FHFA Reaches $885 Million Agreement With Credit Suisse Over MBS

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, announced that it has reached a settlement with Credit Suisse, related companies and specifically named individuals for $885 million. The settlement resolves all claims in the lawsuit FHFA v. Credit Suisse, et al. as well as all claims against the Credit Suisse defendant in FHFA v. Ally Financial Inc., et al. alleging violations of federal and state securities laws in connection with private-label mortgage-backed securities (PLS) purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac during 2005-2007. Under the terms of the agreement, Credit Suisse will pay approximately $234 million to Fannie Mae and approximately $651 million to Freddie Mac and certain claims against Credit Suisse related to the securities involved will be released. This is the ninth settlement FHFA has announced in relation to the 18 PLS lawsuits the agency filed in 2011.