Opinions

State-level groups are pushing measures intended to improve the operating environment for the industry, such as increasing flexibility with field of membership, and providing parity with banks and federally chartered institutions.

U.S. consumer borrowing surged in February by the most since late 2017 as a broader reopening of the economy from pandemic restrictions helped spark an increase in credit card balances.

The Department of Justice in the Trump administration hatched a plan to consider reforming its bank-merger review process, raising industry hopes about overhauling the outdated regime. But progressives want the agency to give more thought to the harm bank combinations cause consumers, including further branch closings.

The consumer bureau is proposing to give companies until January 2022 to comply with one rule regarding communications from collectors and another clarifying disclosure requirements.

Like their counterparts in the U.K., U.S. regulators should be working closely with the private sector to establish principles and guardrails to direct and focus tech advancements in ways that will protect consumers and financial stability.

President Biden said he hasn’t spoken with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell since taking office more than two months ago, citing respect for the central bank’s independence and marking a sharp turn from his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Policymakers have scrutinized social disparities in the financial system and banks' climate-change risks. That has led to a new line of attack from Republicans who say agencies such as the Federal Reserve should stay in their lane.

The 9-0 ruling markedly diminishes the threat of lawsuits involving automated calls and text messages to consumers.

There are new regulations to address, but many requirements streamline current AML practices, says Mark Srere, an attorney at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

One official at the bureau said this fall could be an “unusual point in history” for the mortgage market as delinquent borrowers exit forbearance plans. The agency proposed new steps for servicers to help consumers stay in their homes.