CFPB, Federal Agencies, State Agencies, and Attorneys General
On March 6, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14390, a sweeping directive aimed at combating cyber-enabled fraud schemes targeting Americans. The Executive Order was published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2026.
The Order reflects growing federal concern about large-scale cyber fraud operations—often referred to as “scam centers”—run by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) that target U.S.… Continue Reading
In a very significant and potentially precedent-setting February 24, 2026 decision, the Los Angeles County Superior Court (Hon. Gary D. Roberts) issued a tentative decision granting summary judgment in favor of Opportunity Financial, LLC (“OppFi”) and against the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (“DFPI”). The ruling rejects the DFPI’s claim that OppFi was the “true lender” of certain loans originated by Utah-chartered FinWise Bank and therefore subject to California’s 36% interest rate cap under the California Financing Law (CFL), as amended by AB 539.… Continue Reading
Join host Alan Kaplinsky, founder and former longtime leader of Ballard Spahr’s Consumer Financial Services Group and one of the foremost thought leaders in the industry, as he welcomes two special guests for a timely and insightful conversation about the most significant deregulatory developments in banking law during 2025.
Alan is joined by his Ballard Spahr colleague Scott Coleman, a partner with more than 30 years of experience guiding banks and bank holding companies through mergers, acquisitions, and all facets of regulatory compliance, especially in the community banking sector.… Continue Reading
Today’s episode features Part 1 of our November 4 webinar, “The CFPB’s Most Ambitious Regulatory Agenda Ever.” In this packed episode, our expert panel breaks down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s largest and boldest regulatory agenda to date. Discussing an unprecedented lineup of 24 rulemaking items that could reshape the consumer financial services industry.… Continue Reading
Today’s episode features Part 1 of our October 30, 2025 webinar, “AI in Financial Services: Understanding the White House Action Plan – and What It Leaves Out.” In this installment, a panel of leading experts breaks down the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in financial services—from foundational concepts to the latest regulatory developments.… Continue Reading
Today’s podcast features the second part of a repurposed webinar produced on September 3, 2025, which dives into the legal risks, compliance challenges, and emerging constitutional questions stemming from the GENIUS Act. The conversation examines the strict prohibition of deceptive claims regarding federal backing or insurance for stablecoins, highlighting the significant civil liabilities and penalty provisions attached to violations.… Continue Reading
Today’s podcast features the first part of a recent webinar produced on September 3, 2025, which examined the key provisions of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins, or GENIUS, Act (the Act) and its regulatory impact on banks, Fintechs and the future of stablecoins. The discussion covers critical definitions, licensing, oversight and enforcement requirements, and the relationship to state stablecoin laws.… Continue Reading
We are pleased to share a new podcast episode, which was taken from our September 9, 2025, webinar featuring Malini Mithal, Associate Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Financial Practices. Malini has been a valued guest on our podcast in past years, and this session provided another timely and insightful discussion.… Continue Reading
Today’s podcast episode is a continuation of a previous repurposed webinar held on August 12th, focusing on emerging opportunities in the consumer financial services sector under the Trump administration. The session aims to provide insights into the evolving regulatory landscape and its implications for businesses and consumers. The first part of the webinar, released last Thursday, September 4, covered the recently passed GENIUS Act (which creates a federal infrastructure for Stablecoin); developments in crypto-backed lending and credit builder loans; the mortgage industry; developments in earned wage access and rent-to-own and lease-to-own financing products; and insights on income share agreements.… Continue Reading
In the latest episode of our podcast, we explore the significant shifts in the regulatory landscape under the second Trump administration and how these recent deregulatory actions have opened new pathways for banks and FinTech companies by reducing barriers to entry and compliance costs. This evolving environment presents opportunities for innovation and market expansion, although state law oversight, including licensing and regulatory requirements, cloud the picture.… Continue Reading
