​Bank's redlining results in a $32.7 million settlement

WASHINGTON - Mortgage discrimination against black and Hispanic communities has led to a proposed $32.75 million settlement between Hudson City Savings Bank (HSBK) and the federal government.

The New Jersey-based lender located branches, chose mortgage brokers and marketed loans that discouraged borrowers in predominantly minority communities, said the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Justice Department Thursday.

Those specific practices show that Hudson City violated federal law by structuring its business to avoid providing credit based on race and national origin, said U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman of the District of New Jersey.

Pending court approval, Hudson City would need to pay $25 million for a loan subsidy program to increase access to mortgages in black and Hispanic neighborhoods. It would also owe $2.25 million for community programs and outreach and $5.5 million in penalties.

The settlement and other government investigations into the lending policies of other banks indicates that redlining -- a form of segregation dating back to the 1930s that deprives minority homebuyers -- remains a problem decades after the passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act.

Hudson City has $35.4 billion in assets and 135 branches in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The government announced the deal as M&T Bank (MTB) is attempting to finalize its acquisition of Hudson City.

Hudson City shares were trading up 34 cents, or 3.6 percent, in late Thursday afternoon trading, to $9.61. M&T's stock was up 90 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $118.89.