In Brief: N.Y. Regulator Targets Predatory Lending

To crack down on predatory lending, the New York Banking Department on Monday began a campaign to bolster bank oversight and educate consumers.

"As the number of complaints against subprime lenders continues to rise, homebuyers deserve greater protections from and education about abusive practices," said Elizabeth McCaul, the acting New York banking superintendent.

The state plans to examine subprime lenders more frequently, expand the jurisdiction of the department's Criminal Investigations Bureau to include predatory lending, and look for ways to improve laws and regulations against predatory lending.

The Banking Department also will host seminars across the state on subprime lending and will distribute an educational video to schools and consumer groups.

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