Back in October, 2015, the CFPB issued a Compliance Bulletin to remind participants in the mortgage industry of the prohibition on kickbacks and referral fees under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and to describe the substantial risks posed by entering into Marketing Services Agreements (MSAs). The link to the Bulletin can be found […]
The CFPB has issued a final rule that revises the definitions of “small creditor” and “rural areas” under Regulation Z of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). The final rule is effective January 1, 2016. The CFPB created special small creditor provisions with regard to certain Regulation Z requirements. The revised definitions will affect the […]
We have worked through a difficult regulatory period for the last five years or so, including both regulatory retraction and regulatory overreach. We had Reg Flex revoked and too too many regulations imposed upon credit unions. But is the pendulum changing directions? There have been several news reports and proposed regulations that appear to say […]
On November 18, 2014, the CFPB issued a compliance bulletin regarding Social Security Disability Income Verification. The Bulletin was issued to remind creditors of their obligations under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and Regulation B, with respect to consideration of public assistance income, and to highlight standards and guidelines regarding verification of Social Security […]
The President approved legislation that enables federally insured credit unions to offer insured IOLTA accounts. These are escrow accounts held by an attorney which contain clients’ funds. Since the money held in escrow by the attorney were the funds of the clients, the previous rule would only extend share insurance to those funds held by […]
On September 25, 2014, the CFPB entered into a Consent Order with a Michigan title insurance agency to settle charges that the title agency entered into certain Marketing Services Agreements (“MSAs”) in violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. This Consent Order provides three valuable takeaways for parties that have entered into MSAs with […]
Originally posted November 12, 2014 The CFPB has amended Regulation P, which requires, among other things, that financial institutions provide an annual disclosure of their privacy policies to their customers. So long as certain requirements are met, the amendment allows annual disclosures to be posted online, saving your Credit Union or CUSO time and money. […]
Decedent, minor and other fiduciary accounts, such as those subject to powers of attorney, are particularly susceptible to fraud. While some of these instances of fraud may result from an ignorance of the law on the part of the person with whom the credit union is dealing, many times they are purposeful evasions of the […]
We often talk about collaboration in the context of business and product development; however, collaboration can also play an important role in regulatory compliance. It is undeniable that the current regulatory climate is complex and can even seem insurmountable at times. It is showing no signs of slowing down and credit unions will have to […]
Like most people, I am getting tired of the regulatory onslaught. But, we need to stay diligent. There are advantages to paying attention. First and foremost, you might be able to influence the regulator and reduce the adverse consequences of a new rule. The industry spends a lot of time and a lot of effort […]
