On March 13, 2026, the President issued an Executive Order titled “Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit.” The Order directs federal financial regulators to review existing mortgage‑related regulations that the Administration believes have increased compliance costs, reduced community bank participation in mortgage lending, and limited access to credit for otherwise qualified borrowers.
Why the Executive Order Was Issued
According to the Administration, regulatory changes adopted over the past two decades—particularly following the Dodd‑Frank Act—have disproportionately impacted community banks. These changes have increased mortgage origination and servicing costs, reduced competition in the mortgage market, and contributed to decreased lending activity in rural and low‑ to moderate‑income communities. The stated objective of the Executive Order is to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden while preserving safe and sound lending standards.
What This Means Right Now
Importantly, the Executive Order does not change existing laws or regulations. All current mortgage compliance requirements, including ATR/QM, TRID, HMDA, appraisal rules, and capital standards, remain fully in effect. No immediate policy, procedural, or operational changes are required because of the Order.
Instead, the Order instructs agencies such as the CFPB and the federal banking regulators to evaluate whether future changes can be made within existing legal authority.
Potential Future Impact
If implemented through future rulemaking or supervisory guidance, the Order could eventually lead to:
What Banks Should Do Now
While no action is required now, banks should monitor regulatory developments, maintain strong underwriting documentation, and remain exam‑ready under current rules.
Brown Edwards continues to monitor developments related to this Executive Order and is available to assist banks as regulatory guidance evolves.
Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit – The White House