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Rules and policy

The CFPB implements and enforces federal consumer financial laws to ensure that all consumers have access to markets for consumer financial products and services that are fair, transparent, and competitive.

The CFPB’s rulemaking process typically starts with research and is further informed by public input, including field hearings, consumer and industry roundtables, advisory bodies, and in some cases, small business review panels. We carefully assess the benefits and costs of the regulations we are considering for consumers and financial institutions. Proposed rules are generally published to give industry, consumers, and other external stakeholders an opportunity to comment on their potential impact. Once a regulation is in place, we provide support and resources to help stakeholders understand and comply with the rule.

Rulemaking

The CFPB aims to makes rules governing consumer finance markets more effective and to create new rules when warranted. Explore the CFPB’s regulatory agenda, rules currently in development, and final rules. You can also learn about how the CFPB works with the Small Business Review Panel on rules that could have significant economic impacts on small entities.

Notices and opportunities to comment

The CFPB publishes notices requesting public comment on a variety of documents, including proposed rules and requests for information. You don’t have to be an expert or a lawyer to give comments. We invite everyone to share their views.

Innovation

Encouraging consumer-beneficial innovation is one of our key priorities. Our mission is to promote innovation, competition, and consumer access within financial services. We’ve created sandbox programs to encourage financial companies to experiment with better products and services for consumers.

Petitions for rulemaking

The CFPB responds to petitions from interested persons for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a CFPB rule, as required by the Administrative Procedure Act.

Advisory committees

The CFPB convenes four independent groups for formal input on everything from consumer engagement, to policy development, to research.

Community banks and credit unions

We work with community banks and credit unions to ensure consumers can choose among a variety of products, services, and financial relationships. We especially consider how our rules affect community banks and credit unions.