Financial Audit: Federal Housing Finance Agency's FY 2019 and FY 2018 Financial Statements
Fast Facts
The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) goal is to keep the housing finance system healthy by supervising and regulating Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
FHFA spent $277.9 million in FY 2019 to do its work.
We audit the financial statements of FHFA each year and issue an opinion on them, as well as on the effectiveness of the agency's internal controls (e.g., ability to ensure that transactions are properly authorized and recorded). In fiscal year 2019, we found that the financial statements were reliable and that FHFA's controls over financial reporting were effective.
Federal Housing Finance Agency Seal
Highlights
What GAO Found
GAO found (1) the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, and 2018, are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; (2) FHFA maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019; and (3) no reportable noncompliance for fiscal year 2019 with provisions of applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements GAO tested. In its written comments on a draft of this report, FHFA stated that it was pleased to accept the audit conclusions and that it will continue to work to enhance its internal control and ensure the reliability of its financial reporting, the soundness of its operations, and public confidence in its mission.
Why GAO Did This Study
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 established FHFA as an independent agency empowered with supervisory and regulatory oversight of the housing-related government-sponsored enterprises: the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks, and the Office of Finance. This act requires FHFA to annually prepare financial statements and requires GAO to audit the agency’s financial statements. In accordance with the act, GAO audited FHFA’s financial statements.
For more information, contact Cheryl E. Clark at (202) 512-3406 or clarkce@gao.gov.
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