Which agency acts as conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) serves as the conservator for both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This role was established during the financial crisis of 2008 when these government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) were placed into conservatorship due to their critical financial difficulties and the risk they posed to the housing market. As conservator, the FHFA is responsible for overseeing and managing the operations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to protect the interests of taxpayers, stabilize the housing finance system, and ensure that these entities continue to provide liquidity in the mortgage market.

The other agencies listed have distinct roles that do not include acting as conservators of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), for instance, was created to oversee and enforce consumer protection laws related to financial services but does not manage GSEs. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is primarily concerned with the insurance of deposits at banks and savings associations, not the oversight of mortgage-related entities. The Department of Treasury works closely with the FHFA but does not directly serve the role of conservator for these GSEs.