Federal News Wire – a non-partisan news group focusing on the activities of federal agencies – has issued a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, seeking a list of all organizations who have received payments from the Bureau’s “Civil Penalty Fund” (“CPF”) since the Bureau’s formation in 2011.… Continue Reading

The CFPB has issued its fifth Financial Literacy Annual Report to Congress.  The report describes the CFPB’s ongoing financial literacy work, “with an emphasis on work during October 2016 through September 2017.”  It covers the CFPB’s financial literacy strategy, its financial education initiatives generally and those specifically targeted at students and young adults, servicemembers, economically vulnerable individuals, and older adults, and its research initiatives.… Continue Reading

The CFPB has issued its fourth Financial Literacy Annual Report to Congress.  The report covers the CFPB’s activities to improve consumer financial literacy during the period from October 2015 through September 2016.  The report discusses the CFPB’s financial literacy strategy, its financial education initiatives (which include consumer tools and information and collaborations with community institutions and other government agencies), and its research initiatives (which include identifying effective financial education approaches).… Continue Reading

On October 5th, the CFPB published a notice announcing the CFPB Office of Financial Education’s intent to compile a list of companies offering existing customers free access to their credit score.  The CFPB’s stated intent in compiling this list is to educate consumers and help them make better informed financial decisions.  … Continue Reading

The CFPB has published a notice in the Federal Register indicating that it is planning to conduct a “Financial Well-Being National Survey.”

In the notice, the CFPB states that through its prior research, it has determined that improvement in consumer financial well-being is the ultimate goal of its financial literacy initiatives. … Continue Reading

Financial literacy was the focus of Director Cordray’s remarks last week at the American Bankers Association Annual Convention.  He identified three areas where the CFPB is focusing its efforts and where financial institutions can “band together with [the CFPB]” to advance such efforts.

The first area of focus is financial education in schools, with the goal of helping young people increase their financial capability. … Continue Reading

The CFPB has issued its third Financial Literacy Annual Report to Congress.  The report covers the CFPB’s activities to improve consumer financial literacy during the period from June 2014 through September 2015.  The report’s Appendix contains a list of the CFPB’s currently available financial education resources, which includes web-based tools, CFPB brochures and other publications, and CFPB research reports.… Continue Reading

As part of its Project Catalyst, the CFPB’s initiative for facilitating innovation in consumer-friendly financial products and services, the CFPB has announced a new research pilot using insights from behavioral economics and an American Express trial program to evaluate the effectiveness of certain practices to encourage prepaid card users to develop regular saving behavior.  … Continue Reading

The CFPB has issued its second Financial Literacy Annual Report to Congress.  The report covers the CFPB’s activities to improve consumer financial literacy during the period from June 2013 through May 2014.  The report’s Appendix contains a list of the CFPB’s financial education resources as of May 31, 2014.   

The report discusses the CFPB’s activities as they relate to the three key components of the CFPB’s financial literacy strategy: education initiatives, research and innovation, and outreach to key stakeholders who can help to reach the public. … Continue Reading

The CFPB has issued a new guide designed to help operators and staff of nursing facilities and assisted living residences protect residents from financial abuse.  The guide indicates that it is for administrators as well as business office staff, social service personnel, and any staff members involved in the admissions process. … Continue Reading