Government

Speaking at an industry conference in Phoenix, Arizona, this week, Darrin Benhart, the OCC's deputy comptroller for credit and market risk, said the changing regulatory environment requires mortgage lenders to consider a number of potential risks on different fronts. Benhart acknowledged the list of mortgage-related reforms is extensive. ""These reforms mean you will need an even greater emphasis on risk management techniques that not only look at credit risk but also encompass operational and compliance risk,"" he said.

First-time claims for unemployment insurance for the week ending September 7 plunged 31,000 to 292,000, the lowest level since March 2006, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Economists expected the number of claims to edge up to 330,000 from the 323,000 originally reported for the week ending August 31. The number of filings for that week was unchanged.

Equator, a Los Angeles-based provider of default servicing technologies, announced the launch of Loan Management, a comprehensive new compliance and decision tool for delinquent loans.

Moody's Analytics customers will now be able to access the full suite of Zillow real estate aggregate data and related indices, the companies announced.

Title365 Agency, a nationwide provider of title insurance and escrow services, is moving forward with its Arizona expansion with the opening of two new branch offices in Glendale and Scottsdale.

Wingspan Portfolio Advisors, a Dallas-based diversified mortgage services provider, will sponsor in October a two-day charity golf tournament, exclusive VIP movie screening, and private concert event featuring five-time Grammy Award winner Wynonna Judd.

Former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice delivered the keynote address to conclude Monday night's program at the 10th annual Five Star Conference and Expo in Dallas. Dr. Rice took the stage after the unprecedented giveaway of 10 free homes to U.S. veterans and their families by the Military Warriors Support Foundation, four banks in attendance, and three event sponsors. The evening kicked off with the presentation of the 2013 Five Star Lifetime Achievement Award to Anthony T. Meola of Bank of America.

JPMorgan Chase's board has announced its intention to elect Linda B. Bammann and Michael A. Neal to join as directors.

In California, NextAce Corporation is marking its 10th year of providing automate real property intelligence by making its patented Title EDGE automated title search platform available directly from its website.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is putting on notice companies that furnish information to credit reporting firms, reminding them that they are responsible for investigating consumer disputes forwarded to them.