SEC Invites Regulated Entities to Submit Diversity Self-Assessments

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) is inviting regulated entities to submit voluntary self-assessments of their diversity policies and practices for the Diversity Assessment Report. The report will supplement the Joint Standard interagency policy statement, released in 2015, which aims to establish standards for assessing diversity and inclusion efforts.

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Federal Bank Agencies Assist Community Development after Hurricane Maria

A press release by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation reveals that federal bank regulatory agencies will give “favorable consideration” to disaster areas affected by Hurricane Maria, predominantly located outside of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This will be carried out under Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations, which encourage financial institutions to assist community development and local credit needs.

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Free SBA HUBZone Webinars for Small Businesses

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From February to mid-March, the U.S. Small Business Administration will offer small businesses a free six-part, webinar series to help them utilize its Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone Program. Each webinar will include an hour of important tips on how businesses can grow their bottom line by making the most of their available resources.

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Post-Crisis Small Business Bank Lending at a Slow Crawl

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A recent report from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Office of Advocacy assesses changes in bank lending to small businesses in comparison to levels during the financial crisis. Following a review of banks of varying sizes and financial health, findings reveal a slow recovery in the small business loan market and a more pronounced growth in the total business loan market.

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Acting Director Mulvaney Announces CFPB Review

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Acting Director Mick Mulvaney recently announced a call for evidence and upcoming Requests for Information (RFIs) regarding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This public review is meant to ensure that the agency is sufficiently meeting its statutory obligations to protect consumers.

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These Women in STEM Experience Higher Inequality

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The Pew Research Center’s recent survey on workplace inequalities in STEM highlights three groups of STEM women who are more likely to see gender inequality where they work: women in STEM settings where men outnumber women; women with computer jobs; and women in STEM who hold postgraduate degrees.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018

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Today Americans observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday occurring every third Monday in January, in honor of the life and achievements of a leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement almost three decades ago.

Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister and Nobel Laureate, advocated for civil rights and against racial discrimination in federal and state law through nonviolent activism. Introduced shortly after his assassination in 1968, the holiday was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and first observed in 1986. This was the first national holiday to commemorate an African American.

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Small Screen Opportunity for Female Directors

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At the 75th Golden Globes, Barbra Streisand voiced her shock at being the only female director to ever win a Golden Globe award, which was in 1984. “We need more women directors and more women to be nominated for best director,” she stated. “There are so many films out there that are so good directed by women.”

To help more women directors gain recognition, NBC created the “Female Forward” initiative, a program providing emerging talent with training, mentorship and a chance to direct an episode of scripted television.

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NAWRB Remembers CFPB’s Laurie Maggiano

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It is with saddened hearts that we announce Laurie Maggiano, Servicing and Secondary Markets Program Manager at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), has passed away. Laurie was an influential leader in the mortgage industry, a role model to her peers, and a beloved friend to many professionals in the housing ecosystem.

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