On September 25, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a report on its sources and uses of data. This report was followed by a Request for Information regarding its data collection practices, published in the Federal Register on September 28. In some respects, both documents are a follow-up to Acting Director Mick Mulvaney’s December 2017 order to CFPB staff to cease collecting personally identifying information, pending a review of and improvements to the Bureau’s overall data security systems.… Continue Reading
Dodd-Frank
Mulvaney Responds to Resignation of CFPB Student Loan Ombudsman
CFPB Acting Director Mick Mulvaney recently responded to former CFPB Student Loan Ombudsman Seth Frotman’s vocal departure from the Bureau. As previously reported, Frotman tendered his resignation in a letter—also delivered to members of Congress—which accused Mulvaney of being derelict in his oversight of the “student loan market.” Among other things, Frotman accused Mulvaney of undercutting enforcement, undermining the Bureau’s independence, and shielding “bad actors” from scrutiny—collectively, “us[ing] the Bureau to serve the wishes of the most powerful financial companies in America.”… Continue Reading
Longstanding BCFP Tactic in Jeopardy After Two Circuits Strike Down CIDs
The BCPB has historically taken the position that it can use investigations to conduct compliance “sweeps” of entire industries. Indeed, a version of the BCFP’s Enforcement Policies and Procedures Manual made available to the public through a FOIA request in 2016 stated that: “It is not necessary to have evidence that a law has in fact been violated before opening a formal investigation.… Continue Reading
D.C. Circuit panel questions Mulvaney’s dual CFPB/OMB roles in English appeal oral argument
On April 12, 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit held oral argument on the appeal brought by Leandra English, CFPB Deputy Director, of the district court’s denial of her application for preliminary injunction. If granted as requested by Ms. English, the injunction would install Ms.… Continue Reading
Senate passes banking bill providing Dodd-Frank relief; Ballard to hold June 19 webinar
The U.S. Senate on March 14 passed S.2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (the Act), by a vote of 67 to 31. Although the Act would not make the sweeping changes to the Dodd-Frank Act found in the Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (CHOICE Act), it, nevertheless, would provide financial institutions welcome relief from a number of specific Dodd-Frank provisions.… Continue Reading
House again passes legislation to review points and fees
On February 8, 2018 the United States House of Representatives passed The Mortgage Choice Act, H.R. 1153, to revise the definition of “points and fees” for purposes of the Regulation Z ability to repay/qualified mortgage requirements and high-cost mortgage loan requirements. Although a voice vote was held on February 7, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Jeb Hensarling demanded a roll call vote. … Continue Reading
Court Denies English’s Preliminary Injunction Motion; Mulvaney Continues to Exercise Acting CFPB Director Authority
Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly denied Leandra English’s motion for a preliminary injunction in a 46-page opinion. English had sought to block President Trump’s appointment of Mick Mulvaney to serve as the CFPB’s Acting Director. The Court denied that request and held that English failed to satisfy any of the four elements of her preliminary injunction claim.… Continue Reading
Judge’s questions highlight concerns with English’s claim to CFPB Acting Director position
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia held oral arguments on Leandra English’s preliminary injunction motion through which she seeks to block Mick Mulvaney from continuing to serve as the Acting Director of the CFPB. Judge Timothy Kelly presided over the hearing. Deepak Gupta argued for English.… Continue Reading
CUNA supports Mulvaney as Acting CFPB Director in brief filed by Ballard Spahr
On December 12, the Credit Union National Association (“CUNA”) filed an amicus brief in D.C. Federal District Court opposing Leandra English’s motion for a preliminary injunction to block President Trump’s appointee for Acting CFPB Director, Mick Mulvaney, from exercising the powers of that office. The Court has already denied English’s motion for a temporary restraining order.… Continue Reading
Senate Leader Mitch McConnell skeptical of Dodd-Frank reform
In a recent Bloomberg interview, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed skepticism about the Senate’s ability to pass meaningful Dodd-Frank reform. After months of inactivity, the House Financial CHOICE Act finally moved out of committee to the House floor where a vote by the full House is expected in June.… Continue Reading