proficiency

This week’s podcast: New York City’s Department of Consumer Affairs adopts new language proficiency requirements for debt collections: what you need to know

By Barbara S. Mishkin on July 30, 2020

Posted in Debt Collection, Limited English Proficiency, Regulatory and Enforcement

Recent amendments to NYC’s debt collection rules impose new requirements relating to consumers’ language proficiency. Following an overview, we take a close look at the specific requirements and their applicability to first- and third-party collections, discuss the DCA’s authority, availability of federal preemption, and compliance challenges, and offer thoughts on best compliance practices.… Continue Reading

Enforcement grace period expected for amendments to New York City debt collection regulations adding language proficiency requirements

By Ballard CFS Group on June 22, 2020

Posted in Debt Collection, Limited English Proficiency, Regulatory and Enforcement

ACA International has reported that after discussions last week with the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), the DCA is expected to announce a 60-day enforcement grace period for the new requirements relating to consumers’ language proficiency that were recently added to NYC’s existing debt collection regulations. The new requirements currently are set to take effect on June 27, 2020.… Continue Reading

FHFA announces reopening and second extension of comment period for LEP RFI

By Richard J. Andreano, Jr. & John L. Culhane, Jr. on August 7, 2017

Posted in Federal Agencies, Limited English Proficiency, Mortgages, Regulatory and Enforcement

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced that it has reopened and extended until September 1, 2017 the comment period on its Request for Input on improving language access in mortgage lending and servicing. The FHFA previously extended the comment period until July 31, 2017.

According to the FHFA, it took this action “to allow interested parties more time to consider additional information on issues facing qualified mortgage borrowers with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) throughout the mortgage life cycle process, including mortgage lending and servicing.”… Continue Reading

CFPB launches Spanish-language Twitter and Facebook accounts

By Barbara S. Mishkin on May 23, 2016

Posted in CFPB General, Regulatory and Enforcement

The CFPB recently announced that it has launched official Spanish-language Twitter and Facebook accounts. The CFPB previously launched a Spanish-language website and recently updated the translations on the “Ask CFPB” feature on its website.

In its blog post about the Twitter and Facebook launch, the CFPB notes that it is “working to ensure that consumers can build the skills and get the information they need to make informed financial decisions for themselves and their families. … Continue Reading