The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) released a new market “data spotlight” on Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) that uses actual transaction data from six large providers of “pay-in-four” BNPL loans. The report paints a picture of growing adoption paired with improving credit performance: late fees fell and charge-off rates declined in 2023, even as the number of loans and users rose.
In this crossover episode of Payments Pros and The Consumer Finance Podcast, Jason Cover, Mark Furletti, and Andrew Thurmond return to unpack the complex landscape of residential solar finance. They highlight practical complications lenders face with home improvement projects involving power purchase agreements, leases, tax credit, retail installment contracts, renewable energy certificates, and more. The discussion also provides insight on trends in the solar industry, bankruptcy, the rise of solar disclosure requirements and state-level oversight, and compliance measures to mitigate risk.
In this crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, Jason Cover, Mark Furletti, and Andrew Thurmond return to unpack the complex landscape of residential solar finance. They highlight practical complications lenders face with home improvement projects involving power purchase agreements, leases, tax credit, retail installment contracts, renewable energy certificates, and more. The discussion also provides insight on trends in the solar industry, bankruptcy, the rise of solar disclosure requirements and state-level oversight, and compliance measures to mitigate risk.
In this insightful crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, host Jason Cover is joined by colleagues Mark Furletti and Taylor Gess to explore the complexities of home improvement finance. The discussion delves into the unique risks associated with point-of-sale financing in the home improvement sector, such as contractor oversight issues, promotions, and the intricacies of state and federal regulations. Gain valuable insights into best practices for lenders and finance companies to mitigate these risks, ensure compliance, and protect consumers. This episode offers essential guidance on navigating the evolving landscape of home improvement finance.
On October 10, California Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 483 (AB 483) into law, introducing new regulations on early termination fees in fixed term installment contracts. This legislation applies to contracts entered into or modified on or after August 1, 2026, and prohibits the use of termination fees unless specific conditions are met.
Last week, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California denied Empower Finance’s motion to compel arbitration in a class action lawsuit concerning its earned wage access (EWA) product, Cash Advance. In Vickery v. Empower Finance, Inc., the court found that Empower’s Cash Advance product was “credit” under the Military Lending Act (MLA) making Empower’s arbitration agreement unenforceable under the MLA, which prohibits arbitration agreements for consumer credit extended to active-duty service members and their dependents.
In this insightful crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, host Jason Cover is joined by Mark Furletti and Jeremy Sairsingh to delve into the intricate world of credit card rewards programs. Discover the various types of rewards, from points-based systems to cashback and travel miles, and learn how these programs are funded. The episode also explores regulatory perspectives, including recent CFPB guidance and state-specific laws affecting rewards programs.
In this crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, Jason Cover is joined by Mark Furletti, Taylor Gess, and Jeremy Sairsingh to discuss the intricate world of credit cards. Whether plastic, metal, or digital, credit cards have significantly evolved over time, along with their regulations. This episode examines the historical roots, modern functionalities, and the regulatory landscape that governs credit cards. Discover how innovations like buy now, pay later models are reshaping consumer credit, and gain insights into the future of credit card regulation.
An initiative designed to add significant regulatory obligations to the home improvement and solar financing industries is progressing through the California legislature. Senate Bill 784 (SB 784) passed the California Senate last month and the California Assembly is quickly moving a slightly amended version of the bill through committees in July. If enacted, SB 784 would take effect on January 1, 2026.
In this special joint episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, Chris Willis, co-leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Consumer Financial Services Regulatory Practice, is joined by Keith Barnett and Jason Cover from the Payments Pros podcast, along with Troutman Pepper Locke Consumer Financial Services Partner Mark Furletti. They discuss the future of earned-wage access (EWA) products following the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rescission of previous guidance. The conversation explores the history and evolution of EWA products, initially designed as employer-based solutions to provide employees early access to earned wages without extending credit.