The battle for consumer rights against powerful corporate and special interests has always been an uphill battle, but the road ahead just got considerably more difficult with this month’s election results. President-Elect Donald Trump released a statement on his website saying that he plans to “dismantle” the Dodd-Frank Act, which would be detrimental for consumers’ protection rights.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was signed into law by President Obama in 2010 in order to protect consumers from irresponsible lenders who used hidden fees and fine print to take advantage of them. The purpose of the Dodd-Frank Act is to prevent the excessive risk-taking that led to the Great Recession and the housing bubble burst in the mid-2000’s.
One of the greatest threats consumers’ face during Trump’s presidency is the fate of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB was one of the most significant outcomes of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Bureau is a consumer watchdog that protects American families from unfair and abusive financial practices. It sets clear rules and ensures that the highest financial standards are met. The CFPB monitors the actions of mortgage lenders, banks, credit unions and other financial companies.
Unfortunately for consumers, the future of the CFPB during Trump’s administration is unclear. While he spoke out against the Dodd-Frank Act, saying that it “has made it impossible for banks to function,” he has not mentioned his plans for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. However, the Republican Party has called for repeal of the Dodd-Frank Act and abolishment of the CFPB. Opponents of consumer protections clearly feel empowered to push the agenda of predatory lenders, abusive debt collectors and others who target struggling individuals and low-income families.
If you have any questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
Related Resources:
https://www.greatagain.gov/policy/financial-services.html
https://www.whitehouse.gov/economy/middle-class/dodd-frank-wall-street-reform