Replies to post #295045 on Fannie Mae-No Politics (FNMA)

[cooler_heads]

Looks like they originated a lot of loans with FnF in 2014. Buffett connection as well.

http://www.streetinsider.com/SEC+Filings/Form+8-K+LEUCADIA+NATIONAL+CORP+For%3A+Mar+02/10328227.html

Berkadia Commercial Mortgage
Berkadia, our 50/50 joint venture with Berkshire Hathaway, had another strong year in 2014. Despite a slow first quarter, Berkadia originated $12.8 billion in new financing for its clients, up nearly 23% over 2013. For 2014, Berkadia was the single largest originator for HUD ($1.5 billion), the second largest Freddie Mac originator ($4.4 billion) and the third largest originator for FNMA ($2.7 billion). Although Berkadia’s $4.1 billion of investment sales in 2014 were flat versus 2013, significant progress was made in the integration of the mortgage banking and investment sales teams. The combination of these capabilities allows us to better serve our clients and we expect it will lead to accelerated growth for the entire enterprise. With a large commercial real estate refinancing wave coming in 2015 and 2016, expectations are high for the future of Berkadia. Our relationship with Berkshire Hathaway remains outstanding and we look forward to continued success together. We also look forward to working with Justin and the Berkadia senior leadership team as they continue to grow Berkadia into the best full service mortgage banking firm in the industry.

[obiterdictum]

Joseph A. Orlando is the now retired former CFO of Leucadia National (LUK). Orlando worked at Leucadia as CFO for 18 years. Bruce Berkowitz's mutual fund, The Fairholme Fund, and its capital branch, Fairholme Capital Management LLC, still own a significant amount of shares of LUK.

For example, Leucadia (3.6%) remains the Fairholme Fund’s longest held position.

See: Fairholme 2014 Annual Report

There is a relationship there and so calling on Orlando may be a tactical move regarding the deciphering of certain protecting financial documents. So, Cooper may be bringing on somebody who is both an expert in financial accounting and a corporate friend who is now retired for almost a year from Leucadia and perhaps qualified as not having an outstanding conflict of interest.