A&B Abstract: The Alston & Bird Consumer Finance team recognizes that this is a period of great uncertainty both for the nation and our clients. We have received numerous questions and concerns regarding what federal and state regulators are doing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and how their response may affect day-to-day business. We […]
Debt Collection
CFPB Issues Winter 2020 Supervisory Highlights
A&B ABstract: The Winter 2020 Supervisory Highlights identifies the CFPB’s findings from recent examinations, noting violations that resulted in compliance management system weakness. CFPB Issues New Edition of Supervisory Highlights: The Winter 2020 edition of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) Supervisory Highlights details recent examination findings relating to debt collection, mortgage servicing, and student […]
Seventh Circuit Declines to Adopt FDCPA “Benign Language” Exception
A&B ABstract: The Seventh Circuit’s ruling in Preston v. Midland Credit Mgmt. departs from other circuits that have considered whether there is a “benign language” exception under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”). The Seventh Circuit, ruled, as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) urged in an amicus brief, that the FDCPA does not […]
New York Proposes Licensing Consumer Debt Collectors
A&B ABstract: On January 21, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed a measure to license consumer debt collectors as part of his budget bill. If enacted, the measure would require any person acting as a “consumer debt collector” in New York to obtain a license from the New York Banking Superintendent. Effective October 1, […]
NY DFS unveils Consumer Protection Task Force, adds Former CFPB Deputy Director
A&B ABstract: Less than one month into the new year, New York’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) has taken strong measures to make good on its proclamation that “2020 must be the year of the consumer” by: (1) unveiling a 12-member Consumer Protection Task Force to help implement an extensive consumer protection agenda; and (2) […]