Consumer Financial Protection - Panel 2

201 views · Published 16 February 2010 · 1:00:17 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: New America · 2010 · News & Politics

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The proliferation of abusive financial practices certainly played a notorious role in the financial crisis. Calls to reform the sector have included proposals to create a new and independent Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Advocates have argued the next regulatory regime must be designed with the consumer-and not just financial institutions-in mind. A new agency could remake the financial services landscape by elevating the interests of consumers and articulating a set of principles, such as transparency, simplicity, and fairness, which will drive future product regulations. Others voice concern about excessive regulatory burdens and a contraction of responsible credit.The House has already passed a bill to create such an agency, with rule writing authority and strong enforcement provisions. As debate now shifts to the Senate, more issues deserve scrutiny. Is this a foundation for an entirely new consumer banking system? What regulatory pitfalls need to be navigated? How can policy ensure market conditions for better matching consumers with appropriate products in a fair and transparent manner? What is the relationship between consumer protection, access to high-quality financial products, and bank safety and soundness? Where is the debate headed? Please join us for a discussion of the CFPA proposal and an exploration of what's at stake in the current policy debate.

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