Links in “Agencies”

FINRA issued a packed priorities letter for 2015. This letter is much longer than the last two years, but repeats many of the same examination priorities. Hot topics include: sales of interest-rate sensitive and complex products (alternative mutual funds), cyber security risks, treatment of senior investors, and high-risk brokers. [1/12/15]

The CFPB reports that its fastest-growing category of debt collection complaints come from servicemembers and veterans. Though the negative implications of bad credit can effect servicemembers' careers, the CFPB explains how to minimize this effect. [1/9/15]

The SCRA has garnered a lot of attention recently, due in large part to the CFPB's aggressive pursuit of violators. Not only are financial institutions being given the option of knowing who is entitled to SCRA protection, there is a growing expectation that they should be proactive in finding their customers and members who qualify by accessing the SCRA database. In this video, AffirmX Analyst Rachel Osborn gives an overview of the SCRA and how to use the database. [1/9/15]

An analysis of the CFPB's enforcement activity shows interesting trends between 2013 and 2014, particularly as it relates to UDAAP. A 150% increase of UDAAP cases litigated in civil court is just the start—find out just how much focus UDAAP is receiving. [1/9/15]

See what the NCUA's board meeting has to offer; the January 15th meeting agenda is now available for consideration. [1/9/15]

The industry applauds congress for approving the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act for six years. The measure now moves to the White House for the President's signature. [1/9/15]

Sure to be a blockbuster hit! In Part I of the two-part, NCUA-produced films, consumers are educated about detecting and preventing fraud. Part II continues the saga, as consumers learn techniques in identifying and combating fraud, scam, and cyber threats. [1/8/15]

Simplicity Bank of Covina, California, has reported that counterfeit checks in connection with an online auction scam have been presented nationwide. The OCC issued a letter detailing the routing number, appearance, and unique traits of the checks. Find out what to look for to protect your institution. [1/7/15]

With New Year's resolutions abounding, it's time for a refresher on what the CFPB expects by way of compliance management programs. [1/7/15]

The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released a new design for the Office of Foreign Assets Control's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List. The new list was created in order to establish a universal sanctions list format that can be used by governments to promote greater sanctions compliance. [1/6/15]