Military service members are a crucial market segment for lenders because they are younger than other demographics and a steady group of borrowers unfazed by independent economic concerns.

The Department of Financial Services has created a statewide financial protection division focused on corporate compliance and consumer issues, in line with steps taken by New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Director Kathy Kraninger said the agency will emphasize a confidential supervisory process instead of just doling out public enforcement actions. But skeptics worry this will let companies escape punishment.

The debt collection proposal is expected to address how debt collectors can use text messages and emails to track down debtors.

Under a new policy, a company subject to a civil investigative demand will learn from the agency about what conduct the probe is targeting and what legal provisions the firm may have violated.

In her first policy speech since being confirmed as the agency's director, Kathy Kraninger promised less focus on enforcement actions and more emphasis on consumer education.

Now that Ocwen settled the servicing practices lawsuit brought by the Massachusetts attorney general, just two outstanding complaints remain from the 30 filed nearly two years ago.

The 2020 budget would add the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and FSOC to congressional appropriations, charge lenders for FHA upgrades and require universities to have skin in the game on student loans.

In the face of tough questioning from House members, CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger appeared mostly unfazed and tried to strike a balance between heeding concerns about the agency’s power and supporting its mission to help consumers.

The legislation comes a day before CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger is set to testify to Congress.