CFPB: New Effort Launched to Promote Competition and Innovation in Consumer Finance
New Office Will Identify Obstacles for New Market Entrants The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is opening a new office, the Office of Competition and Innovation, as part of a new approach to help spur innovation in financial services by promoting competition and identifying stumbling blocks for new market entrants. The office will replace the…
CFPB: Interpretive Rule Issued to Clarify Scope of States’ Ability to Enforce Federal Consumer Financial Protection Laws
Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued an interpretive rule that describes states’ authorities to pursue lawbreaking companies and individuals that violate the provisions of federal consumer financial protection law. Because of the crucial role states play in protecting consumers, the Consumer Financial Protection Act grants their consumer protection enforcers the authority to protect…
CFPB: Agency Takes Action to Protect Depositors from False Claims about FDIC Insurance
FDIC takes parallel action to combat misrepresentations The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released an enforcement memorandum today that addresses prohibited practices on claims about Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance. Specifically, firms cannot misuse the name or logo of the FDIC or make deceptive representations about deposit insurance. The issue has taken on renewed…
CFPB: Report Released on Mortgage Servicing Metrics
Hundreds of thousands of borrowers are still behind on loans after COVID-19 mortgage protections, forbearance end Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published a report examining mortgage servicers’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data, collected across 16 large servicers from May through December 2021, reveal homeowners continue to face significant risks and challenges…
CFPB: Advisory Opinion on Coverage of Fair Lending Laws Issued
Equal Credit Opportunity Act continues to protect borrowers after they have applied for and received credit Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published an advisory opinion to affirm that the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)—a landmark federal civil rights law protecting individuals and businesses against discrimination in accessing and using credit—bars lenders from discriminating…
CFPB: Statement of CFPB Director Chopra on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding the CRA
Today, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is voting to seek public comment on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update the Community Reinvestment Act framework for certain state-chartered banks.1 I am voting in favor of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, particularly because of the potential it holds to assist rural…
CFPB: Supervisory Report Finds Unlawful Auto Repossessions and Breakdowns in Credit Report Disputes
Agency examiners identify improper practices across consumer financial products and services Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its Supervisory Highlights report on legal violations identified during the CFPB’s supervisory examinations in the second half of 2021. The report details key findings across consumer financial products and services. “While most entities act in good…
CFPB: Agency Invokes Dormant Authority to Examine Nonbank Companies Posing Risks to Consumers
Bureau Seeks Comment on Updated Procedures The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that it is invoking a largely unused legal provision to examine nonbank financial companies that pose risks to consumers. The CFPB believes that utilizing this dormant authority will help protect consumers and level the playing field between banks and nonbanks. The CFPB…
CFPB: Report Spotlights Medical Billing Challenges
Consumer complaints show coercive credit reporting and privacy intrusions based on unverified and inaccurate medical billing A report issued today by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) examines the financial consequences of medical billing and collections endured by individuals and families across the country. The report draws from the rising volume of medical billing and…
CFPB: New Report Released on Financial Challenges Facing Rural Communities
Many rural communities are “banking deserts” Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a report on the challenges faced by Americans in rural communities. The report highlights that many of these communities lack access to physical bank branches, are more likely to seek credit from nonbanks, and are heavily affected by medical bills. The…