This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Regulatory burdens imposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have cost consumers between $237 billion and $369 billion since 2011, according to a White House report published Tuesday. Calculations by the Council of Economic Advisers allege that CFPB rulemaking has led to an increase of $1,100 to $1,700 per originated mortgage, an increase of $91 to $143 p ...

Core Insights - More homebuyers are opting for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans to maintain affordability, with a notable difference in average rates between ARMs and 30-year fixed-rate loans [1] Group 1: Current Market Conditions - The average rate for a 5/1 ARM is 5.51%, while the rate for a 30-year fixed-rate loan is 6.33%, resulting in approximately $210 monthly savings on a $400,000 loan [1] - The current interest rate environment suggests that ARMs may be beneficial, especially when rates are comparatively high [4] Group 2: ARM Structure and Benefits - ARMs start with a fixed interest rate followed by periodic adjustments; for instance, a 5/1 ARM has a fixed rate for the first five years before annual adjustments begin [2] - ARMs can save money if used strategically, particularly if the borrower plans to sell the home before the loan adjusts or can refinance before the adjustment [5][6] Group 3: Risk Management Tips - Understanding how points are applied is crucial, as the rate reduction typically only applies during the fixed-rate period of an ARM [7] - Borrowers should look for ARMs with a conversion option to switch to a fixed rate after a certain period, which may involve a fee but can save money in the long run [7] - It is advisable to accept only fully amortizing loans to ensure that both principal and interest are paid off by the final scheduled payment, avoiding balloon payments [7]

Let's get to MS Now senior legal reporter Lisa Rubin and Paul Butler, a former federal prosecutor and MS Now legal analyst. Lisa, bring us up to speed. What stands out so far in today's arguments.I think what stands out to me is some of what you've already pointed out, right. So that the liberal justices are playing out the consequences of the logic being employed by the administration, which is this isn't just about the FTC. This isn't even just about similarly situated multimemember agencies in the alphab ...

Employees at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have been in a state of limbo for months. https://t.co/1G4pxvNNp4 ...

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve has introduced new guidelines aimed at enhancing the supervision of the financial system, focusing on material financial risks rather than procedural compliance, which has garnered both praise and criticism from various stakeholders [1][2][4]. Regulatory Changes - The new principles emphasize that bank examiners should concentrate on material financial risks and avoid excessive focus on processes and documentation [2]. - Under the new rules, banks will be tested primarily for material risks to their businesses or balance sheets, such as bad loans or unsound business practices [5]. - Banks will also have the ability to self-certify on certain risk and supervision issues, a change that has been a priority for the banking industry since the Trump administration [5]. Industry Reactions - Industry trade groups have praised the new guidelines, indicating that prioritizing material financial risks will enhance the resilience of banks [6]. - Conversely, former Fed governor Michael Barr criticized the changes, warning that they may weaken supervision and make it more difficult for examiners to act against excessive risk buildup [4].

Core Insights - The trend of reporting rent payments to credit bureaus is increasing, with 13% of consumers having their rent reported in 2025, up from 11% in 2024 [1] - This shift is particularly beneficial for younger consumers, immigrants, and those with limited credit history, as it can lead to lower interest rates and better loan approvals [2][3] Importance of Rent Reporting - Rent reporting provides "credit invisible" consumers with better borrowing opportunities, with nearly 7 million consumers in the U.S. classified as "credit invisible" in 2020 [4] - A 2021 TransUnion analysis indicated that credit scores improved by an average of 60 points when rent payments were included, significantly impacting loan qualification [5] Demographic Trends - Gen Z leads in rent reporting, with 18% reporting their payments in 2025, compared to 16% of millennials, 12% of Gen Xers, and 8% of baby boomers [6] - Younger adults and immigrants are particularly poised to benefit from rent reporting, as traditional credit scoring often excludes them [6]

Stablecoin Regulation & Potential Impacts - The Genius Act, intended to regulate stablecoins, may increase the US trade deficit and negatively impact small American businesses [1] - The Act could create a new type of bank charter, resembling a tokenized money market fund, with implications extending beyond the crypto industry [3] - Concerns exist that the Act may siphon money from commercial banks, which are crucial for lending to farms and businesses [4][7] - The legislation might allow big tech companies to issue stablecoins, potentially tracking payments across their ecosystems, similar to practices in China, raising privacy concerns [8] Treasury Market & Fiscal Policy - The Act aims to stimulate trillions of dollars in demand for US Treasuries through increased stablecoin usage [3] - Increased demand for treasuries could lower long-term borrowing costs, but the source of this demand (potentially from commercial banks) needs careful consideration [6][7] - The impact of stablecoin-driven treasury demand on overall treasury market liquidity and the US fiscal path remains uncertain [11][12] Retirement Savings & Investment - Allowing more private investments within 401(k)s is a mixed bag due to undersaving and high fees [14] - Retirement savers should have access to plain vanilla products with diversified portfolios for long-term success [15] - While access to early-stage private companies may seem appealing, it carries risks of scams, fraud, and abuse, necessitating enforced regulations [16][17]