News from November 2023

The Federal Reserve is helping support India with the modernized Community Reinvestment Act

On November 28th, the Federal Reserve declared its support for Indian County Development through the reformed Community Reinvestment Act. This move is aimed at encouraging federally insured banks to fulfill the credit needs of the communities where they operate.

Federal Housing Administration announces new loan limits for 2024

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced new loan limits for its Single Family Title II forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) insurance programs for 2024, according to a press release by the FHA.

Bank of America ordered to pay $12 million due to loan officers falsifying forms about mortgage applications

Bank of America has been ordered by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to pay a $12 million penalty for submitting false mortgage lending information to the federal government, according to documents released by the CFPB.

The annual inflation rate cooled from 3.7% to 3.2%, shows promise for cost of living becoming cheaper

Inflation has been slowing down as consumers' purchasing power is growing stronger.

Enova ordered to pay $15 million by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for multiple violations

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has ordered online lender Enova International Inc. to pay a $15 million penalty for widespread illegal conduct, including withdrawing funds from customers' bank accounts without their permission, making deceptive statements about loans, and canceling loan extensions. According to a document published by the CFPB, Enova paid a $3.2 million penalty in 2019 and was ordered to cease its illegal conduct.

How the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is attempting to end the collection of inaccurate medical bills

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a report that highlighted medical debt collection protection issues that consumers face. Efforts by states and the bureau are being taken to end the collection of inaccurate medical bills that sometimes consumers do not actually owe.

Prehire will provide more than $30 million in relief for illegal student lending practices

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and 11 states announced that they ordered Prehired to provide over $30 million in relief for illegal student lending practices. This order is a result of Prehired's alleged illegal practices including false job placement promises, abusive debt collection practices, and "income share" loans.

Mastercard is making efforts to better detect crypto fraud with AI tie-up

Mastercard is doubling down on an effort to detect and stop crypto fraud with the help of AI. This initiative aims at enhancing the safety of financial transactions, especially those involving cryptocurrencies.

Large portion of OpenAI employees are threatening to follow Sam Altman to Microsoft unless OpenAI board resigns

Hundreds of OpenAI employees are threatening to follow former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to Microsoft unless the OpenAI board resigns following their decision to remove Altman as CEO. This move follows a contentious decision by the board that has left employees and investors alike questioning its ability to lead.

For the first time since 2007, yields on a 10-year treasury reached 5%

The yields on a 10-year treasury has reached 5% for the first time since 2007. Yields have jumped since they were at .50% early in the pandemic, reflecting a significant shift in financial markets and impacting consumer and corporate borrowing costs.

Lagarde calls for European SEC, Unified Exchange to address regional challenges

Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, proposed a European equivalent to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a consolidated stock exchange to mobilize funding for tackling the region's challenges of deglobalization, demographics, and decarbonization.

Federal Reserve proposes Interchange Fee Cap proposal and climate guidance

The Federal Reserve is researching and providing guidance on ways to reduce climate risks and mitigating risks for bank debit card programs.

Insight from Board of Governors on banking capital requirement reforms

A speech was given by Michelle Bowman, Board of Governors, at a conference highlighting the impact that the capital requirements reform will have on banking.

Board of Governors member Michelle Bowman provides insight on the economy and bank supervision

A speech by the Board of Governors' Michelle Bowman was given at a conference highlighting the projection of the United States economy and the prioritization that is being placed on bank supervision.

Enforcement Results from FY 2023 was released by CFTC

The enforcement results from FY 2023 were released by the CFTC, which include a record setting number of digital asset cases, manipulation actions, and precedent-setting court decisions in complex litigations.

Report finds record high credit card interest was charged in 2022

A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report finds that in 2022 a record high $130 billion in credit card interest and fees was charged by credit card companies.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau published a new analysis on State Community Reinvestment Laws

CFPB issues new report on State Community Reinvestment Act laws, which give banks the opportunity to help meet the credit needs of lower income communities.

Federal oversight of big tech companies proposed by CFPB

New federal oversight of big tech companies and digital wallets proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Many of the companies are currently not subject to the CFPB supervisory examinations.

Citi Bank to pay $25.9 million in fines for illegally discriminating against credit card applicants

On Nov 8th, Citi Bank was ordered by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to pay $25.9 million for intentional and illegal discrimination against Armenian Americans.