CFPB asks for input on external engagement

The bureau is seeking comments and information from interested parties on “ways to engage the public and receive feedback on the work of the agency.”

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a request for information about its external engagements.

The bureau is seeking comments and information from interested parties on “ways to engage the public and receive feedback on the work of the agency.”

The external engagements RFI was published in the Federal Register on Feb. 26; comments are due by May 29.

This is the fifth in a series of RFIs announced as part of Acting Director Mick Mulvaney’s call for evidence “to ensure the bureau is fulfilling its proper and appropriate functions to best protect consumers.”

According to the CFPB’s newest five-year plan, issued earlier this month, that means “a more coherent strategic direction,” which Mulvaney identified as a resolve to “fulfill the bureau’s statutory responsibilities, but go no further.” Those changes include a new “focus on equally protecting the legal rights of all, including those regulated by the bureau,” among others.

That new strategic plan pairs well with President Donald Trump’s proposed 2019 budget, which would significantly trim the CFPB’s funding and authority.

Other RFIs already issued include ones for supervision processes, regulatory processes, civil investigative demands and investigational hearings, and administrative adjudication processes. The next RFI in the series, on the bureau’s complaint reporting processes, will be issued this week.

Other RFIs in the offing will seek feedback on complaint reporting, rulemaking processes, bureau rules not under §1022(d) assessment, inherited rules, guidance and implementation support, consumer education and consumer inquiries.

Fredrikson & Byron Law