Advocacy

Title Acceptance Pilot

A plan to lower housing costs includes a pilot program waiving the requirement for lender’s title insurance on certain refinances. ALTA called the move a political gesture that offers a false promise of savings while exposing consumers, lenders, and taxpayers to greater financial risk.

Unregulated Alternatives to Title Insurance

ALTA continues to take the lead in engaging with state regulators, the FHFA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and lenders about the risks of waiving title insurance requirements.

FinCEN

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires title companies to collect and report beneficial ownership information on certain real estate transactions.

Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Service

ALTA supports efforts to protect consumers by prohibiting the filing of unfair real estate fee agreements in property records. ALTA advocates for state laws and regulations preventing enforcement of NTRAPS.

Good Funds

The use of various payment rails in real estate transactions is governed by state Good Funds laws. These laws set requirements for acceptable forms of closing funds.

Seller Impersonation Fraud

Sophisticated fraudsters are using the real property owner’s Social Security and driver’s license numbers in the transaction, as well as legitimate notary credentials, which may be applied without the notary’s knowledge.

 The FinCEN Rule in Limbo: Key Questions for the Title Industry

May 26, 2026

The legal and regulatory future of FinCEN’s Residential Real Estate Rule remains uncertain following a federal court decision in Texas vacating the rule and the government’s subsequent appeal. While FinCEN recently clarified that title companies are not currently required to file reports while the court order remains in effect, the litigation has raised significant questions for the title industry about timing, compliance obligations and what comes next. Read on as ALTA General Counsel Steve Gottheim answers questions about the status of the litigation, the appeals process and what title professionals should be monitoring in the months ahead.

 FBI Warns Emerging Kali365 Platform Is Supercharging Phishing Attacks

May 26, 2026

In a recent Public Service Announcement, the FBI detailed a Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) platform called Kali365, which allows cybercriminals to bypass multifactor authentication (MFA) protections and gain persistent access to Microsoft 365 accounts. First identified in April 2026, the platform is being distributed primarily through Telegram and is lowering the barrier to entry for less-skilled attackers.

FinCEN Clarifies Reporting Obligations Following Texas Court Ruling

May 19, 2026

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) released three new frequently asked questions May 18 clarifying the status of its Residential Real Estate Rule following a federal court decision in Texas that vacated the regulation nationwide. The FAQs address status of the rule and clarifies whether reports must be filed while the court's order remains in force and if reporting would be required retroactively if the rule is reinstated.

 FinCEN Appeals Ruling Against Residential Real Estate Rule in Texas

May 15, 2026

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) filed a notice of appeal to a ruling by the Eastern District of Texas that vacated the agency’s Residential Real Estate Rule in its entirety. The court found that FinCEN exceeded its statutory authority under the Bank Secrecy Act and ordered the rule be set aside. Meanwhile, ALTA continues to engage with FinCEN and is pushing for more clarity around the rule, urging that any future changes come with adequate notice and a reasonable implementation period.

New Data Reveals Implementation Challenges Under FinCEN Rule

April 9, 2026

Significant operational strain, widespread uncertainty and growing concern defined the title industry’s experience under FinCEN’s Residential Real Estate Rule, according to a new survey from ALTA. The findings from nearly 1,300 professionals reveal that, while companies worked to comply, the rule introduced complex requirements that disrupted workflows, created friction with consumers and raised fundamental questions about responsibility and risk. Read on to learn what specific changes ALTA would like FinCEN to make to the rule.

The FinCEN Fight Isn’t Over—Support TAN and Be a Part of It

April 7, 2026

When policy shifts, those who speak up shape what comes next. The recent court decisions surrounding the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Rule have created a critical opportunity for the title industry to influence the future of this regulation. Right now, lawmakers and regulators are paying attention. The question is: What are they hearing from you? Join TAN today!