§ 4541. Prior approval authority for products
(a)
In general
The Director shall require each enterprise to obtain the approval of the Director for any product of the enterprise before initially offering the product.
(b)
Standard for approval
In considering any request for approval of a product pursuant to subsection (a), the Director shall make a determination that—
(1)
in the case of a product of the Federal National Mortgage Association, the product is authorized under paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section
1717
(b) or section
1719 of this title;
(c)
Procedure for approval
(1)
Submission of request
An enterprise shall submit to the Director a written request for approval of a product that describes the product in such form as prescribed by order or regulation of the Director.
(2)
Request for public comment
Immediately upon receipt of a request for approval of a product, as required under paragraph (1), the Director shall publish notice of such request and of the period for public comment pursuant to paragraph (3) regarding the product, and a description of the product proposed by the request. The Director shall give interested parties the opportunity to respond in writing to the proposed product.
(3)
Public comment period
During the 30-day period beginning on the date of publication pursuant to paragraph (2) of a request for approval of a product, the Director shall receive public comments regarding the proposed product.
(4)
Offering of product
(A)
In general
Not later than 30 days after the close of the public comment period described in paragraph (3), the Director shall approve or deny the product, specifying the grounds for such decision in writing.
(d)
Conditional approval
If the Director approves the offering of any product by an enterprise, the Director may establish terms, conditions, or limitations with respect to such product with which the enterprise must comply in order to offer such product.
(e)
Exclusions
(1)
In general
The requirements of subsections (a) through (d) do not apply with respect to—
(A)
the automated loan underwriting system of an enterprise in existence as of July 30, 2008, including any upgrade to the technology, operating system, or software to operate the underwriting system;
(B)
any modification to the mortgage terms and conditions or mortgage underwriting criteria relating to the mortgages that are purchased or guaranteed by an enterprise, provided that such modifications do not alter the underlying transaction so as to include services or financing, other than residential mortgage financing; or
(2)
Expedited review
(A)
Enterprise notice
For any new activity that an enterprise considers not to be a product, the enterprise shall provide written notice to the Director of such activity, and may not commence such activity until the date of receipt of a notice under subparagraph (B) or the expiration of the period described in subparagraph (C). The Director shall establish, by regulation, the form and content of such written notice.
(f)
No limitation
Nothing in this section may be construed to restrict—