Newsroom

March 25, 2020

Appeals court vacates decision, reopens case on CFPB structure

CFPB

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals last week reversed its decision regarding the CFPB's constitutionality, reopening the case CFPB v. All American Check Cashing and granting a rehearing en banc. The Fifth Circuit had previously found that the CFPB’s structure was constitutional, but determined the issue was ultimately in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The appeals' court's original decision came the same day the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a lawsuit brought by Seila Law against the CFPB challenging its single director structure. A date for the en banc rehearing has yet to be announced.

The bureau previously announced it would no longer defend its structure after years of lawsuits and calls to reform it from various stakeholders.

House Financial Services Committee Member Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., introduced NAFCU-supported legislation earlier this month that would reform the CFPB's governance structure to a bipartisan commission. NAFCU joined with 18 trade associations to voice support for the bill.

The association has consistently advocated for change in the bureau’s leadership structure and recommends a commission-based model to ensure transparency and accountability.

NAFCU will continue to monitor related litigation and Congress' efforts to make CFPB reforms.