Case Updates

Dear constituency list members of the Insolvency Law Committee, the following is a case update analyzing a recent case of interest: SUMMARY In connection with the proposed sale of substantially all of the debtors’ assets free and clear of liens under Bankruptcy Code Section 363(k), the bankruptcy court for the District of Delaware found “cause” within the meaning of Section 363(k) to limit the senior secured creditor’s right to credit bid its secured claim to the discounted amount the secured… Read more

Dear constituency list members of the Insolvency Law Committee, the following is a recent case update: SUMMARY The Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth Circuit affirmed the bankruptcy court’s dismissal, with prejudice, of a debtor’s fraudulent transfer action seeking to avoid the sale of tax-defaulted real property because: (i) the complaint failed to allege sufficient facts, (ii) the debtor unduly delayed in seeking to amend the complaint, and (iii) amendment of the complaint was futile, since a properly conducted sale… Read more

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued its latest Supervisory Report this week, highlighting in particular the types of unfair and deceptive practices found by CFPB examiners to have been committed during the reporting period July – October 2013 by mortgage servicers. These practices were uncovered by examiners in connection with: servicing transfers; waivers of rights in loss mitigation agreements; payment processing; furnishing information to consumer reporting agencies; and other issues arising in servicing of defaulted loans. The CFPB adds that… Read more

Dear constituency list members of the Insolvency Law Committee, the following is a case update on a recent decision of interest: SUMMARY The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that fraud which would have justified the bankruptcy court denying a discharge under 11 U.S.C. §727(a)(4)(A) will support an action to revoke a discharge under 11 U.S.C. §727(d)(1).  Jones v. U.S. Trustee, Eugene, ___ F.3d ___, 2013 WL 6224330 (9th Cir. 2013 Dec. 2, 2013 Dkt. no. 12-35665) (“Jones”). … Read more

Dear constituency list members of the Insolvency Law Committee, the following is a case update on two cases of interest that will be heard by the United States Supreme Court: SUMMARY This January, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on two bankruptcy cases originating out of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals:  Law v. Siegel, No. 12-5196 and Executive Benefits Ins. Agency v. Arkison, No. 12-1200.  The cases present distinct questions.  In Law, the question is whether—pursuant either to its… Read more

Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a complaint and proposed consent order with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Republic Mortgage Insurance Company (RMIC) for allegedly paying kickbacks for mortgage insurance referrals.  CFPB Director Richard Cordray stated that kickbacks are illegal and “can drive up costs for consumers seeking to buy a home.” The CFPB alleges that RMIC violated federal consumer financial law by providing kickbacks to lenders in exchange for referrals… Read more

On October 24, 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) further demonstrated how it is taking up the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) mantle as the defender and enforcer of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). Read more

In a victory for retailers seeking to invalidate debit card interchange fee and transaction routing limits set by the Federal Reserve Board (FRB), the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia concluded that the FRB’s Final Rule was clearly contrary to Congress’ intent. Read more