In this episode of Payments Pros, Josh McBeain and Chris Willis discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) proposed rule on overdraft fees. The rule, which only applies to large financial institutions with assets over $10 billion, aims to regulate overdraft services by altering the definition of ‘finance charge,’ effectively subjecting these institutions to Regulation Z’s disclosure and substantive provisions. Chris and Josh delve into the complexities of the proposed rule, considering its potential implications and the likelihood of litigation challenges from the industry. They also discuss the role of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the concept of Chevron deference in this context.

Troutman Pepper attorneys Brooke Conkle and Chris Capurso discuss the Federal Trade Commission’s “Holder Rule” in the third of five special episodes devoted to auto finance issues. Although the Holder Rule has been around since the 1970s and is a staple of consumer finance contracts, there have been several recent, important developments. Brooke and Chris hop behind the wheel of this installment to review these developments, the position taken by the FTC and courts, and the potential impacts to dealers and finance companies.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis discusses the recent changes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) made to its rules for designating nonbanks subject to supervision due to potential risks to consumers. Willis provides a background on this authority granted to the CFPB by the Dodd-Frank Act and discusses the CFPB’s increased use of this authority in recent years. He also delves into the implications of the CFPB’s updated rules, emphasizing the need for nonbanks to prepare for potential supervision and to build robust compliance management systems. The episode provides valuable insights for nonbanks navigating the regulatory landscape and the potential for CFPB supervision.

In this insightful episode of FCRA Focus, host Dave Gettings and guest Jonathan DeMars, an associate in Troutman Pepper’s Consumer Financial Services Practice Group, delve into the recent Supreme Court decision in Department of Agriculture Rural Development Rural Housing Service v. Kirtz. This ruling examines the potential liability of the government under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and has implications through the legal community and beyond. Join us as we explore the intricacies of the case, the arguments that swayed the Supreme Court, and the likely effects on both government entities and private parties. This episode offers our insights into a case that defines the boundaries of sovereign immunity within the realm of credit reporting.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by Troutman Pepper Partner Jeremy Rosenblum and Neil Currie, vice president at the American Arbitration Association (AAA). They discuss the phenomenon of mass arbitration and the recent revisions to the AAA’s rules to address this. The conversation covers the new AAA rules, the fee structure, and the benefits of using AAA over other arbitration administrators. They also discuss strategies for drafting arbitration clauses to avoid the challenges of mass arbitrations. The episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of mass arbitration and offers practical advice for businesses navigating this challenging landscape.

In the third episode of this four-part series, Ethan, Addison, and Trey discuss several state-level developments that occurred in the digital asset sector during 2023. The group discusses the inception of New York Department of Financial Services’ (NYDFS) BitLicense regulation, its evolution, and the NYDFS’ introduction of guidance describing the procedures a digital asset custodian must engage in to ensure the provision of safekeeping services in a consumer-friendly manner. The main principles of the guidance aim to protect consumers by requiring digital asset custodians to, among other things, segregate digital assets owned by consumers and to prevent the establishment of debtor-creditor relationships with consumers that utilize custodial services.

Troutman Pepper attorneys Brooke Conkle and Chris Capurso helm this episode to discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) recent annual report on consumer complaints for 2023. Although the report primarily focuses on consumer reporting, it includes an auto-finance section for those involved in auto loans and leases. Out of 1.6 million total complaints only 17,000 to 18,000 were directed toward auto finance-related issues; however, Brooke and Chris highlight some key takeaways. The bottom line: The CFPB pursues auto finance actions, and the most effective way to gain insight into the Bureau’s thinking is to examine the issues highlighted in the complaint report and ensure your processes are properly prepared.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by colleague Jesse Silverman. They discuss the crucial steps fintech firms need to take to establish and maintain successful partnerships with banks. Silverman, with his unique background as a state regulator, CFPB staff member, and fintech executive, provides insights into the preparation, due diligence, and onboarding processes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the bank’s compliance requirements, having clear policies and procedures, and ensuring a robust information security system. Silverman also discusses the benefits and challenges of using a Banking as a Service (BaaS) partner. The episode provides valuable advice for fintech companies looking to navigate the complexities of partnering with banks in a highly regulated industry.