On August 7, 2024, the CFPB published an Issue Spotlight on the solar lending industry. In conjunction with the CFPB’s Issue Spotlight, the CFPB, U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Federal Trade Commission also issued a Consumer Advisory in connection with solar energy sales. All of this comes on the heels of states increasing scrutiny of solar sales practices.… Continue Reading
Kaley Schafer
Kaley Schafer |schaferk@ballardspahr.com | 202 777.6990 | view full bio
Kaley has a background in regulatory compliance and counsels on BSA/AML requirements, as well as other federal consumer financial regulations. Prior to her role at Ballard Spahr, Kaley served as Director of Regulatory Compliance at the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions, where she led the regulatory compliance team in developing new compliance materials and tools for NAFCU members, including as to BSA/AML issues.
CFPB Releases Updated 1071 Filing Instructions Guide
On August 16, 2024 the CFPB issued an updated 2025 Small Business Lending Filing Instructions Guide (the “Guide”). The Guide provides updated compliance dates that correspond to the new compliance dates.
As a refresher, the CFPB previously issued an Interim Final Rule extending the compliance dates for the Small Business Lending Rule in light of the Supreme Court’s decision finding the funding structure of the CFPB to be constitutional in CFPB v.… Continue Reading
Federal Banking Agencies Issue NPRM Consistent with FinCEN’s AML/CFT Modernization Proposal
The federal banking agencies, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (collectively the “Agencies”), issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (“Agencies’ NPRM”) to modernize financial institutions’ anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing (“AML/CFT”) programs.… Continue Reading
NCUA Board Votes to Maintain 18% Interest Rate Ceiling on Most Loans
The NCUA board on July 18 voted to maintain its interest rate ceiling on most loans at 18% from Sept. 11, 2024 through March 10, 2026.
The only exception to that rate cap is loans modeled after the agency’s Payday Alternative Loan program; the interest rate on those loans will remain capped at 28%.… Continue Reading
FinCEN Issues Proposed Rulemaking Aimed at Strengthening and Modernizing AML Programs Across Multiple Industries
On July 3, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) as part of a broader initiative to “strengthen, modernize, and improve” financial institutions’ anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs. In addition, the NPRM seeks to promote effectiveness, efficiency, innovation, and flexibility with respect to AML/CFT programs; support the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of risk-based AML/CFT programs; and strengthen the cooperation between financial institutions (“FIs”) and the government.… Continue Reading
CFPB Releases Interim Final Rule Extending 1071 Rule Compliance Dates
On June 25th, the CFPB issued an interim final rule with a request for public comment extending the compliance dates for the Small Business Lending Rule in light of the Supreme Court’s decision finding the funding structure of the CFPB to be constitutional in CFPB v. Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA).… Continue Reading
CFPB’s Office of Minority and Women Inclusion Publishes Annual Report to Congress
The CFPB’s Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) provided its annual report to Congress covering the agency’s efforts in 2023. Section 342 of the Dodd-Frank, Wall Street Reform, and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) mandates that the OMWI agency provide an annual report to Congress regarding the successes achieved, challenges, and other findings.… Continue Reading
CFPB Takes Action Against BloomTech, Inc. for ISAs that Violate TILA, UDAAP, and the FTC’s Holder Rule
On April 17th, the CFPB issued a consent order to a for-profit training school alleging numerous violations of law related to its use if income share agreements (“ISAs”). According to the Bureau, BloomTech, Inc. (“BloomTech”) and the company’s founder and CEO engaged in deceptive and abusive acts or practices, violated the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”) and Regulation Z, and violated the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) Holder Rule.… Continue Reading
Recent FDIC consent orders show increased scrutiny of bank relationships with fintech partners
In February 2024, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) entered into consent orders with two banks who partner with fintechs to offer “banking as a service” (BaaS) related to safety and soundness, compliance with applicable laws, and third party oversight. BaaS refers to arrangements in which banks integrate their banking products and services into the services of non-bank third-party distributors and the distributors deliver the integrated banking services directly to the customer. … Continue Reading
Third Circuit Holds Securitized Trusts Are Covered Persons Under CFPA
On March 19th, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued an opinion in CFPB v. National Collegiate Master Student Loan Trust et al. (the “Trusts”). The issue before the Third Circuit was whether certain Trusts are “covered persons” subject to the Consumer Financial Protection Act (“CFPA”) and whether the CFPB was required to ratify the underlying action.… Continue Reading