CFPB Extends Comment Period on Request for Information on Ways to Prevent Credit Discrimination and Build a More Inclusive Financial System

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) announced today that it will provide an additional 60 days for public comment on its Request for Information (RFI) on how best to create a regulatory environment that expands access to credit and ensures that all consumers and communities are protected from discrimination in all aspects of a credit transaction. The extension for submission of comments provides interested parties with more time to conduct outreach to relevant constituencies and to address the many issues raised in the RFI. The original deadline for submissions was October 2, 2020. The comment period will now close on December 1, 2020.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and Regulation B make it unlawful for any creditor to discriminate against any applicant, with respect to any aspect of a credit transaction on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex or marital status, or age; because all or part of the applicant’s income derives from any public assistance program; or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.

The information provided will help the Bureau continue to explore ways to address regulatory compliance challenges while fulfilling the Bureau’s core mission to prevent unlawful discrimination and foster innovation.

To read the RFI click here: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_rfi_equal-credit-opportunity-act-regulation-b_comment-period-extension.pdf

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a 21st century agency that helps consumer finance markets work by making rules more effective, by consistently and fairly enforcing those rules, and by empowering consumers to take more control over their economic lives. For more information, visit www.consumerfinance.gov.