Advocacy

Title Waiver Pilot

The Biden Administration released a plan aimed at lowering housing costs that includes a pilot to waive the requirement for lender’s title insurance on certain refinances. ALTA called the announcement a political gesture offering a false promise of savings for homeowners 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.

FinCEN Renews Real Estate Geographic Targeting Orders

April 15, 2025

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on Oct. 15 renewed its Geographic Targeting Orders (GTO) that requires U.S. title insurance companies to identify the natural persons behind shell companies used in non-financed purchases of residential real estate. The terms of the GTOs are effective through Oct. 9, 2025. FinCEN issued a final rule requiring certain industry professionals to report information to FinCEN about non-financed transfers of residential real estate to a legal entity or trust. This nationwide reporting framework will replace the GTOs. The rule goes into effect Dec. 1, 2025. ALTA will host a two-day virtual bootcamp to help title and settlement companies prepare for the rule. Click here for more information and to register.

Seller Impersonation Fraud Education Resources

January 30, 2025

Sophisticated fraudsters are using the real property owners' Social Security and drivers' license numbers in transactions, as well as legitimate notary credentials, to commit seller impersonation fraud and illegally sell commercial or residential property. ALTA has created several handouts to educate your staff and consumers about this threat. There also is a document that ALTA members can customize and is available in several languages.

Guarding Your Closing Funds: Strategies to Combat Wire Fraud

January 30, 2025

Listen to this webinar recording as experts examine emerging fraudulent schemes, including the use of AI deepfake technology and seller impersonation, and provide essential strategies for companies to protect themselves and their clients.

 ALTA Joins Letter in Call for National Data Privacy Law

January 28, 2025

ALTA joined 37 other organizations in a letter requesting Congress take legislative action to develop a comprehensive national privacy law. The letter outlines several principles that should be included in the development of the privacy standard.

NotaryCam Reports Record Year for RON Transactions

January 28, 2025

NotaryCam, a Stewart-owned company, reported it completed more than 154,000 remote online notarizations (RON) in 2024.

First American Unveils Real-time Fraud Alert System

December 12, 2024

Available to all First American policy-issuing title agents, Order Insights is now included with AgentNet Services, the digital storefront for First American Title’s products and services that launched earlier this year.