60-Day Federal Register Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2023 / Proposed Rules
more Indian tribes, on the relationship
between the Federal Government and
Indian tribes or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities between the
Federal Government and Indian tribes.
We have determined that this action
does not have tribal implications,
insofar as it would withdraw a final rule
that the Agency never implemented or
enforced.

Done in Washington, DC, this 17th day of
July 2023.
Jennifer Moffitt,
Undersecretary, Marketing and Regulatory
Programs, USDA.

The Board, CFPB, FDIC,
NCUA, and OCC (together, the agencies)
are issuing proposed guidance that
would highlight risks associated with
deficient residential real estate
valuations and describe how financial
institutions may incorporate
reconsiderations of value (ROV)
processes and controls into established
risk management functions. The
proposed guidance would also highlight
examples of policies and procedures
that a financial institution may choose
to establish to help identify, address,
and mitigate the risk of discrimination
impacting residential real estate
valuations.

[FR Doc. 2023–15462 Filed 7–20–23; 8:45 am]

DATES:

Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed withdrawal contains
no reporting or recordkeeping
requirements under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.).

BILLING CODE 3410–34–P

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency
12 CFR Part 34
[Docket ID OCC–2023–0007]

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
12 CFR Chapter II
[Docket No. OP–1809]

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION
12 CFR Part 323
RIN 3064–ZA36

NATIONAL CREDIT UNION
ADMINISTRATION
12 CFR Part 722
[Docket ID NCUA–2023–0061]

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION
BUREAU
12 CFR Chapter X
[Docket No. CFPB–2023–0033]
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1

Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency (OCC), Treasury.
ACTION: Proposed interagency guidance
with request for comment.

Interagency Guidance on
Reconsiderations of Value of
Residential Real Estate Valuations
Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (Board);
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
(CFPB); Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (FDIC); National Credit
Union Administration (NCUA); and

AGENCY:

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SUMMARY:

Comments must be submitted on
or before September 19, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Interested parties are
encouraged to submit written comments
to any and all agencies listed below.
Comments submitted to the Federal
eRulemaking Portal will be shared with
all agencies for consideration.
Comments should be directed to:
OCC: Commenters are encouraged to
submit comments through the Federal
eRulemaking Portal. Please use the title
‘‘Joint Guidance on Reconsiderations of
Value of Residential Real Estate
Valuations’’ to facilitate the organization
and distribution of the comments. You
may submit comments by any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal—
Regulations.gov: go to https://
regulations.gov/. Enter ‘‘Docket ID OCC–
2023–0007’’ in the Search Box and click
‘‘Search.’’ Public comments can be
submitted via the ‘‘Comment’’ box
below the displayed document
information or by clicking on the
document title and then clicking the
‘‘Comment’’ box on the top-left side of
the screen. For help with submitting
effective comments please click on
‘‘Commenter’s Checklist.’’ For
assistance with the Regulations.gov site,
please call 1–866–498–2945 (toll free)
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, or
email regulationshelpdesk@gsa.gov.
• Mail: Chief Counsel’s Office,
Attention: Comment Processing, Office
of the Comptroller of the Currency, 400
7th Street SW, Suite 3E–218,
Washington, DC 20219.
• Hand Delivery/Courier: 400 7th
Street SW, Suite 3E–218, Washington,
DC 20219.
Instructions: You must include
‘‘OCC’’ as the agency name and ‘‘Docket
ID OCC–2023–2007’’ in your comment.

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In general, the OCC will enter all
comments received into the docket and
publish the comments on the
Regulations.gov website without
change, including any business or
personal information provided such as
name and address information, email
addresses, or phone numbers.
Comments received, including
attachments and other supporting
materials, are part of the public record
and subject to public disclosure. Do not
include any information in your
comment or supporting materials that
you consider confidential or
inappropriate for public disclosure.
You may review comments and other
related materials that pertain to this
action by the following method:
• Viewing Comments Electronically—
Regulations.gov: Go to https://
regulations.gov/. Enter ‘‘Docket ID OCC–
2023–0007’’ in the Search Box and click
‘‘Search.’’ Click on the ‘‘Documents’’ tab
and then the document’s title. After
clicking the document’s title, click the
‘‘Browse Comments’’ tab. Comments can
be viewed and filtered by clicking on
the ‘‘Sort By’’ drop-down on the right
side of the screen or the ‘‘Refine
Results’’ options on the left side of the
screen. Supporting materials can be
viewed by clicking on the ‘‘Documents’’
tab and filtered by clicking on the ‘‘Sort
By’’ drop-down on the right side of the
screen or the ‘‘Refine Documents
Results’’ options on the left side of the
screen. For assistance with the
Regulations.gov site, please call 1–866–
498–2945 (toll free) Monday–Friday, 9
a.m.–5 p.m. ET, or email
regulationshelpdesk@gsa.gov.
The docket may be viewed after the
close of the comment period in the same
manner as during the comment period.
Board: You may submit comments,
identified by Docket No. OP–1809, by
any of the following methods:
• Agency Website: https://
www.federalreserve.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments at
https://www.federalreserve.gov/apps/
foia/proposedregs.aspx.
• Email: regs.comments@
federalreserve.gov. Include the docket
number in the subject line of the
message.
• Fax: (202) 452–3819 or (202) 452–
3102.
• Mail: Ann Misback, Secretary,
Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, 20th Street and
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20551.
In general, all public comments will
be made available on the Board’s
website at www.federalreserve.gov/
generalinfo/foia/ProposedRegs.cfm as
submitted, and will not be modified to

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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2023 / Proposed Rules

remove confidential, contact or any
identifiable information. Public
comments may also be viewed
electronically or in paper in Room M–
4365A, 2001 C St. NW, Washington, DC
20551, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
during Federal business weekdays.
Please call (202) 452–3684 to make an
appointment to visit the Board and
inspect comments.
FDIC: The FDIC encourages interested
parties to submit written comments.
Please include your name, affiliation,
address, email address, and telephone
number(s) in your comment. You may
submit comments to FDIC, identified by
RIN 3064–ZA36, by any of the following
methods:
• FDIC Website: https://
www.fdic.gov/resources/regulations/
federal-register-publications/. Follow
the instructions for submitting
comments on the FDIC’s website.
• Mail: James P. Sheesley, Assistant
Executive Secretary, Attention:
Comments/Legal OES (RIN 3064–ZA36),
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
550 17th Street NW, Washington, DC
20429.
• Hand Delivery/Courier: Comments
may be hand delivered to the guard
station at the rear of the 550 17th Street
NW building (located on F Street NW)
on business days between 7:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m.
• Email: comments@fdic.gov.
Comments submitted must include
‘‘RIN 3064–ZA36’’ in the subject line of
the message.
Public Inspection: Comments
received, including any personal
information provided, may be posted
without change to https://www.fdic.gov/
resources/regulations/federal-registerpublications/. Commenters should
submit only information that the
commenter wishes to make available
publicly. The FDIC may review, redact,
or refrain from posting all or any portion
of any comment that it may deem to be
inappropriate for publication, such as
irrelevant or obscene material. The FDIC
may post only a single representative
example of identical or substantially
identical comments, and in such cases
will generally identify the number of
identical or substantially identical
comments represented by the posted
example. All comments that have been
redacted, as well as those that have not
been posted, that contain comments on
the merits of this notice will be retained
in the public comment file and will be
considered as required under all
applicable laws. All comments may be
accessible under the Freedom of
Information Act.
NCUA: You may submit written
comments, identified by ‘‘Docket No.

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NCUA–2023–0061’’ by any of the
following methods (please send
comments by one method only):
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments
for ‘‘Docket No. NCUA–2023–0061.’’
• Email: PRAcomments@ncua.gov.
• Mail: Address to Melane ConyersAusbrooks, Secretary of the Board,
National Credit Union Administration,
1775 Duke Street Alexandria, Virginia
22314–3428.
You may view all public comments
on the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
https://www.regulations.gov as
submitted, except for those we cannot
post for technical reasons. The NCUA
will not edit or remove any identifying
or contact information from the public
comments submitted. If you are unable
to access public comments on the
internet, you may contact NCUA for
alternative access by calling (703) 518–
6540 or emailing OGCMail@ncua.gov.
CFPB: You may submit comments,
identified by Docket No. CFPB–2023–
0033, by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Email: 2023-IAA-ResidentialROV@
cfpb.gov.
• Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier:
Comment Intake—Interagency ROV,
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,
c/o Legal Division Docket Manager,
1700 G Street NW, Washington, DC
20552.
Instructions: The CFPB encourages
the early submission of comments. All
submissions should include the agency
name and docket number for this
document. Because paper mail in the
Washington, DC, area and at the CFPB
is subject to delay, commenters are
encouraged to submit comments
electronically. In general, the CFPB will
post all comments received without
change to https://www.regulations.gov.
The CFPB will make all comments,
including attachments and other
supporting materials, part of the public
record and subject to public disclosure.
You should not include proprietary
information or sensitive personal
information, such as account numbers
or Social Security numbers, or names of
other individuals. The CFPB will not
edit comments to remove any
identifying or contact information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
OCC: Siddarth Rao, Fair Lending
Compliance Policy Specialist, (732)
635–2070; Joanne Phillips, Counsel, or
Marta Stewart-Bates, Counsel, Chief
Counsel’s Office, (202) 649–5490; Office
of the Comptroller of the Currency, 400

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7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20219.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have
a speech disability, please dial 7–1–1 to
access telecommunications relay
services.
Board: Carmen Holly, Lead Financial
Institutions Policy Analyst, Division of
Supervision and Regulation, (202) 973–
6122; Keshia King, Lead Supervisory
Policy Analyst, Division of Consumer
and Community Affairs, (202) 452–
2496; Trevor Feigleson, Senior Counsel,
(202) 452–3274, or Derald Seid, Senior
Counsel, (202) 452–2246, Legal
Division. For users of telephone systems
via text telephone (TTY) or any TTYbased Telecommunications Relay
Services, please call 711 from any
telephone, anywhere in the United
States; Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, 20th and C
Streets NW, Washington, DC 20551.
FDIC: Patrick J. Mancoske, Senior
Examination Specialist, Division of Risk
Management Supervision, (202) 898–
7032; Stuart Hoff, Senior Policy Analyst,
Division of Depositor and Consumer
Protection, (202) 898–3852; Legal
Division: Navid Choudhury, Counsel,
(202) 898–6526, nchoudhury@fdic.gov,
or Mark Mellon, Counsel, (202) 898–
3884, mmellon@fdic.gov. Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th
Street NW, Washington, DC 20429.
NCUA: Naghi Khaled, Director of
Credit Markets, or Walonda Hollins,
Senior Credit Specialist, Office of
Examination and Insurance, (703) 216–
5136; Ernestine Ward, Director, Division
of Consumer Compliance Policy &
Outreach, Office of Consumer Financial
Protection (703) 518–6524; National
Credit Union Administration, 1775
Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
CFPB: Makalia Griffith, Counsel;
Woody Anglade, Senior Counsel; Tim
Lambert, Fair Lending Programs Lead
and Senior Counsel, Office of Fair
Lending and Equal Opportunity, at 202–
435–7000. If you require this document
in an alternative electronic format,
please contact CFPB_Accessibility@
cfpb.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Introduction
The Board, the CFPB, the FDIC, the
NCUA, and the OCC are proposing
interagency guidance (proposed
guidance) on ROVs of residential real
estate valuations.1 Collateral valuations,
1 If finalized, this guidance would be supervisory
guidance that does not have the force and effect of
law and does not impose any new requirements on
supervised institutions. See 12 CFR 4, subpart F,
appendix A (OCC); 12 CFR 262, appendix A
(Board); 12 CFR 302, appendix A (FDIC); 12 CFR
1074, appendix A (CFPB); 12 CFR 791, subpart D,
appendix A (NCUA). The agencies understand that

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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2023 / Proposed Rules
including appraisals,2 are important to
the integrity of the residential real estate
lending process. Deficient collateral
valuations can contain inaccuracies due
to errors, omissions, or discrimination
that affect the value conclusion and can
result in either overvaluing or
undervaluing real estate collateral. The
Board, FDIC, NCUA, and the OCC have
previously issued guidance that
describes actions a financial institution
may take to correct deficiencies
identified in collateral valuations.3
These actions include ordering a second
appraisal or evaluation or resolving the
deficiency through the original
appraiser or preparer of the evaluation.4
The agencies, collectively, do not
have existing guidance specific to ROV
processes. For purposes of the proposed
guidance, an ROV is a request from the
financial institution to the appraiser or
other preparer of the valuation report to
re-assess the report based upon
potential deficiencies or other
information that may affect the value
conclusion.5 The agencies have received
questions and comments from financial
institutions and other industry
stakeholders on ROVs, highlighting the
uncertainty in the industry on how
ROVs intersect with appraisal
independence requirements and
compliance with Federal consumer
protection laws, including those related
to nondiscrimination.

ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1

the Office of the Federal Register nevertheless has
placed this proposed guidance document in the
‘‘Proposed Rules’’ category pursuant to the Office of
the Federal Register regulation at 1 CFR 5.9(c).
2 Appraisal means ‘‘a written statement
independently and impartially prepared by a
qualified appraiser setting forth an opinion as to the
market value of an adequately described property
as of a specific date(s), supported by the
presentation and analysis of relevant market
information.’’ 12 CFR 34.42(a) (OCC); 12 CFR
323.2(a) (FDIC); 12 CFR 225.62(a) (Board); 12 CFR
722.2 (NCUA).
3 See Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation
Guidelines, 75 FR 77450 (Dec. 10, 2010).
4 The NCUA uses the term ‘‘written estimate of
market value’’ in place of the term ‘‘evaluation.’’
See 12 CFR 722.3.
5 ROVs may arise from a consumer requesting a
financial institution to reexamine a valuation.

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II. Description of Proposed Joint ROV
Guidance
The proposed guidance describes how
financial institutions may create or
enhance ROV processes that are
consistent with safety and soundness
standards, comply with applicable laws
and regulations, preserve appraiser
independence, and remain responsive to
consumers. The proposed guidance (1)
describes the risks of deficient collateral
valuations, (2) outlines applicable
statutes, regulations, and existing
guidance that govern ROVs and
collateral valuations, (3) explains how
ROV processes and controls can be
incorporated into existing risk
management functions such as appraisal
review and complaint management, and
(4) provides examples of ROV policies,
procedures, and controls that financial
institutions may choose to adopt.
III. Request for Comment
The agencies seek comment, from all
interested parties, on all aspects of the
proposed guidance, and in particular
request comment on the following:
(1) To what extent does the proposed
guidance describe suitable
considerations for a financial institution
to take into account in assessing and
potentially modifying its current
policies and procedures for addressing
ROVs?
(a) What, if any, additional examples
of policies and procedures related to
ROVs should be included in the
guidance?
(b) Which, if any, of the policies and
procedures described in the proposed
guidance could present challenges?
(2) What model forms, or model
policies and procedures, if any, related
to ROVs would be helpful for the
agencies to recommend?
(3) What other guidance may be
helpful to financial institutions
regarding the development of ROV
processes?
(4) To what extent, if any, does the
proposed ROV guidance conflict,
duplicate, or complement the existing
Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation
Guidelines or a financial institution’s
policies and procedures to implement
those Guidelines?

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IV. Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995,6 the OCC,
Board, FDIC, and NCUA reviewed the
proposed guidance. The agencies may
not conduct or sponsor, and an
organization is not required to respond
to, an information collection unless the
information collection displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
The agencies have determined that
certain aspects of the proposed guidance
constitute a collection of information
and are revising their information
collections related to real estate
appraisals and evaluations. The OMB
control number for each agency is: OCC,
1557–0190; Board, 7100–0250; FDIC,
3064–0103; and NCUA, 3133–0125.
These information collections will be
extended for three years, with revision.
In addition to accounting for the PRA
burden incurred as a result of this
proposed guidance, the OCC, Board,
FDIC, and NCUA are also updating and
aligning their information collections
with respect to the hourly burden
associated with the Interagency
Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines.
Abstract: The proposed guidance
encourages financial institutions to
implement ROV policies, procedures,
and control systems to allow consumers
to provide the financial institution with
relevant information that may not have
been considered during an appraisal or
evaluation. Such policies and
procedures create a recordkeeping
requirement.
Frequency of Response: Annual.
Affected Public: Businesses, other forprofit institutions, and other not-forprofit institutions.
Respondents
OCC: National banks, Federal savings
associations.
Board: State member banks (SMBs),
bank holding companies (BHCs) and
nonbank subsidiaries of BHCs.
FDIC: Insured state nonmember banks
and state savings associations, insured
state branches of foreign banks.
NCUA: Private Sector: Not-for-profit
institutions.
6 44

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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2023 / Proposed Rules

Burden
OCC

TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED ANNUAL BURDEN
[OMB No. 1557–0190]
Number of
respondents

Burden hours per respondent

Total number
of hours
annually

Requirement

Citations

Recordkeeping: Resolution stating plans for use of property.
Recordkeeping: ARM loan documentation must specify
indices to which changes in the interest rate will be
linked.
Recordkeeping: Appraisals must be written and contain
sufficient information and analysis to support engaging
in the transaction.
Recordkeeping: Written policies (reviewed annually) for
extensions of credit secured by or used to improve real
estate.
Recordkeeping: Real estate evaluation policy to monitor
OREO.
Recordkeeping: New IC 1—ROV Guidance—Policies and
Procedures (Implementation: Applies to first year only).
Recordkeeping: New IC 2—ROV Guidance—Policies and
Procedures (Ongoing).
Recordkeeping: New IC 3—Interagency Appraisal and
Evaluation Guidelines—Policies and Procedures.
Reporting: Procedure to be followed when seeking to use
an alternative index.
Reporting: Prior notification of making advances under
development or improvement plan for OREO.
Disclosure: Default notice to debtor at least 30 days before repossession, foreclosure, or acceleration of payments.
Disclosure: New IC 4—Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines.

§ 7.1024(d) ....................................

6

5 ....................................................

30

§ 34.22(a); § 160.35(b) ..................

164

6 ....................................................

984

§ 34.44 ..........................................

976

1,465 responses per respondent
@5 minutes per response.

119,072

§ 34.62; appendix A to subpart D
to part 34; § 160.101; appendix
A to § 160.101.
§ 34.85 ..........................................

1,413

30 ..................................................

42,390

9

5 ....................................................

45

N/A ................................................

930

40 ..................................................

37,200

N/A ................................................

930

2 ....................................................

1,860

N/A ................................................

976

10 ..................................................

9,760

§ 34.22(b); § 160.35(d)(3) .............

249

6 ....................................................

1,494

§ 34.86 ..........................................

6

5 ....................................................

30

§ 190.4(h) ......................................

42

2 ....................................................

84

N/A ................................................

976

5 ....................................................

4,880

Total Annual Burden Hours ........................................

.......................................................

........................

.......................................................

217,829

Board

TABLE 2—SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED ANNUAL BURDEN
[OMB No. 7100–0250]
Estimated
number of
respondents

FR Y–30

Estimated
annual
frequency

Estimated
average hours
per response

Estimated
annual
burden hours

Recordkeeping
Sections 225.61—225.67 for SMBs ...........................................................................................
Sections 225.61—225.67 for BHCs and nonbank subsidiaries of BHCs ..................................
Guidelines ...................................................................................................................................
Policies and Procedures ROV guidance (Initial setup) ..............................................................
Policies and Procedures ROV guidance (Ongoing) ..................................................................

701
4,714
5,415
5,799
5,799

519
25
1
1
1

5 minutes ..............
5 minutes ..............
10 .........................
13.3 ......................
2 ...........................

30,318
9,821
54,150
77,127
11,598

Guidelines ...................................................................................................................................

5,415

1

5 ...........................

27,075

Total ....................................................................................................................................

........................

........................

...............................

210,089

Disclosure

FDIC

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TABLE 3—SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED ANNUAL BURDEN
[OMB No. 3064–0103]
Average
annual
number of
respondents

Information collection
(obligation to respond)

Type of burden
(frequency of response)

Recordkeeping Requirements Associated with Real
Estate Appraisals and Evaluations (Mandatory).
New IC 1—ROV Guidance—Policies and Procedures—Implementation (Voluntary).

Recordkeeping (On Occasion).
Recordkeeping (Annual) ......

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Number of
responses per
respondent

Time per response
(hours/minutes)

Annual
burden
(hours)

3,038

250

5 minutes (0.083) ......................

63,039

2,976

1

5 hours (15 hours divided by 3
years).

14,880

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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2023 / Proposed Rules
TABLE 3—SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED ANNUAL BURDEN—Continued
[OMB No. 3064–0103]
Information collection
(obligation to respond)
New IC 2—ROV
dures—Ongoing
New IC 3—2010
dures—Ongoing
New IC 4—2010
(Voluntary).

Average
annual
number of
respondents

Type of burden
(frequency of response)

Number of
responses per
respondent

Annual
burden
(hours)

Time per response
(hours/minutes)

Guidance—Policies and Proce(Voluntary).
Guidelines—Policies and Proce(Voluntary).
Guidelines—Disclosure—Ongoing

Recordkeeping (Annual) ......

2,976

1

1 hours ......................................

2,976

Recordkeeping (Annual) ......

3,038

1

10 hours ....................................

30,380

Disclosure (Annual) .............

3,038

1

5 hours ......................................

15,190

Total Annual Burden (Hours) ...............................

..............................................

........................

........................

...................................................

126,465

NCUA

TABLE 4—SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED ANNUAL BURDEN

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[OMB No. 3133–0125]
Average
annual
number of
respondents

Number of
responses per
respondent

Time per
response
(hours)

Annual
burden
(hours)

Information collection

Type of burden

Recordkeeping Requirements Associated with Real Estate Appraisals and Evaluations.
New IC 1—ROV Guidance—Policies and Procedures—Implementation.
New IC 2—ROV Guidance—Policies and Procedures—Ongoing
New IC 3—2010 Guidelines—Policies and Procedures—Ongoing
New IC 4—2010 Guidelines—Disclosure—Ongoing ......................

Recordkeeping (On Occasion).
Recordkeeping (Annual) ......

3,648

618

0.0825

185,993

3,237

1

5

16,185

Recordkeeping (Annual) ......
Recordkeeping (Annual) ......
Disclosure (Annual) .............

3,237
3,648
3,648

1
1
1

1
10
5

3,237
36,480
18,240

Total Annual Burden Hours .....................................................

..............................................

........................

........................

........................

260,135

Comments are invited on:
(a) Whether the collections of
information are necessary for the proper
performance of the agencies’ functions,
including whether the information has
practical utility;
(b) The accuracy of the estimate of the
burden of the information collections,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
(c) Ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected;
(d) Ways to minimize the burden of
the information collections on
respondents, including through the use
of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology;
and
(e) Estimates of capital or start-up
costs and costs of operation,
maintenance, and purchase of services
to provide information.
All comments will become a matter of
public record. Comments on the
collections of information should be
sent to the address listed for each
agency in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. A copy of the comments may
also be submitted to OMB: by mail, to
U.S. Office of Management and Budget,
725 17th Street NW, #10235,
Washington, DC 20503; by facsimile, to
202–395–6974; or by email, to oira_
submission@omb.eop.gov, Attention:
Federal Banking Agency Desk Officer.

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V. Text of Proposed Interagency ROV
Guidance
Background
Credible collateral valuations,
including appraisals, are essential to the
integrity of the residential real estate
lending process. Deficiencies identified
in valuations, either through an
institution’s valuation review processes
or through consumer provided
information may be a basis for financial
institutions to question the credibility of
the appraisal or valuation report.
Collateral valuations may be deficient
due to prohibited discrimination; 7
errors or omissions; or valuation
methods, assumptions, data sources, or
conclusions that are otherwise
unreasonable, unsupported, unrealistic,
or inappropriate. Deficient collateral
valuations can keep individuals,
families, and neighborhoods from
building wealth through
homeownership by potentially
preventing homeowners from accessing
accumulated equity, preventing
prospective buyers from purchasing
homes, making it harder for
7 For the purposes of this guidance,
‘‘discrimination’’ is prohibited discrimination based
on protected characteristics in the residential
property valuation process. For these purposes,
‘‘valuation’’ includes appraisals, evaluations, and
other means to determine the value of residential
property.

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homeowners to sell or refinance their
homes, and increasing the risk of
default. Valuations that are not credible
may pose risks to the financial
condition and operations of a financial
institution. Such risks may include loan
losses, violations of law, fines, civil
money penalties, payment of damages,
and civil litigation.
Applicable Statutes, Regulations, and
Guidance
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act
(ECOA), and its implementing
regulation, Regulation B, prohibit
discrimination in any aspect of a credit
transaction.8 The Fair Housing Act (FH
Act) and its implementing regulation
prohibit discrimination in all aspects of
residential real estate-related
transactions.9 ECOA and the FH Act
prohibit discrimination on the basis of
race and certain other characteristics in
all aspects of residential real estaterelated transactions, including in
8 See 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. and 12 CFR part 1002.
Regulation B requires creditors to (1) provide an
applicant a copy of all appraisals and other written
evaluations developed in connection with an
application for credit that is to be secured by a first
lien on a dwelling; and (2) provide a copy of each
such appraisal or other written valuation promptly
upon completion, or three business days prior to
consummation of the transaction (for closed-end
credit) or account opening (for open-end credit),
whichever is earlier. See 12 CFR 1002.14(a)(1).
9 See 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq. and 24 CFR part 100.

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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2023 / Proposed Rules

residential real estate valuations. In
addition, section 5 of the Federal Trade
Commission Act prohibits unfair or
deceptive acts or practices 10 and the
Consumer Financial Protection Act
prohibits any covered person or service
provider of a covered person from
engaging in any unfair, deceptive, or
abusive act or practice.11
The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and
its implementing regulation, Regulation
Z, establish certain federal appraisal
independence requirements.12
Specifically, TILA and Regulation Z
prohibit compensation, coercion,
extortion, bribery, or other efforts that
may impede upon the appraiser’s
independent valuation in connection
with any covered transaction.13
However, Regulation Z also explicitly
clarifies that it is permissible for
covered persons 14 to, among other
things, request the preparer of the
valuation to consider additional,
appropriate property information,
including information about comparable
properties, or to correct errors in the
valuation.15
The Board’s, FDIC’s, NCUA’s, and
OCC’s appraisal regulations 16
implementing Title XI of the Financial
Institutions Reform, Recovery, and
Enforcement Act of 1989 17 require all
appraisals conducted in connection
with federally related transactions to
conform with the Uniform Standards of
Professional Appraisal Practice
(USPAP), which requires compliance
with all applicable laws and regulations
including nondiscrimination
requirements.
The Board’s, FDIC’s, NCUA’s, and
OCC’s appraisal regulations also require
appraisals to be subject to appropriate
review for compliance with USPAP.18
Financial institutions generally conduct
an independent review prior to
providing the consumer a copy of the
appraisal or evaluation; however,
10 See

15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1).
12 U.S.C. 5531, 5536.
12 See 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. and 12 CFR part
1026.
13 See 12 CFR 1026.42(c)(1).
14 ‘‘Covered persons’’ include creditors, mortgage
brokers, appraisers, appraisal management
companies, real estate agents, and other persons
that provide ‘‘settlement services’’ as defined in
section 3(3) of the Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act (12 U.S.C. 2602(3)) and the
implementing regulation. See 12 CFR 1026.42(b)(1).
15 See 12 CFR 1026.42(c)(3)(iii).
16 See 12 CFR part 34, subpart C (OCC); 12 CFR
part 208, subpart E and 12 CFR part 225, subpart
G (Board); 12 CFR part 323 (FDIC); 12 CFR part 722
and 12 CFR part 701.31 (NCUA).
17 Public Law 101–73, title XI, 103 Stat. 511
(1989), codified at 12 U.S.C. 3331 et seq.
18 See 12 CFR 34.44(a) (OCC); 12 CFR 225.64(c)
(Board); 12 CFR 722.4(c) (NCUA); and 12 CFR
323.4(c) (FDIC).

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11 See

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additional review may be warranted if
the consumer provides information that
could affect the value conclusion or if
deficiencies are identified in the
original appraisal. An appraisal does not
comply with USPAP if it relies on a
prohibited basis set forth in either the
ECOA or the FH Act or contains
material errors including errors 19 of
omission or commission. If a financial
institution determines through the
appraisal review process, or after
consideration of information later
provided by the consumer, that the
appraisal does not meet the minimum
standards outlined in the agencies’
appraisal regulations and if the
deficiencies remain uncorrected, the
appraisal cannot be used as part of the
credit decision.20
The Board, FDIC, NCUA, and OCC
have issued interagency guidance
describing actions that financial
institutions may take to resolve
valuation deficiencies.21 These actions
include resolving the deficiencies with
the appraiser or preparer of the
valuation report; requesting a review of
the valuation by an independent,
qualified, and competent state certified
or licensed appraiser; or obtaining a
second appraisal or evaluation.
Deficiencies may be identified through
the financial institution’s valuation
review or through consumer provided
information. The regulatory framework
permits financial institutions to
implement ROV policies, procedures,
and control systems that allow
consumers to provide, and the financial
institution to review, relevant
information that may not have been
considered during the appraisal or
evaluation process.
Use of Third Parties
A financial institution’s use of third
parties in the valuation review process
does not diminish its responsibility to
comply with applicable laws and
19 An error of omission is neglecting to do
something that is necessary, e.g., failing to identify
the subject property’s relevant characteristics. An
error of commission is doing something incorrectly,
e.g., incorrectly identifying the subject property’s
relevant characteristics.
20 See 12 CFR 34.44 (OCC); 12 CFR 225.64
(Board); 12 CFR 323.4 (FDIC); and 12 CFR 722.4
(NCUA). In addition, under TILA, if at any point
during the lending process the financial institution
reasonably believes, through appraisal review or
consumer-provided information, that an appraiser
has not complied with USPAP or ethical or
professional requirements for appraisers under
applicable State or Federal statutes or regulations,
the financial institution is required to refer the
matter to the appropriate State appraisal regulatory
agency if the failure to comply is material. See 12
CFR 1026.42(g).
21 See Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation
Guidelines, 75 FR 77450 (Dec. 10, 2010).

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regulations.22 Moreover, whether
valuation review activities and resolving
deficiencies are performed internally or
via a third party, financial institutions
supervised by the Board, FDIC, NCUA,
and the OCC are required to operate in
a safe and sound manner and in
compliance with applicable laws and
regulations, including those designed to
protect consumers.23 In addition, the
CFPB expects financial institutions to
oversee their business relationships
with service providers in a manner that
ensures compliance with Federal
consumer protection laws, which are
designed to protect the interests of
consumers and avoid consumer harm.24
A financial institution’s risk
management practices include
managing the risks arising from its
third-party valuations and valuation
review functions.
Reconsiderations of Value
An ROV request made by the financial
institution to the appraiser or other
preparer of the valuation report
encompasses a request to reassess the
report based upon deficiencies or
information that may affect the value
conclusion. A financial institution may
initiate a request for an ROV because of
the financial institution’s valuation
review activities or after consideration
of information received from a
consumer through a complaint, or
request to the loan officer or other
lender representative.25
22 See OCC Bulletin 2013–29, ‘‘Third-Party
Relationships: Risk Management Guidance;’’ CFPB
Compliance Bulletin and Policy Guidance; 2016–
02, Service Providers (Oct. 2016); FDIC FIL–44–
2008, ‘‘Guidance for Managing Third-Party Risk’’
(June 6, 2008); SR Letter 13–19/CA Letter 13–21,
‘‘Guidance on Managing Outsourcing Risk’’
(December 5, 2013, updated February 26, 2021).
The NCUA does not currently have supervisory or
enforcement authority over third-party credit union
vendors and service providers. The NCUA issued
LTR 07–CU–13 ‘‘Evaluating Third Party
Relationships.’’ to communicate guidance to
examiners on a standard framework for reviewing
third party relationships.
23 See Section 39 of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Act (12 U.S.C. 1831p–1) (which requires each
appropriate Federal banking agency to prescribe
safety and soundness standards for insured
depository institutions). The Federal banking
agencies implemented section 1831p–1 by rule
through the ‘‘Interagency Guidelines Establishing
Standards for Safety and Soundness.’’ See 12 CFR
part 30, appendix A (OCC); 12 CFR part 208,
appendix D–1 (Board); and 12 CFR part 364,
appendix A (FDIC). See also 12 U.S.C. 1786(b); 12
U.S.C. 1789; and 12 CFR 741.3 (NCUA).
24 CFPB Compliance Bulletin and Policy
Guidance; 2016–02, Service Providers (Oct. 2016).
25 See Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation
Guidelines, 75 FR 77450, 77463 (Dec. 10, 2010).
‘‘An institution should establish policies and
procedures for resolving any inaccuracies or
weaknesses in an appraisal or evaluation identified
through the review process, including procedures
for: Communicating the noted deficiencies to and
requesting correction of such deficiencies by the

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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2023 / Proposed Rules
A consumer inquiry or complaint
regarding a valuation would generally
occur after the financial institution has
conducted its initial appraisal or
evaluation review and resolved any
issues identified. Given this timing, a
consumer may provide specific and
verifiable information that may not have
been available or considered when the
initial valuation and review were
performed. Regardless of how the
request for an ROV is initiated, a request
could be resolved through a financial
institution’s independent valuation
review or other processes to ensure
credible appraisals and evaluations.
An ROV request may include
consideration of comparable properties
not previously identified, property
characteristics, or other information
about the property that may have been
incorrectly reported or not previously
considered, which may affect the value
conclusion. To resolve deficiencies,
including those related to potential
discrimination, financial institutions
can communicate relevant information
to the original preparer of the valuation
and, when appropriate, request an ROV.

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Complaint Resolution Process
Financial institutions can capture
consumer feedback regarding potential
valuation deficiencies through existing
complaint resolution processes. The
complaint resolution process may
capture complaints and inquiries about
the financial institution’s products and
services offered across all lines of
business, including those offered by
third parties, as well as complaints from
various channels (such as letters, phone
calls, in person, transmittal from
regulators, third-party valuation service
providers, emails, and social media).
Depending on the nature and volume,
appraisal and other valuation-based
complaints and inquiries can be an
important indicator of potential risks
and risk management weaknesses.
Appropriate policies, procedures, and
control systems can adequately address
the monitoring, escalating, and
resolving of complaints including a
determination of the merits of the
appraiser or person who prepared the evaluation.
An institution should implement adequate internal
controls to ensure that such communications do not
result in any coercion or undue influence on the
appraiser or person who performed the evaluation.
Addressing significant deficiencies in the appraisal
that could not be resolved with the original
appraiser by obtaining a second appraisal or relying
on a review that complies with Standards Rule 3
of USPAP and is performed by an appropriately
qualified and competent State certified or licensed
appraiser prior to the final credit decision.
Replacing evaluations prior to the credit decision
that do not provide credible results or lack
sufficient information to support the final credit
decision.’’

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complaint and whether a financial
institution should initiate an ROV.
Examples of Policies, Procedures, and
Control Systems
Financial institutions may consider
developing risk-based ROV-related
policies, procedures, control systems,
and complaint processes that identify,
address, and mitigate the risk of
deficient valuations, including
valuations that involve prohibited
discrimination, and that:
• Consider ROVs as a possible
resolution for consumer complaints
related to residential property
valuations.
• Consider whether any information
or other process requirements related to
a consumer’s request for a financial
institution to initiate an ROV create
unreasonable barriers or discourage
consumers from requesting an ROV.
• Establish a process that provides for
the identification, management,
analysis, escalation, and resolution of
valuation related complaints across all
relevant lines of business, from various
channels and sources (such as letters,
phone calls, in person, regulators, thirdparty service providers, emails, and
social media).
• Establish a process to inform
consumers how to raise concerns about
the valuation sufficiently early enough
in the underwriting process for any
errors or issues to be resolved before a
final credit decision is made. This may
include suggesting to consumers the
type of information they may provide
when communicating with the financial
institution about potential valuation
deficiencies.
• Identify stakeholders and clearly
outline each business unit’s roles and
responsibilities for processing an ROV
request (e.g., loan origination,
processing, underwriting, collateral
valuation, compliance, customer
experience or complaints).
• Establish risk-based ROV systems
that route the request to the appropriate
business unit (e.g., ROV requests that
allege discrimination could be routed to
the appropriate compliance, legal, and
appraisal review staff that have the
requisite skills and authority to research
and resolve the request).
• Establish standardized processes to
increase the consistency of
consideration of requests for ROVs:
Æ Use clear, plain language in notices
to consumers of how they may request
the ROV;
Æ Use clear, plain language in ROV
policies that provide a consistent
process for the consumer, appraiser, and
internal stakeholders;

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Æ Establish guidelines for the
information the financial institution
may need to initiate the ROV process;
Æ Establish timelines in the
complaint or ROV process for when
milestones need to be achieved;
Æ Establish guidelines for when a
second appraisal could be ordered and
who assumes the cost; and
Æ Establish protocols for
communicating the status of the
complaint or ROV and results to
consumers.
• Ensure relevant lending and
valuation related staff, inclusive of third
parties (e.g., appraisal management
companies, fee-appraisers, mortgage
brokers, and mortgage servicers) are
trained to identify deficiencies
(inclusive of prohibited discriminatory
practices) through the valuation review
process.
VI. CFPB Signing Authority
The Director of the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau, Rohit
Chopra, having reviewed and approved
this document, is delegating the
authority to electronically sign this
document to Laura Galban, CFPB
Federal Register Liaison, for purposes of
publication in the Federal Register.
Michael J. Hsu,
Acting Comptroller of the Currency.
By order of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System.
Ann E. Misback,
Secretary of the Board.
Dated at Washington, DC, on June 1, 2023.
James P. Sheesley,
Assistant Executive Secretary, Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Melane Conyers-Ausbrooks,
Secretary of the Board, National Credit Union
Administration.
Laura Galban,
Federal Register Liaison, Consumer Financial
Protection Bureau.
[FR Doc. 2023–12609 Filed 7–20–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810–33–P; 6210–01–P; 6714–01–P;
7535–01–P; 4810–AM–P

FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE
AGENCY
12 CFR Part 1227
RIN 2590–AB23

Suspended Counterparty Program
Federal Housing Finance
Agency.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:

The Federal Housing Finance
Agency (FHFA) is proposing to amend
the existing Suspended Counterparty

SUMMARY:

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