5 tips for fair lending compliance

Description

Abstract: Community banks need to develop and follow fair lending practices. This article summarizes some of the important provisions of the main laws that govern fair lending, such as the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. It then offers five tips to help a community bank create an effective compliance program, including conducting a risk assessment and developing a written policy. A sidebar explains that a useful source of guidance on fair lending compliance is the Interagency Fair Lending Examination Procedures used by federal financial agencies.