CFPB Revises Consumer Complaint System

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has initiated modifications to its consumer complaint system, citing issues that previously limited its effectiveness. The bureau's primary goal is to "restore integrity and utility" to the system, which it states has been "plagued by issues" hindering its ability to address consumer complaints and the practical utility of its information [CFPB Newsroom].

As part of these changes, the CFPB announced on August 14, 2026, its decision to cease the discretionary publication of complaint narratives and visualizations. This move follows an earlier June 24, 2026, announcement indicating a broader effort to correct flaws within the complaint system [CFPB Newsroom]. The bureau's Deputy Director, Mark Paoletta, also delivered remarks to the Financial Literacy and Education Commission in late July, underscoring ongoing efforts related to financial education [CFPB Newsroom].

Separately, the CFPB worked to ensure consumers affected by Bilt's transition to a new bank partner were appropriately remedied, engaging with Bilt officials to understand and address customer issues [CFPB Newsroom]. Earlier in the year, the bureau also released 2025 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data, providing insights into mortgage lending trends [CFPB Newsroom].

FTC Issues Broad Consumer Scam Alerts

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continues to alert consumers to a variety of prevalent scams. Recent warnings include discussions with parents and children about deepfakes and online safety, particularly concerning deceptive digital alterations and the "Take It Down Act" [FTC Consumer Alerts]. The FTC also advised on avoiding health insurance scams during Open Enrollment periods for Medicare and the Marketplace [FTC Consumer Alerts].

Other alerts highlight methods for reporting online platforms that fail to remove non-consensual intimate images, as well as general guidance on what to do if one's intimate images are shared without permission [FTC Consumer Alerts]. Additionally, the FTC has identified scams targeting specific groups, such as farmers being defrauded by individuals impersonating farm equipment businesses, and veterans receiving deceptive postcards about benefits [FTC Consumer Alerts]. Consumers are also cautioned about QR code scams and spoofed car dealership websites [FTC Consumer Alerts]. The FTC emphasizes the importance of reporting scams to aid in prevention [FTC Consumer Alerts].

Federal Reserve Seeks Input on Stablecoin Regulation

The Federal Reserve Board has requested public comment on two proposals aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for Board-supervised payment stablecoin issuers. This initiative falls under the GENIUS Act, signaling a move toward greater oversight for this evolving financial technology. The call for public comment was issued on September 24, 2026 [Federal Reserve Press Releases].

This development is part of the Federal Reserve's broader focus on banking and consumer regulatory policy, alongside other actions such as finalizing changes to its stress test transparency and accountability, and publishing resolution plan feedback for banking organizations [Federal Reserve Press Releases].