Consumers’ Top Watchdog: The CFPB’s Vital Role Amid Legal Challenges

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) protects consumers, holds financial institutions accountable for predatory practices, and has returned $17.5 billion since 2011 to wronged consumers across all 50 states. However, recent legal challenges have threatened the agency’s autonomy, potentially spreading uncertainty and harm far beyond the agency. This series explores the ways the CFPB helps and advocates for consumers, as well as the potential implications of CFPB v. Community Financial Services Association of America, in which the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling could undermine the agency’s independent funding structure and, by extension, its capacity to protect everyday consumers.

Photo shows a partially obscured view of the top of the Supreme Court building reflecting orange sunlight against a deep blue sky
The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., reflects the sunlight in January 2022. (Getty/Chip Somodevilla)

In this series

Compact View

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Has Helped Millions of Americans Article
Close-up of CFPB logo on glass

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Has Helped Millions of Americans

Since 2011, the CFPB has defended Americans’ economic security, handling complaints to ensure customers are treated fairly by banks and other corporations.

Sachin Shiva, Lilith Fellowes-Granda

The CFPB Is Cleaning Up Junk Fees Report

The CFPB Is Cleaning Up Junk Fees

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has taken a series of actions to cut excessive and hidden junk fees in the financial marketplace, which will save consumers billions of dollars.

Lilith Fellowes-Granda, David Correa

CFPB Complaints State Fact Sheets: The CFPB Helps Consumers Nationwide Article
Photo shows Elizabeth Warren backlit in a room with wood paneling

CFPB Complaints State Fact Sheets: The CFPB Helps Consumers Nationwide

The CFPB has stood up for everyday consumers and fought against unfair treatment across the United States, addressing consumer complaints nationwide.

Crystal Weise, Lilith Fellowes-Granda, David Correa

How the Supreme Court’s Decision in CFPB v. CFSA Could Harm Consumers Past Event
Supporters of the CFPB hold signs that read, “Defend CFPB” outside the agency’s building.

How the Supreme Court’s Decision in CFPB v. CFSA Could Harm Consumers

Please join the Center for American Progress, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and an esteemed panel for an event that will focus on the ongoing importance of a strong and independent CFPB and its track record of success.

1333 H St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20005

CFPB v. CFSA: How the Supreme Court Could Harm Consumers and Financial Markets Report

CFPB v. CFSA: How the Supreme Court Could Harm Consumers and Financial Markets

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a case challenging the autonomy of the single most important agency for the protection of consumers in the financial markets—and its decision could spread uncertainty and harm far beyond the agency.

Lilith Fellowes-Granda, Devon Ombres, Alexandra Thornton, 1 More Crystal Weise

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