Law and legal issues

The industry had welcomed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau plan allowing debt collectors to use electronic communication, but some worry about the effect of a court decision concerning email correspondence.

By declaring that she has too much statutory power, the agency’s director has potentially opened a floodgate of litigation.

The shareholders' claims against Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's regulator mirror arguments in cases challenging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

If the court agrees to hear the case, its conservative majority could make it easier for a president to fire a CFPB director, though other outcomes are possible.

The agency's director told congressional leaders and staff that she backs a Supreme Court challenge to the bureau's leadership structure.

The Supreme Court may be closer to examining a key restraint on a president's ability to change CFPB leadership.

Live Well Financial CEO Michael Hild has been charged with misrepresenting the value of a bond portfolio in parallel actions by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The industry has long worried that the ability-to-repay rule gives borrowers an avenue to fight foreclosure, but one plaintiff’s experience may discourage others from trying.

President Trump is expected to sign legislation soon that would expand the number of farmers who could file under the more lenient Chapter 12. Ag lenders are worried because farm bankruptcies recently rose and the trade war with China could worsen.

State and federal authorities say the network of firms in upstate New York sought debts that consumers weren't obligated to pay and impersonated government officials, among other things.