In Episode 80 of the podcast series on regulatory compliance, Len and Dean discuss the topic of redlining with Lori Sommerfield, a partner at Troutman Pepper, in a new two-part series “Red Warning on Redlining.” Lori, a seasoned fair lending attorney, explains the traditional and modern definitions of redlining, emphasizing how regulators now primarily use Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data to identify potential redlining activity without other evidence to support such claims. She also discusses the DOJ's "Combatting Redlining Initiative," which is a “whole of government” approach leveraging federal agencies, U.S. attorneys, and state attorneys general to eradicate redlining practices. The episode highlights the challenges financial institutions face under aggressive enforcement and the importance of monitoring for redlining risks.
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