The Consumer Finance Podcast

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In this pivotal episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, host Chris Willis, alongside colleagues Brooke Conkle and Chris Capurso, explores the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) groundbreaking proposal for regular and extensive data collection within the auto finance industry. This episode is part of our special series on auto finance, where we unpack the implications of this initiative, rooted in the authority of Section 1022 of the Dodd-Frank Act, for both the industry and consumers. As the auto finance sector experiences significant growth amid rising prices and rates, we shed light on the CFPB’s strategy to enhance market monitoring and ensure transparency. Join us as we explore the potential impacts of this development, the reactions from major auto finance companies, and what this means for the future of consumer financial services. Don’t miss this insightful discussion that navigates the complexities of regulatory changes and their effects on the auto finance landscape.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by Partners David Anthony and David Dove to discuss the potential implications of the Supreme Court overruling the Chevron case. This case established the principle of deferring to agency interpretations of statutes they administer. While some industry insiders may view the potential overruling as beneficial, the discussion highlights the potential for increased unpredictability and instability. The guests emphasize the importance of vigilance, strategic planning, and the engagement of experienced legal counsel to navigate potential challenges and optimize business opportunities.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by David Dove, a partner in Troutman Pepper’s RISE group. They discuss the legal and practical considerations for businesses looking to locate a facility in a new state. David shares his insights on the various incentives available at the federal, state, and local levels, including grants, tax incentives, and economic development programs. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, engaging with regulators, and having experienced legal counsel to ensure businesses maximize their opportunities and navigate potential challenges. The discussion provides valuable insights for businesses considering expansion or relocation.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis and Josh McBeain 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.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis discusses the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) recent circular on comparison shopping and lead generation websites. The CFPB asserts that certain practices related to these websites are abusive under the Dodd Frank Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices (UDAAP) regulation. The CFPB argues that it is abusive for website operators to influence their display or ranking of consumer financial products and services based on compensation they receive from product providers. Willis critiques the CFPB’s stance, arguing that the Bureau is attempting to rewrite commerce rules by labeling practices as abusive, in conflict with long-standing regulatory guidance focused on disclosures on such websites. Despite the CFPB’s circular, he suggests that the industry will likely continue to rely on appropriate disclosures to ensure consumers are informed of how products are presented in online contexts.

In this special crossover edition of The Consumer Finance Podcast and the Payments Pros podcast, Chris Willis is joined by Josh McBeain and Glen Trudel. They discuss the recent final credit card late fee rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the industry’s reaction to it. The rule lowers the safe harbor provision dollar amount for late fees to $8 for large credit card issuers and increases it for small issuers. The team also discusses the legal challenge filed against the rule by a collective of trade groups. They speculate on potential industry responses if the rule survives legal challenges, such as increasing APRs, creating new fees, raising minimum payments, and tightening credit.

In this special crossover episode with Payments Pros and The Crypto Exchange, Ethan Ostroff, James Kim, and Carlin McCrory discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) proposed rule to supervise large tech companies and other providers of digital wallets and payment apps. The proposed rule asserts that digital assets are “funds” subject to the Dodd-Frank Act and other federal consumer financial laws and regulations, which would expand the CFPB’s supervisory powers to examine companies facilitating crypto and other digital asset transactions.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by Partners Sheri Adler and Mary Weeks to discuss the recent uptick in SEC enforcement activity related to whistleblowers. They focus on the implications for financial institutions and other companies, particularly those targeted by the SEC for documents potentially restricting whistleblowers from reporting violations of securities laws.

In this insightful episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by Partners Brooke Conkle and Alan Wingfield, as they delve into the topic of regulatory risk and litigation exposure for auto finance companies under the new FTC CARS Rule. Tune in for a deep dive into preventative strategies that can help your auto finance company avoid regulatory pitfalls under the new rule.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, host Chris Willis and guest Lori Sommerfield discuss the status of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Combatting Redlining Initiative. The initiative, which has been underway for over two years, involves all federal financial institution regulators, including the OCC, FDIC, Federal Reserve Board, CFPB and HUD, and has resulted in a significant number of redlining cases brought by the DOJ. The total monetary relief in connection with these settlements has reached $107 million, with the largest single redlining settlement at $31 million. The DOJ has brought 10 redlining enforcement actions, either on its own or in conjunction with other federal agencies, and there are currently about two dozen investigations pending.