Consumer banking

Democratic AGs hire former CFPB Director Chopra

In this week’s banking news roundup: Rohit Chopra is named senior advisor to the Democratic Attorneys General Association’s working group on consumer protection and affordability; Flagstar Bank’s private-banking division adds two additional wealth-planning capabilities; Chime promotes three members of its executive leadership team; and more.

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Trump taps OMB official as new nominee for CFPB director

Key Insight: The nomination allows acting CFPB Director Russell Vought to bypass the Federal Vacancy Reform Act.  What’s at Stake: Vought has three weeks left before he reaches the 210-day limit to remain at the agency. With the nomination, he gets another 210 days and potentially can lead on an acting basis for 420 days.

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Banks are losing share in rapidly growing HELOC market

Key insight: Consumers’ use of home equity lines of credit is rapidly growing, as homeowners look to tap into the value of their houses, but banks are losing market share. Supporting data: Banks hold just under two-thirds of total HELOC debt, compared with the more than 80% they held some 15 years ago. Forward look:

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BofA projects financial gains, but investors want even more

Key Insight: At its first investor day since 2011, Bank of America expressed optimism on a number of financial fronts, but it wasn’t enough to stop its stock from dropping slightly on Wednesday. Supporting Data: The bank issued new guidance on its return on tangible common equity, saying ROTCE would reach 16%-18% over the next

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CFPB’s cybersecurity program ‘no longer effective:’ OIG says

CFPB’s cybersecurity program ‘no longer effective:’ OIG says

Samuel Corum/Bloomberg What’s at stake: The CFPB uses outdated software and has no strategy for responding to cybersecurity risks, the report found. Supporting Data: The CFPB’s information security program experienced a rapid drop in effectiveness — from a level 4 in fiscal year 2024 to a level 2 rating in fiscal year 2025. Forward Look:

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BofA treating gov’t. shutdown like natural disaster: CEO

Key insight: The second-largest U.S. bank has been providing relief for federal employee customers since the start of the shutdown, CEO Brian Moynihan said. What’s at stake: The shutdown has now reached 21 days, leaving many federal workers without regular paychecks, which can impact their ability to make payments. Expert quote: “We handle it just

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Truist beats estimates, maintains 2025 guidance

Key insight: Truist Financial reported third-quarter earnings Friday, with earnings per share that beat analysts’ estimates. Forward look: The regional bank expects full-year 2025 expenses to rise about 1% compared with the prior year. Supporting data: Wealth management fees rose 6.9% year over year. Truist Financial exceeded Wall Street expectations for third-quarter earnings, with a

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Bank of America dials up outlook slightly after solid Q3

Key Insight: Bank of America’s revised-up guidance for net interest income comes partly thanks to an improving macroeconomic environment. Supporting Data: BofA’s NII guidance for the fourth quarter is now $15.6 billion to $15.7 billion, up from $15.5 billion to $15.7 billion. Expert Quote: “As we’ve seen more certainty now around trade and tariffs …

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Wells Fargo’s earnings aided by consumers, capital markets

Bottom line: Wells Fargo’s third quarter profit jumped 9%, eclipsing analysts’ expectations by a wide margin.  Expert quote: “Wages have kept up with inflation for many folks, and we continue to see unemployment be quite low historically,” Chief Financial Officer Mike Santomassimo said.  Forward look: Wells Fargo increased its target for return on tangible common

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