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New debt collection rules creating requirements relating to consumers’ language proficiency are set to take effect in New York City on June 27, 2020.  The new rules amend NYC’s existing debt collection regulations applicable to creditors collecting their own debts as well as third-party collection agencies.  Accordingly, the new rules appear to have implications for creditors and debt collectors alike with respect to any collection activities involving NYC consumers.… Continue Reading

Final regulations adopted by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) to implement the state’s new student loan servicing law became effective on October 16, 2019 upon the publication by the NYDFS of a Notice of Adoption in the State Register.  The new law, known as Article 14-A, was enacted on April 1, 2019. … Continue Reading

The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has issued proposed regulations to implement the legislation enacted in April 2019 that requires servicers of student loans to be licensed, imposes servicing standards, and prohibits certain practices.  On July 31, the NYDFS published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the State Register, triggering a 60-day comment period.… Continue Reading

Two bills relevant to consumer finance have been passed by the New York Assembly and Senate and are awaiting Governor Cuomo’s signature.

The first bill, S3704, would amend New York’s plain language requirement to extend its application to consumer contracts involving up to $250,000.  The requirement currently does not apply to consumer contracts involving more than $100,000. … Continue Reading

Earlier this week, Governor Andrew Cuomo again advanced controversial legislation that would establish a state licensing regime for student loan servicers.  The proposal, which is packaged as Part L of the governor’s proposed Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation Bill for fiscal year 2020, would require companies that service student loans held by New Yorkers to obtain a state license from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) and submit to onerous reporting and examination requirements. … Continue Reading

The CFPB and New York Attorney General have agreed to a settlement with Sterling Jewelers Inc. of a lawsuit they filed jointly in a New York federal district court alleging federal and state law violations in connection with credit cards issued by Sterling that could only be used to finance purchases made in the company’s stores. … Continue Reading

On December 28, 2018, New York Governor Cuomo signed into law amendments to the state’s General Business Law (GBL) that address the collection of family member debts.  The amendments made by Senate Bill 3491A become effective March 29, 2019.

While the legislative history indicates that the amendments are intended to address the collection of a deceased family member’s debts, they are drafted more broadly to prohibit “principal creditors and debt collection agencies” from: (a) making any representation that a person is required to pay the debt of a family member in a way that contravenes the FDCPA; and (b) making any misrepresentation about the family member’s obligation to pay such debts.… Continue Reading

The NY Attorney General and the plaintiffs in Expressions Hair Design v. Schneiderman have filed a joint motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit asking the court to vacate the district court’s final judgment in the case, remand with an order to the district court to dismiss the complaint with prejudice, and dismiss the plaintiffs’ appeal as moot.… Continue Reading

The OCC has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed in D.C. federal district court in October 2018 by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) to stop the OCC from issuing special purpose national bank (SPNB) charters to fintech companies.

The CSBS had previously filed a lawsuit challenging the OCC’s authority to grant SPNB charters to fintech companies at a time when the OCC had not yet decided whether it would move forward on its charter proposal. … Continue Reading

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has nominated Linda Lacewell to become Superintendent of the state’s Department of Financial Services.  Ms. Lacewell would replace Maria Vullo who announced last month that she will leave DFS on February 1.

Ms. Lacewell most recently served as Governor Cuomo’s Chief of Staff.  She previously served as executive director of a cancer foundation initiative in California and as Governor Cuomo’s Chief Risk Officer. … Continue Reading