The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) called for more resources and authority for the Federal Housing Administration and the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) to manage through the current housing crisis, according to a report released today. An MBA council made 12 recommendations to improve the FHA and Ginnie Mae. Among them, were increased resources for staffing and technology. The council, convened in November 2009, consists of senior executives from 27 large and small independent mortgage-banking companies. The MBA did back the appointment of Bob Ryan to the new chief risk officer position. Last week, Ryan gave HousingWire some insight to recent policy changes at FHA. The council also recommended an update on the FHA mission, re-examine of the current FHA loan limits and strengthen its reverse mortgage product, known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). It also asked Congress to provide FHA with more authority to increase premiums and to suspend problem lenders. “FHA and Ginnie Mae are cornerstones of the U.S. housing market as they provide access to mortgage loans for millions of first-time, and low- and moderate-income homebuyers. MBA members support both of these institutions,” said MBA Chairman Robert Story Jr. “MBA has long advocated for changes that will help guarantee a strong FHA and Ginnie Mae.” Write to Jon Prior.