'Sounds like something I saw in the late 80s': Comments of the week

July 12, 2018 10:00 PM

Readers weigh in on Mulvaney's plans to shake up the CFPB, respond to banks chasing hot tech trends, applaud fintech-bank partnerships and more.

Representative Maxine Waters, a Democrat from California and ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee, listen to testimony from Janet Yellen, chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, during her semiannual report on the economy to the House Financial Services Committee in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Yellen said prospects are good for further improvement in the labor market and the economy, keeping the central bank on track for an interest-rate increase in 2015. Photographer: Drew Angerer/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Maxine Waters

Drew Angerer/Bloomberg

On the ripple effects of Rep. Maxine Waters' outspoken stand against the Trump administration:

“‘I disagree with almost every thing Congresswoman Waters says, but she deserves the opportunity to be heard in safety and security, said House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, in a statement after the reports of the threats.’ I wish the folks on the other side of the aisle shared this sentiment....including Waters.”

Related: A Waters-led banking panel may not be the scourge banks fear

Concept of Approved mortgage application form lay down on wooden desk with rubber stamp and calculator.

petzshadow - stock.adobe.com

On a New Jersey bank having to set aside more reserves on a $15.4 million commercial loan after learning that the borrower had overstated its collateral:

"The bank relied on the borrower's assessment of collateral value to make their loan? Sounds like something I saw in the late 80s."

Related: Bad loan to take bite out of N.J. bank's 2Q earnings

Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana, speaks during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee confirmation hearing for Representative Ryan Zinke, U.S. secretary of interior nominee for president-elect Donald Trump, not pictured, in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017. Zinke, Trump's pick to head the Interior Department, earned $85,000 from a company that has a stock price of 8 cents, an accumulated deficit of more than $100 million and no customers. Photographer: Zach Gibson/Bloomberg

Zach Gibson/Bloomberg

On a banking super PAC endorsing Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., in his reelection race:

“This is the right move. Bankers must look past Party and support those candidates that support them. Republicans aren’t going to lose the Senate but they also aren’t going to win 60 seats, so bankers are going to need support from D’s. If they can’t support Tester now, why would any D ever help them in the future.”

Related: Tester is first Dem endorsed by banking super PAC

Application Programming Interface as a Blue Art

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On a virtual card provider saying it will start marketing an application programming interface directly to consumers:

"APIs aren't just for the Facebooks and Googles anymore. An interesting fintech story" (via Twitter).

Related: Privacy.com seeks data-sharing middle ground through new API

Applauding an argument in favor of Acting Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Mick Mulvaney's proposal to make the bureau’s rules subject to congressional approval:

"Nice to know there are some out there who understand the constitution and how laws are supposed to work."

Related: Yes, Mulvaney’s strategic plan would shackle CFPB — as it should

Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 19, 2018. Federal government funding runs out at midnight Friday. Legislation to extend the deadline passed the House on Thursday and is set for a showdown in the Senate Friday, in which Democrats are poised to block the bill. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Another reader responds in support of Mulvaney's plan to put CFPB rules up for a vote by Congress:

"Expecting this Congress to formulate policies and draft cogent statutes for their implementation will undoubtedly put the brakes on our rapidly exploding body of administrative law, to which I can only say... HUZZAH!!!"

Related: Yes, Mulvaney’s strategic plan would shackle CFPB — as it should

turtle winning the race against a rabbit

James Steidl/James Steidl - stock.adobe.com

On the need to lead with business value, rather than chase the latest tech trends:

“It does seem that many business leaders have become infatuated with AI/machine learning, when they haven't yet deployed basic business intelligence practices, including data governance/integrity/access, common analytics tools, and, most importantly, the ability to frame the right business questions and interpret the answers. Most of those questions can be answered with conventional analytics methods.”

Related: Why BNY Mellon, Fidelity use AI sparingly

Paper ball forming a lightbulb and paper balls

goir - Fotolia

Agreeing with an argument that fintech partnerships will change banking for the better:

“'Fintechs are a minor league farm system for banks'” #truth" (via Twitter):

Related: 'Doomed'? Fintech partnerships are vital