Agencies Remind Banks of Potential Risks Associated with Third-Party Deposit Arrangements and Request Additional Information on Bank-Fintech Arrangements
The federal bank regulatory agencies today issued a statement reminding banks of potential risks associated with third-party arrangements to deliver bank deposit products and services. The agencies support responsible innovation and banks engaging in these arrangements in a safe and sound manner and in compliance with applicable law. While these arrangements can provide benefits, supervisory…
OCC: Acting Comptroller Discusses Trends Reshaping Banking
Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael J. Hsu today discussed three key long-term trends that are reshaping banking in remarks at the Exchequer Club. Mr. Hsu’s written remarks in support of his appearance discussed the increasing number and size of large banks, the complexity of bank-nonbank relationships, and the rise in polarization. The Acting Comptroller…
CFPB: Process Launches to Recognize Open Banking Standards
New rule establishes process for recognizing data sharing standards and prevents dominant incumbents from squelching startups Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finalized a rule outlining the qualifications to become a recognized industry standard setting body, which can issue standards that companies can use to help them comply with the CFPB’s upcoming Personal Financial…
CFPB: Agency Warns Against Deception in Contract Fine Print
Companies using illegal or unenforceable terms and conditions risk breaking the law The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today issued a circular warning against the use of unlawful or unenforceable terms and conditions in contracts for consumer financial products or services. Companies use this fine print tactic to try to trick consumers into believing they have given…
OCC: Project REACh 2.0 Launched
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced the launch of REACh 2.0 at its Project REACh Financial Inclusion Summit. Project REACh, the Roundtable for Economic Access and Change, brings together leaders from the banking industry, national civil rights organizations, business, and technology to identify and reduce barriers that prevent full, equal,…
OCC: National Financial Capability Month Celebrated in April
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) supports National Financial Capability Month in April, and encourages national banks and federal savings associations (collectively, banks) to support this annual commemoration by recommitting their focus on improving the financial capability and financial health of their customers. Banks can promote financial capability through high-quality financial literacy…
ABA: ABA & 52 State Bankers Associations Issue Comment Letter to CFPB Explaining that the Market for Overdraft Services is Already Transparent and Competitive
In a detailed comment letter filed today with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the American Bankers Association joined all 52 state bankers associations in explaining why the market for overdraft services is already transparent and competitive, directly challenging the basic premise behind the Bureau’s misguided proposal to impose additional regulation on overdraft protection services. The letter spells…
ABA: Consumer Survey Data Unveiled on Debit Cards, Overdraft and Other Banking Issues
In the wake of the Federal Reserve’s recent proposal to further lower the price cap on the debit interchange merchants pay to process debit card transactions, a new survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Bankers Association finds that consumers are happy with their debit cards and think the government should leave…
ABA: New Consumer Polling Data on Major Bank Policy Issues Released
National survey finds strong majorities are happy with their bank, view banking as “highly competitive,” value credit cards, and are concerned about the impact of new bank regulation Nine in 10 Americans with a bank account (87%) say they are “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their primary bank, and 96% rate their bank’s customer service as…
CFPB: Guidance Issued to Rein in Rigged Comparison-Shopping Results for Credit Cards and Other Financial Products
Manipulative advertisements and kickbacks undermine competition and can violate federal law The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today issued a circular to law enforcement agencies and regulators explaining how companies operating comparison-shopping tools can break the law when they steer consumers to certain products or lenders because of kickbacks. Consumers use comparison-shopping tools to evaluate the costs,…