The CFPB’s Leadership Shift and Why It Changes Everything
As of 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is undergoing one of its biggest leadership transitions in years. Following a change in administration earlier this year, the Bureau’s direction, tone, and enforcement priorities have all shifted.
The new leadership has emphasized deregulation, procedural reviews, and a “pause-and-evaluate” approach to pending rules. Several proposed and final rules from the prior administration are being reexamined — including those tied to nonbank registration, open banking, and data collection under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
For debt collection agencies, this doesn’t mean compliance pressure has vanished. It means the rulemaking landscape is less predictable — and agencies must stay agile enough to adapt quickly when priorities change or rules are rescinded.
Why Federal Register Filings Matter More Than Ever
When administrations change, so do regulatory priorities. The only way to truly see what’s happening inside the CFPB — beyond press releases or headlines — is through the Federal Register.
Each notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), request for information, or final rule published there tells you what’s next, what’s paused, and what might be reversed.
Here’s why that matters for your agency:
- You’ll spot regulatory pivots early. Many proposed rescissions or updates to compliance deadlines are first announced through the Federal Register.
- You can respond during the comment window. The CFPB often revises or reconsiders rules based on industry feedback.
- You’ll avoid surprises. Waiting until a rule is finalized can leave your agency scrambling with little time to implement new compliance workflows.
In 2025, many previously aggressive rules on topics like medical debt reporting, open banking, and UDAAP expansion are being revisited. But new initiatives—such as modernizing the Fair Credit Reporting Act (Regulation V) and refining small business data collection—are already on the horizon.
The message is clear: even in a deregulatory environment, staying ahead of the Federal Register filings gives you the visibility to plan smarter and protect your agency.
What This Means for Debt Collection Agencies
Expect Rule Uncertainty — But Don’t Freeze
Some rules from 2024 may be delayed, amended, or even withdrawn. But others will move forward fast once priorities settle. Agencies that pause all compliance updates risk falling behind when the pendulum swings back.
If your agency operates across multiple states, you’re still bound by FDCPA, Regulation F, and state-specific laws. Use this time to strengthen your compliance processes so you can adapt easily when new rules or updates roll out.
Learn more: Credit Reporting Compliance Risks for Agencies
Keep Your Monitoring Sharp
Even with rulemaking pauses, the Bureau continues posting updates and guidance revisions. Check the Federal Register weekly for:
- Proposed rule changes or rescissions
- Requests for comment or clarification
- Updates to compliance or effective dates
This vigilance ensures you aren’t caught off guard if enforcement ramps up again, or if old rules are revived with new deadlines.
Build a Flexible Compliance Framework
In a changing regulatory climate, flexibility is everything. Your compliance systems should be able to update rules, automate workflows, and document activities with minimal manual work.
Look for solutions that allow you to:
- Adjust compliance enforcement rules instantly when new regulations are issued or repealed
- Maintain full audit trails across all communication channels
- Automatically log consumer consent, disclosures, and revocations
With that level of flexibility, you can respond to regulatory swings without operational disruption.
Learn more: AI Phone Agent Compliance Made Simple | Tips for 3rd Party Agencies
Don’t Rely on “Final Rule” Assumptions
A published final rule doesn’t always mean “final.” Recent actions have shown that even finalized rules can be delayed or reopened for public comment.
For example, the CFPB’s small business lending data collection rule saw compliance dates extended due to litigation. Expect similar adjustments as the Bureau continues to align with new leadership priorities.
The takeaway: track the Federal Register closely and prepare for both acceleration and rollback.
Proactive Steps for 3rd-Party Collection Agencies
Check the Federal Register Weekly
Bookmark the CFPB section and subscribe to alerts for new notices of proposed rulemaking, rescissions, and compliance date extensions. Early awareness is the key to staying ahead.
Speak Up During Comment Periods
Even small agencies can influence policy. When NPRMs open for comment, submit feedback through your industry associations or directly to the CFPB. Rule reversals and refinements often hinge on public input.
Audit Your Compliance Baseline Quarterly
Regularly review your processes to ensure continued alignment with Reg F, FDCPA, and any relevant state laws. Verify that disclosures, outreach limits, and consent-tracking protocols are being applied consistently.
Use Technology That Adapts Fast
Choose a platform that lets you implement compliance changes quickly. Cloud-native systems can toggle rules, update templates, and modify state-level logic automatically—without needing developer intervention.
What’s Likely on the CFPB’s 2025 Agenda
While many 2024 initiatives are under review, the CFPB’s 2025 regulatory focus is expected to include:
- Reevaluation of the nonbank registry rule and associated reporting requirements
- Updates to Regulation V (FCRA) on data broker practices and consumer reporting accuracy
- Continued work on the open banking rule to expand personal financial data rights
- Adjustments to Regulation B and fair lending guidelines to align with AI use in financial decision-making
- Extensions or modifications to small business lending data collection compliance dates
The combination of reversals, delays, and new proposals makes 2025 one of the most dynamic regulatory years in recent memory.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready for the Pivot
The CFPB’s direction may be evolving, but one thing hasn’t changed: your agency’s responsibility to stay compliant, transparent, and adaptable.
Tracking Federal Register filings isn’t just for big banks and lobbyists anymore. For small and mid-sized third-party collection agencies, it’s the best way to see what’s coming before it lands on your desk.
Agencies that prepare early, invest in adaptable technology, and stay alert to the rulemaking cycle will thrive, no matter who’s in charge in Washington.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Debt collection agencies should consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.
