie Wind Down But Slows GSE Reform
September 7, 2012
Last months surprise move by the Treasury Department to revise the preferred stock purchase agreements with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac definitively settles the question of when not if the two government-sponsored enterprises are to be wound down but it also removes any remaining sense of urgency to push a legislative solution to GSE reform, according to industry analysts. On Aug. 17, Treasury announced it will require Fannie and Freddie to turn over any profits they earn to the government. Rather than continue to borrow from the Treasury to make a 10 percent dividend payment to the Treasury, the revised PSPA implements a full income sweep of GSE profits. Additionally, Treasurys announcement calls...