Debt collectors will finally be allowed to use modern communication technology (emails and text messages) in tracking down late payors. Consumers can opt out if they want.

The CFPB issues no-action letter to Bank of America; lawsuit against Driver Loan; SMART Payment Plan settles with the CFPB; New York Department of Financial Services outlined expectations for financial institutions to man-age climate change risks.

The new expiration date will be tied to the mandatory compliance date for the revised general QM rule, or when the GSEs exit conservatorships, whichever comes first.

The CFPB has created a new office within the supervision, enforcement and fair lending division to assign cases to the enforcement office. Critics say the change will weaken the bureau’s enforcement power.

Consumer satisfaction with financial services products continues its downward trajectory, according to a recent analysis by Inside the CFPB.

The Federal Reserve last month issued its own plan to modernize the decades-old anti-redlining law: a metrics-based approach that would separately evaluate retail lending and community development financing.

Ocwen Financial has agreed to pay $5.2 million to Florida regulators to settle allegations it engaged in abusive servicing practices. A similar case filed by the CFPB against the nonbank is pending.

The CFPB is asking stakeholders about the possible scope of data that consumers should be allowed to share via authorized third parties, and how much data should be considered “protected” subject to security and privacy concerns.

With the initial 180-day forbearance plans coming to an end, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, is urging the CFPB to ensure borrowers are not victims of improper foreclosure practices.

Townstone Financial seeks to dismiss redlining lawsuit; CFPB settles with debt collectors and auto lenders; the bureau will hold a virtual town hall to discuss managing and protecting finances during difficult times.