Morrison & Foerster, a global law firm, announced that Kathleen “Kitty” Ryan has joined the firm’s Financial Services Group as of counsel in the Los Angeles office. Ryan is the former Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Regulations at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), where she was instrumental in the planning and oversight of mortgage-related rulemakings, including mortgage servicing regulations, Truth in Lending Act-Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (TILA-RESPA) Integrated Disclosures rules, and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Prior to joining the CFPB, Ms. Ryan served as Senior Regulatory Counsel at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where she focused on regulatory issues impacting mortgage and fair lending issues. Ms. Ryan also developed her extensive mortgage related experience while with the Consumer and Community Affairs Division of the Federal Reserve Board (FRB). 

Ryan’s practice focuses on the regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement elements of consumer mortgages. She advises financial services clients on a wide range of matters, including mortgage regulation and licensing, RESPA, the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, auto and installment loans, and fair lending. Ms. Ryan also regularly represents clients on compliance with new and existing consumer protection regulations and on responding to examinations, investigations, and enforcement actions.

“The perspective that Kitty brings from her in-house experience at JPMorgan, combined with her time at the CFPB and the FRB, will be invaluable to our clients,” said Obrea Poindexter, co-chair of Morrison & Foerster’s Financial Services Group. “Kitty’s sophisticated knowledge and vast experience in origination and servicing rules and compliance requirements make her one of the leading legal advisors on consumer mortgages. Her practice is a great addition to the firm, which further strengthens our deep national financial services bench.”

Ryan is an active member of the California Mortgage Bankers Association, currently serving as secretary for its Legal Committee. She is also regularly called upon to speak on regulatory issues. Most recently, she presented at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Regulatory Compliance Conference and participated in the California Mortgage Bankers Association webinar, “Hot Topics in State Regulation.” Additionally, Ms. Ryan has regularly provided commentary to media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, Law360, and National Law Journal.

“Morrison & Foerster’s reputation as a powerhouse firm with leading and innovative financial services capabilities made my decision to join an easy one,” said Ms. Ryan. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with my talented new colleagues and helping our clients navigate the complexities of the regulatory environment.”

Ryan received her B.A. from California State University, Northridge, and her J.D. from Washington College of Law.