American Credit News

In Charlotte, North Carolina, a recent report indicates that 47% of American workers feel financially well, an increase from the previous year's figure of 42%. This data is drawn from Bank of America's 14th annual Workplace Benefits Report titled “The Resurging Workforce," which was conducted in collaboration with the Bank of America Institute. The report also revealed that economic uncertainty has decreased as a concern for employees' long-term retirement savings, dropping from 63% in 2023 to 53%.

On May 21, 2024, the House passed two bills honoring America's working dogs and a Congressional Gold Medal recipient. Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) delivered remarks in support of H.R. 807 and H.R. 1097.

On May 20, 2024, Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, issued a statement in response to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chair Martin Gruenberg's announcement of his intent to resign once a successor is confirmed.

On May 20, 2024, Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued a statement following the announcement by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Martin Gruenberg of his intention to resign after a new Chairman is confirmed. Scott criticized the decision, stating, “If President Biden and Democrats were really serious about supporting employees and fixing the FDIC’s toxic work culture, they’d ask Chairman Gruenberg to step down immediately. This draw-it-out strategy makes it clear that this administration is prioritizing their political agenda over protecting workers.”

Personal travel is a priority for many consumers this year, and rewards programs are poised to make a significant difference, as per a survey of 1,000 US travelers conducted by Wakefield Research. In line with the commencement of National Travel and Tourism Week, Barclays US Consumer Bank has released its second annual Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report. The report offers new insights into what travelers value in loyalty programs and rewards in 2024.

An official with the Electronic Payments Coalition said that pending federal legislation governing interchange rates on credit cards, similar to those mandated in Europe nearly a decade ago, may have an unintended side effect: Less availability for credit and more consumer fees.

A spokesman for the American Financial Services Association (AFSA) said the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) does not have strong enough policies for rule making and direction, relying on "blog posts and occasional guidance."

Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey has issued a statement following the latest acquisition of a tax-paying bank by a tax-exempt credit union. Rainey expressed concern over the growing trend, with tax-exempt credit unions accounting for approximately 25% of this year's bank acquisitions.

A spokesperson for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) responded to American Financial Services Association (AFSA) president’s call for regulatory clarity by sharing a 2022 blog post with American Credit News.

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has expressed its gratitude to the members of the House Financial Services Committee for voting in favor of a series of ICBA-supported bills aimed at supporting community banks and their local communities.

The American Fintech Council (AFC), a leading industry association representing responsible fintech companies and innovative BaaS banks, has announced Raido Capital Partners as its newest strategic partner. Raido, founded by tech entrepreneurs with over two decades of experience, brings a unique expertise to the fintech ecosystem and will serve as a crucial resource for AFC members.

In a recent U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing with the Biden administration’s financial regulators, Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) criticized Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Martin Gruenberg for his leadership of the agency. Scott cited instances of misconduct within the FDIC under Gruenberg's watch, which he argued have impacted the chairman's ability to effectively lead.

In response to the housing affordability crisis characterized by high interest rates, soaring home prices, and low supply, Chase Home Lending is stepping up its efforts to support potential homebuyers. The financial institution is enhancing its financial resources and educational programs for homebuyers, including a significant increase in its Closing Guarantee from $5,000 to $20,000.

Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has issued a statement in response to the United States Supreme Court's decision in the case of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of America.

The House Financial Services Committee has advanced a series of bills to the full House for consideration. These bills encompass a wide range of financial services issues, from promoting access to capital in underbanked communities to enhancing transparency within Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

Bank of America Corporation has announced its intention to redeem all outstanding shares of its Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series JJ and the corresponding depositary shares each representing a 1/25th interest in a share of the Series JJ Preferred Stock. The bank also stated that it will redeem all outstanding shares of its Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series U and the corresponding Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/25th interest in a share of Series U Preferred Stock.

The Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), and U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) have sent a letter to federal financial regulators. They urge these regulators to fulfill their respective obligations under the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) as directed by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) within the timeline set forth by the FDTA.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued its ruling in the closely watched Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) v. Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) case, which challenged the CFPB’s independent funding mechanism through the Federal Reserve. The American Financial Services Association, along with other trade groups, participated in an amicus brief arguing that the Bureau’s “funding scheme is historically unique.”

Leaders from the conservative movement have expressed their opposition to the Durbin-Marshall Credit Card Bill, following a joint hearing last Thursday by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Department of Transportation on credit card and airline rewards programs. Senators Roger Marshall and Dick Durbin are accused of using the Biden Administration against American companies that oppose their proposed government mandates on credit cards.

On May 16, 2024, the House Financial Services Committee convened to review various measures. The focus of the meeting was on financial institutions, capital markets, and housing legislation aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability in federal agencies while expanding economic opportunities.