UBS to Settle FHFA GSE MBS Claims for $885 Million
August 2, 2013
The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced last week it has reached a settlement with UBS Americas for nearly $900 million to cover claims of alleged violations of federal and state securities laws regarding non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Under the terms of the agreement, the Swiss bank will pay some $885 million divided roughly in half between the two GSEs. UBS will pay Fannie approximately $415 million and $470 million to Freddie to settle claims related to residential MBS offerings between 2004 and 2007. The satisfactory resolution of this matter provides greater clarity and certainty in the marketplace and is in line with our responsibility for preserving and conserving Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs assets on behalf of taxpayers, said FHFA Acting Director Edward DeMarco.