Student loans

Readers react to plans by Democratic presidential candidates to reform college tuition, credit unions buying more banks, whether the next president could fire the CFPB head and more.

Nitin Mhatre of Webster Financial explains why the Consumer Bankers Association — whose members want a bigger piece of the student lending market — backs legislation that would make the federal government tell borrowers how much they will ultimately owe, as private lenders are already required to do.

The CEOs of Sallie Mae and Discover Financial Services were largely dismissive this week of the threat posed by the two Democratic presidential candidates, though their optimism seemed to be rooted in an assumption that the more sweeping proposals will never become law.

When the former vice president and Massachusetts senator appear together in Houston, they could present two contrasting visions of financial policy within the presidential field.

A major credit union conference will bring lawmakers face to face with the industry as Congress returns from its summer recess.

A legislative measure would have made the Golden State the first in the nation where aggrieved borrowers could sue their servicers. The bill was delayed until 2020 after banks and other financial companies expressed opposition.

The proposal's aim is to ensure borrowers are treated fairly and would require companies, including CUSOs, to submit licensing applications.

An economic downturn is likely to force industry consolidation; the legit firms only offer borrowers things they can get for free, while others are scams.

Robert G. Cameron, a former official at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, will succeed Seth Frotman as the bureau's point person on student lending complaints.

Borrower debt continues to rise, late payments are up and interest rates are at their highest levels since at least 1994. A new report raises questions about the sustainability of the card industry's boom.