Consumer lending

It's easier than ever for consumers to take out personal loans to pay down high-cost debt or fund big-ticket purchases, and two new studies show that they are taking full advantage of their options.

The U.S. House of Representatives this week likely will consider legislation to end Operation Choke Point, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.).

The public focus on whether Ally should pursue a sale has obscured other issues being raised by the firm's unhappy shareholders.

Wisconsin lawmakers are reviewing a plan to allow employees of licensed debt collection companies to work from home.

Prospect Medical Group, a California-based hospital chain, is one of the first healthcare providers sued since the FCC clarified TCPA language last July concerning auto-dialing cell phones, consent to call and calling wrong numbers.

The CFPB has released its latest monthly consumer complaint snapshot, highlighting consumer complaints in December about financial services such as collections, debt settlement and credit repair.

The Minnesota company's management team expressed confidence in its ability to monitor risk, even as companies such as BB&T and Fifth Third issue warnings over pricing and returns.

Identity theft victims for the first time can go online and get a free ID theft recovery plan to help them in alerting credit bureaus and law enforcement.

Police in Texas are helping collect delinquent court fines by using license plate scanners and credit card readers that allow them to take payments on the spot, with the vehicle data collected and stored by a private company.

Discover Financial Services reported a slowdown in growth in its credit card business but vowed to take steps to reverse the trend.